BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

On the way to Rome, the boat carrying Paul is hit by a violent storm. Everyone aboard is terrified for their life, except for Paul who is below deck hosting a meal just like Jesus did on the night before his trial. Paul blesses and breaks the bread, promising that God is with them through the storm. The next day, the ship breaks apart on the rocks and everyone is washed safely ashore. They are safe, but Paul is still in chains. He’s taken to Rome and put under house arrest. But it’s not so bad because Paul is allowed to host large groups of Jews and non-Jews to share with them the good news about Jesus the risen King. So amazingly, Jesus’ alternative upside-down Kingdom is growing through the suffering of a prisoner in Rome, the very heart of the world’s most powerful empire. And with this contrast between kingdoms, Luke completes his account as though it’s just one chapter in a much longer story. With this, he communicates that readers should understand that the journey to share the good news isn’t over. All who trust in Jesus can participate in his Kingdom, which continues to spread to this day. 

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Review the very last verse of Luke’s second volume (Acts 28:31). Who would have thought that a Roman prison would be the avenue through which God would spread his message without hindrance? Do you feel hindered in your ability to receive and share God’s love? Maybe it’s a chronic health issue, early parenthood, or a financial hardship that feels stifling. Pray and ask God to show you how he wants to turn the hindrance upside-down and make it into an opportunity to spread the Kingdom. When you begin to see the possibilities, pray for courage to live it out.


• Do you believe that Jesus is the one true King and his Kingdom is good news? Who can you share this with? Consider inviting one or two people to join you in reading this plan. You’ll understand even more the second time and will get to share the experience with friends.