What does Acts 28:31 teach about the importance of teaching about Jesus? The Verse at a Glance “Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:31) Backdrop of Acts 28:31 • Paul is under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16). • Despite chains, the gospel is “unhindered” (v. 31, literal rendering “without hindrance”). • Luke ends Acts with this snapshot to show that the mission of Jesus marches on, whatever the circumstance. Key Words That Shout the Importance • Boldly – fearless clarity; the message can’t be muted (Ephesians 6:19). • Freely (“without hindrance”) – external obstacles do not cancel divine mandate (2 Timothy 2:9). • Proclaimed – evangelism, heralding good news (Romans 10:14). • Taught – ongoing discipleship, grounding believers (Matthew 28:20). • Kingdom of God & Lord Jesus Christ – inseparable themes; Christ is the King, His reign is the kingdom (Colossians 1:13). Why Teaching About Jesus Is Non-Negotiable • Obedience to Jesus’ own commission (Matthew 28:19-20). • Faith comes by hearing His word (Romans 10:17). • Truth about Christ is the foundation of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Jesus is the lens through which all Scripture is understood (Luke 24:27). • The gospel is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). What Acts 28:31 Models for Us Today • The messenger’s circumstances do not limit God’s message. • Boldness grows from confidence in Scripture’s truth. • Teaching must be both proclamation to outsiders and instruction for insiders. • The focus stays on Jesus—His person, work, and kingdom—not on trends or personalities. Linked Passages That Echo the Same Call • 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer… about the hope you possess.” • John 20:31 – “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.” • Ephesians 3:8 – “To preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” Practical Takeaways • Keep the spotlight on Christ every time Scripture is opened. • Cultivate courage; the gospel has divine backing. • Refuse to let obstacles silence or distort the message. • Balance evangelism with patient, systematic teaching. |