Day 341 - Persuaded by Grace (Acts 28, Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2) Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

- Acts 28:1 - 31, Ephesians 1:1 - 2:22

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Persuaded

Paul and the shipwreck survivors find themselves on the island of Malta. Demonstrating his servant's heart, Paul gathers wood for a fire but is bitten by a viper. The locals expect him to die, but when he suffers no harm, they shift from seeing him as cursed to considering him a god.

God’s protection over Paul is evident, fulfilling His promise that Paul would reach Rome. Paul’s survival and the miraculous healing of the chief official’s father lead many on the island to seek healing, showing that even in adversity, God works through His faithful servants to bring His glory.

After months of hardship, Paul finally arrives in Rome. Though under house arrest, he continues preaching and teaching about Jesus to all who come to him.

Paul’s faithfulness is highlighted in Acts 28:23-24 (NLT):"So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe."

Despite his circumstances, Paul uses every opportunity to share the Gospel. His life and words work together to persuade others of the truth of Jesus Christ.

Paul writes to the Ephesian believers from his Roman imprisonment, sharing the profound blessings found in Christ. He emphasizes:

• Chosen by God: “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4, ESV).

• Adopted as His Children: “He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:5, ESV).

• Lavished with Grace: “In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…” (Ephesians 1:7, ESV).

Paul prays for the Ephesians to grow in their knowledge of God, emphasizing spiritual enlightenment over physical needs. His prayer reminds us of the incredible inheritance we have as believers, uniting us with Christ and empowering us to live for Him.

Ephesians 2 underscores the transformative power of God’s grace. Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV).

We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works prepared for us. Spurgeon beautifully reflects on God’s grace, noting, “He has as much grace as you want, and he has a great deal more than that.”

Through Christ, we are no longer dead in sin but alive with a purpose—to glorify God and share His grace with others.

In Acts 28, Paul persuades others to believe. In Ephesians, he reminds us that our persuasion begins with God choosing us. Let us live “out loud,” allowing our words and actions to testify to the love and grace of Jesus.

This unshakable conviction inspires us to live persuaded by God’s truth, grace, and love.

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