17. Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, "My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.
Acts of the Apostles 28 narrates Paul's arrival in Rome and his interaction with the Jewish and Roman leaders of the city. He continues to preach the gospel and many hear the message with faith, while others reject it. The chapter also mentions the healing of many sick and the arrival of other Christians to join Paul in Rome. Based on these themes, the five related verses are:
Romans 10:17: "Therefore faith is by listening, and hearing the word of Christ." This verse highlights the importance of listening to Christ's Word to develop faith. This relates to Paul's continuous preaching in Acts 28, in which he talks about the Gospel and many hear the message with faith.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9: "In everything we are troubled but not distressed; perplexed but not desperate; persecuted but not helpless; slaughtered but not destroyed." This verse talks about the ability of resistance and perseverance of Christians, even in the midst of adversity. This relates to Paul's situation in Acts 28, in which he faces opposition and persecution, but continues to preach the gospel.
James 5:14: "Is anyone among you sick? Call the elders of the Church, and pray upon him, anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord." This verse mentions the practice of prayer and healing within the Christian community. This relates to the healing of many patients mentioned in Acts 28.
Ephesians 4:11-12: "And he himself gave some to apostles, and others to prophets, and others to evangelists, and others to pastors and masters, in view of the improvement of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building of Body of Christ. " This verse talks about the diversity of gifts and roles within the church, with the aim of building the body of Christ. This relates to the arrival of other Christians in Rome to join Paul in Acts 28.
Colossians 4:5-6: "Wisdom wisely towards those outside, redeeming time, making the most of each opportunity. Your word is always pleasant, seasoned with salt, so you can know how you should answer each one. " This verse talks about the importance of having wisdom and kindness in sharing the gospel message with those who are not Christians. This relates to Paul's interaction with Jewish and Roman leaders in Acts 28, in which he continues to preach the Gospel, even in the face of opposition and rejection.
“Esforce-se, mesmo se for um pouco, mas sempre…” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
