How can Acts 28:28 inspire us to overcome barriers in spreading the Gospel? Verse for Reflection “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” (Acts 28:28) Context Snapshot • Paul, under house arrest in Rome, boldly declares the gospel despite Jewish opposition (Acts 28:23–31). • The rejection he met did not halt the mission; it redirected it. God’s plan advances to receptive hearts—then and now. • Scripture records this pivot to assure us the message is unstoppable. Key Truths About God’s Mission • God’s salvation has already been “sent”; we join a mission that is in motion. • The promise “they will listen” underlines divine preparation of hearts before we speak (cf. John 6:44). • Resistance never surprises God—He uses it to widen the reach (Romans 11:11). Barriers We Face Today—and How This Verse Breaks Them 1. Discouragement after rejection – Remember: Opposition redirected Paul; it can realign our focus too (Matthew 10:14). 2. Cultural or social distance – God Himself crossed the ultimate divide in Christ (Philippians 2:6-8); so can we. 3. Fear of ineffective witness – The listening hearts are promised; our task is obedience, not outcome control (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). 4. Limited vision of who can be saved – “To the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). No group is outside God’s reach. Practical Steps to Live It Out • Pray specifically for open ears before speaking (Colossians 4:3-4). • Share the gospel where curiosity already exists—coffee shops, campuses, online forums. • When doors close, ask God for the next audience instead of quitting. • Keep testimonies ready; stories of God’s work resonate across barriers (Mark 5:19). • Partner with believers of different backgrounds to model the message’s universality (Ephesians 2:14-16). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Isaiah 49:6 — “I will make You a light to the nations.” • Matthew 28:19-20 — The Great Commission has global scope. • Acts 13:47 — Paul repeats Isaiah’s promise in Antioch. • Revelation 7:9 — A future multitude from every nation proves the mission will succeed. Closing Charge Take heart: God’s salvation “has been sent,” and prepared ears “will listen.” Step past every barrier, confident that the Author of the message guarantees its reception somewhere, every time we speak. |
    |