We have heard it said that “All’s well that ends well.” Well, the book of Acts ends with Paul making his way to Rome, but he does so in chains.

Paul is taken to Rome as a prisoner, and when the final curtain falls on the drama that we call the Acts of the Apostles, Paul is not a free man. Is that the ending we were hoping for? Maybe not. But it was OK to Paul. Paul had made it to the heart of the Roman Empire. He was on the biggest stage of the day. I remember hearing in Latin class that all roads lead to Rome. Conversely, in Paul’s time, all roads carried travelers from Rome into the known world.

Paul wanted to share good news of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ with the whole world. Now he had his chance. This man from Tarsus was free to speak to anyone who would listen, and many people did.

He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:30-31

Paul was free to preach, and as we last see this apostle, he was doing what he loved doing — sharing the good news.

Has life taken you and me to the place of our dreams? Maybe, maybe not. But can we still share the good news of what God has done for us wherever we are, with boldness and without hindrance? If so, maybe we are in for a good ending.

Prayer

Help me Lord to brighten the corner where I am, and to look for opportunities to share the good news of your love, grace, and peace with whomever I encounter today and every day. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.