These notes accompany the sermon found here.

The Rest of Paul’s Story

• Acquittal: According to church history, this first imprisonment in Rome ended in Paul’s acquittal and release.  (2 Timothy 4:16 mentions a “first defense.”)
• Travels: It’s possible Paul went to Spain (Romans 15:24, 28), and at some point Nicopolis (Titus 3:12-13), likely Crete (Titus 1:5), Miletus (1 Timothy 1:3), and elsewhere.
• Writings: 1 Timothy and Titus were probably written during this time, about AD 63-66/67.
• Second Imprisonment: About AD 67, Paul was arrested again, but this time treated poorly (2 Timothy 1:16, 2:9, 4:13). He was forsaken by many (2 Timothy 4:10-17) likely due to widespread persecution.
• Execution: Paul knew the end was near (2 Timothy 4:6-8), and church history records that he was beheaded in AD 67/68.  The final privilege of his Roman citizenship was that he was not crucified.

The Next Chapter

• Luke outlined his purpose in Luke 1:1-4, the first volume of his work. Acts is a continuation of that purpose, Acts 1:1-2.  Also see Acts 1:8.
• The Great commission, Matthew 28:18-20, is a command to disciples to make disciples. So the story is open-ended, and we continue to preach the gospel until the Lord’s return.
• “What was begun with so much heroism ought to be continued with ardent zeal since we are assured that the same Lord is mighty still to carry on His heavenly designs.” – Charles Spurgeon
• “Luke did not write his book simply to record ancient history. He wrote to encourage the church in every age to be faithful to the Lord and carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.” – Warren Wiersbe
• How will we continue the story?
• What will your role be?

Final Encouragements

• Jesus is with us always.
• Jesus will continue to build His church.
• We go forward with the Word of God.
• If you are in Christ, you will play a role in this.