Every where it is spoken against

Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

When Paul finally made it to Rome, after a long and tedious journey, he called all the Jews together, and presented his defense to them. They had nothing to speak against him or his doctrine, but even desired to hear more from him. Which thing he did faithfully for at least two years. He taught them the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, and no man forbad him! What a great opportunity he had! But the Jews who were at Rome, although not privy to what the gospel was, and knew very little about it, knew one thing. They knew that this “sect,” as they called it, was every where spoken against. They heard the gossip and rumors. They heard the stories and the news. They heard how a few men were turning things upside down by their teachings. People across the empire were chatting about it, and decrying the difference it was making. It was upending the pagan world! They knew that whatever this new doctrine was, many were speaking against it.

Now the same is true to this day. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is spoken against all over the world. Martyrs give their lives, and families pay the price. Men and women run to exile, and children become fatherless. Churches are disbanded and forced into hiding for one reason. It is because this way is spoken against! It is considered the lowest of the low. It is considered heresy, blasphemy, a threat to national security. It is considered treason, espionage, and every other insolent name that one could possibly affix to it. But it is the glorious gospel of Christ! And many reject the truth! They hate His gospel! They despise and contemn it. They want to rid it from their nations, their arenas, and their societies. It is spoken against!

Let us be encouraged today, for if the disciples continued undeterred in their faithfulness to the gospel of Christ, and if they spent their time in none other but to promote the one thing that the world hates, we should also take up the mantle and begin spreading this message to those who will hear. For see! There are still some that will believe! When Paul spoke to the Jews, some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Let us do it for those who will believe, because there are still some who believe. Let us not be discouraged by those who believe not, and by those who speak against it. But let us remain faithful to this wonderful gospel, that is still falling on the ears of receptive souls, and is still being received by many. This is our calling! Let us speak for Christ.

“Father, we ask that you would help us this day and every day to speak the loving truth of Christ for those who will hear and believe. Many will not, but some will! And let us not be disheartened by those who speak against it, but continue on for the sake of the gospel. We trust that you will work through us. And we shall praise you for this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”