Unhindered

Unhindered. 

That is how the 28th chapter ends and our 29th begins.

Paul was unhindered and lived and ministered  "unhinderingly."

Scholars have observed an awkwardness in Greek for the ending of Acts 28:31 which constitutes the last words in the Book of Acts.

Hindrances and perceived hindrances come and go. We complain. We use them as excuses. Paul used them as reasons. He was motivated by them.

Last words, it has been said, are lasting words.

Why these?

ἀκωλύτως is an adverb. Some have translated it, "None forbidding him."

It feels like something dangling.

I, like A.T. Robertson, reject the notion that the book is unfinished, even if the grammar begs for more words. I think that is intentional for such a story to end with the scenario of unhindered conversation and proclamation.

The dangling sentence opens the door for the 29th chapter of Acts which is still being written and lived. The good news continues to be unhindered.

But, you suggest, we are hindered?

Really? Are you under house arrest in Rome?

Paul was, but he was unhindered.

Think about it. A conversation Zoom arrives in the ears of anyone in the world in 6 seconds or less.

Unhindered.

Is anything hindering you?

Is it real? Is it insurmountable? Can you climb over it or walk around it? Is it really as much of a hindrance as you thin?

Paul was chained and confined but unhindered.

Rethink your hindrances. Be creative. Consider how you can turn hindrances into launchpads and opportunities.

Acts 28:30-31 (NRSV)

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.