Year Book of Daily Devotions — December 18

“Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 28:31”

This is the last glimpse the book of Acts gives us of Paul. The glorious apostle appears as a prisoner, though keeping open house and receiving all who came to him. No doubt many came to him with their questions, their burdens, their sorrows. Men with gentle spirit and deep and wide sympathies become a blessing to many people in the world. Those whose hearts are hungry, or who are under the shadow of grief or of sin, turn to them with eagerness, as thirsty animals turn to springs of water. That was the kind of man Paul was, and no doubt many came to him with their needs. He had something they had not. He listened to them patiently, and sympathized with them tenderly.

But notice also, the kind of help he gave to those who came. He preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. He fed their hunger with the bread of heaven. He pointed them to the only source of comfort. He presented Christ to them as the only One who could help them and bless them. We have nothing in ourselves to give to those who come seeking help or comfort. We can only point them to the Savior!

These prison days of Paul were among the most fruitful of his whole ministry. Likewise, we may make our shut-in days full of good for the world.