To Those Who Ask the Reason for Your Hope<\/p>\n
Acts 28:1\u201331<\/p>\n
It was Chairman Robert Woodruff who built Coca-Cola into a global brand. During his 33-year tenure as CEO, he established Coca-Cola as the signature beverage in every country across the globe, with the sole exceptions of North Korea and Cuba.<\/p>\n
He succeeded in equating the image of Coca-Cola with the image of the United States itself. When reporters asked him the secret to his business success, he gave an answer that has since become legendary:<\/p>\n
“What flows through my veins is not blood, but Coca-Cola.” It was this “Coca-Cola” flowing through his veins that pierced the Iron Curtain and the Bamboo Curtain, eventually making it possible for the drink to be served as an in-flight refreshment even on North Korea\u2019s Air Koryo.<\/p>\n
Of course, Coca-Cola was not literally flowing inside him. Yet, his words reveal the depth of his passion for the brand. If one were to prick the Apostle Paul, what would flow from his veins? Would it not be the Gospel?<\/p>\n
The Book of Acts consists of 28 chapters; the first half (chapters 1\u201312) centers on Peter, while the latter half (chapters 13\u201328) focuses on the ministry and journey of the Apostle Paul.<\/p>\n
We now arrive at the final stage of Paul\u2019s journey. After spending three months on the island of Malta, the ship set sail again, passing through the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns on the Italian peninsula before finally entering Rome.<\/p>\n
Upon hearing the news of the Apostle Paul\u2019s arrival, Christians in Rome came out to the Forum of Appius to welcome him. They welcomed the Apostle\u2014whom they had never met in person\u2014solely because he was coming as a prisoner bound for the sake of the Gospel. What an overwhelming moment of emotion that must have been! Through those believers, God\u2019s heart was conveyed to Paul. It was a divine appointment\u2014much like the welcome he might receive from angels and the saints who had gone before him as he approached the gates of the Heavenly City.<\/p>\n
As they welcomed him, the believers likely felt as though they were singing “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Meeting them, Paul gave thanks to God; he was greatly encouraged and regained his boldness.<\/p>\n
Upon arriving in Rome, Paul was permitted to live apart from the rest of the prisoners, guarded by only a single soldier. He was granted considerable freedom, allowing him to meet fellow Christians in Rome and receive their assistance.<\/p>\n
The first thing Paul did in Rome was to meet with the Jewish leaders there and clarify that he was not anti-Jewish. Since they held no preconceived notions about him, they showed interest in his teachings.<\/p>\n
However, reactions were divided, just as they had always been. The proclamation of the true Gospel does not mean everyone will respond positively, accept it, and believe; the Word of God inevitably divides people into two camps.<\/p>\n
Therefore, we need not fear this reality when sharing the Gospel. There is no need to worry, “What if I share this and make the other person uncomfortable?” Such a reaction is, in fact, normal.<\/p>\n
We need not feel awkward about it, nor should we be troubled by their dislike or rejection. We simply need to share it with an attitude of love and humility\u2014proclaiming the Gospel of life through the love of God.<\/p>\n
From morning until evening, Paul proclaimed the Kingdom of God\u2014established within him through Jesus Christ. \u201cThey arranged a day to meet Paul, and many came to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets\u201d (Acts 28:23). He proclaimed that \u201cthe kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit\u201d (Romans 14:17).<\/p>\n
He\u2014a man well-versed in Hebrew and Greek\u2014was reinterpreting the words Jesus Himself spoke: \u201cthe kingdom of God has come upon you\u201d (Matthew 12:28). The Greek word entos can be translated as either \u201cwithin\u201d or \u201camong.\u201d<\/p>\n
This implies that the kingdom of God can exist both within our hearts and in the relationships between us. It is the belief that when the kingdom of God comes within us, it is realized among people through our testimony.<\/p>\n
We, too, must share how God has worked in our lives to bring about such change\u2014how we used to be one way but became another after believing in Jesus; how we came to believe and how we were transformed thereafter.<\/p>\n
We must be prepared to testify to God\u2019s work in our lives while also sharing the message of the Word. The Apostle Peter prepares us for this very thing:<\/p>\n
\u201cBut in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect\u201d (1 Peter 3:15).<\/p>\n
Father God,
\nMay we also make Jesus our Lord
\nand possess the reason for our hope.
\nAnd may we be prepared to give an answer
\nto those who ask for that reason.
\nWe pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.<\/p>\n
BY Rev.Dr.JAEWOONG CHANG
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