Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ—Acts ends not with Paul's fate but with his message. The participles κηρύσσων (kēryssōn, 'proclaiming, heralding') τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ (tēn basileian tou theou, 'the kingdom of God') and διδάσκων (didaskōn, 'teaching') τὰ περὶ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (ta peri tou kyriou Iēsou Christou, 'the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ') summarize Paul's entire ministry—and the church's mission.
With all confidence, no man forbidding him—The final phrase μετὰ πάσης παρρησίας ἀκωλύτως (meta pasēs parrēsias akōlytōs, 'with all boldness, unhinderedly'). Παρρησία means 'boldness, openness, freedom of speech'—Paul held nothing back. Ἀκωλύτως is rare, emphatic: 'without hindrance, unimpeded.' Though chained, Paul preached freely in the empire's capital. The gospel had traveled from Jerusalem to Rome, from Jewish margins to empire's center, from persecution to bold proclamation. Acts ends mid-story because the story continues—in every believer who proclaims Christ 'with all confidence, no man forbidding.'
Historical Context
This conclusion (c. AD 62) marks 30 years since Jesus's resurrection. The gospel has spread from Jerusalem through Judea, Samaria, Asia Minor, Greece, and now to Rome—fulfilling Acts 1:8. Paul in Rome symbolizes Christianity's arrival at the heart of imperial power. Within decades, the gospel would permeate the empire; within centuries, it would transform it. Luke's abrupt ending is theologically purposeful: Acts doesn't end because the mission doesn't end. Every generation continues the story, preaching the kingdom 'with all confidence, no man forbidding.' The final word ἀκωλύτως ('unhindered') declares that nothing—persecution, imprisonment, opposition—can stop the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
How does Acts' open ending challenge you to see your own life as a continuation of the book's narrative of gospel advance?
What does it mean to preach 'with all confidence' in contexts that seem limiting or hostile, as Paul did from house arrest?
In what areas of life might you be allowing perceived hindrances to silence your gospel witness, when Paul's example calls for 'unhindered' proclamation?
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Analysis & Commentary
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ—Acts ends not with Paul's fate but with his message. The participles κηρύσσων (kēryssōn, 'proclaiming, heralding') τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ (tēn basileian tou theou, 'the kingdom of God') and διδάσκων (didaskōn, 'teaching') τὰ περὶ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (ta peri tou kyriou Iēsou Christou, 'the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ') summarize Paul's entire ministry—and the church's mission.
With all confidence, no man forbidding him—The final phrase μετὰ πάσης παρρησίας ἀκωλύτως (meta pasēs parrēsias akōlytōs, 'with all boldness, unhinderedly'). Παρρησία means 'boldness, openness, freedom of speech'—Paul held nothing back. Ἀκωλύτως is rare, emphatic: 'without hindrance, unimpeded.' Though chained, Paul preached freely in the empire's capital. The gospel had traveled from Jerusalem to Rome, from Jewish margins to empire's center, from persecution to bold proclamation. Acts ends mid-story because the story continues—in every believer who proclaims Christ 'with all confidence, no man forbidding.'