Romans 9 – 16; Acts 20:3 – 21:16

As Paul traveled back to Jerusalem at the conclusion of his third missionary journey, an unexpected journey to Roma was laid out before him. He expressed his deep desire to go to Rome to minister to the saints there in his letter we call Romans. When events finally revealed themselves, this journey would be in chains placed upon him in Jerusalem.

On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:8-15

Ironically, in these chains, Paul would be completely free. He was a bondservant of the Lord Jesus and was the prisoner of no man. He did not yet understand the chains in Jerusalem would lead him to Rome long before his death. None of this mattered because Paul was simply willing to go wherever Jesus needed him to go. He was free.

In his letter to the brethren in Rome, his thoughts turned to “his people”, the Hebrews. Although their schemes would open the door to preaching the gospel to rulers such as Felix, Festus and Agrippa, they were looking for a way to harm him and permanently silence him. Paul did not hate or despise them, rather he felt for them and was willing to sacrifice himself for their salvation.

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.

Romans 9:1-8

This is the love of Christ in Paul. The Hebrews rejecting Jesus thought themselves free, but they were in bondage to sin. They thought themselves saved because of the blood coursing through their veins was the blood of Abraham. Paul knew the truth that the blood that saves was the blood that flowed from Calvary. Only that blood could set them free. Until then, they were captives. It broke Paul’s heart.

Yahweh had brought the Gentiles into the promises made to Abraham by the sacrifice of Jesus and His resurrection from death. In that same resurrection, Israel had hope. The choice was theirs and they were free to choose.

What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Romans 9:30-33

Yahweh had opened the way for salvation by faith instead of the works of the Law of Moses in the same sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. They could throw off the chains and enter the freedom of Christ. By God’s rich mercy they could be free at last.

And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God…

Romans 11:26-12:1

Far too often, we start with chapter 12, verse 1 and speak of our freedom that comes from self-sacrifice. Truly this is a beautiful and marvelously profound concept. Let’s not miss the power of Paul’s point. All of this is based upon and flowing from the mercies of God.

But for the mercies of God, there is no freedom from sin.

But for the mercies of God, there is no holiness before Him.

But for the mercies of God, there is no transformation into the image of Jesus.

But for the mercies of God, there is no freedom to prove God’s way is right by following His will. Whether Jew or Gentile, all are enslaved to sin regardless of the freedoms one may enjoy in this life. Once we are in Christ, we are truly free, even if we wear chains and sit in a dungeon.

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!