"Carpe Diem" | Acts 28:17-31

In our final study in the book of Acts (Acts 18:17-31), Luke records the apostle Paul’s ministry while under house arrest in Rome. Acts ends, not with Paul free and traveling, but under house arrest in Rome. And yet, nothing about him feels restricted. Listen to how Luke describes it: Paul is “proclaiming the kingdom of God…with all boldness and without hindrance.”

Without hindrance. He’s in chains. He’s confined. His future is uncertain. And still—bold, fruitful, and free.

That’s what makes this moment so striking. The greatest limitation in Paul’s life becomes a platform for some of his greatest ministry. No excuses. No retreat into self-pity. Just a man so gripped by Christ that even confinement becomes opportunity.

We tend to think, “I could do more if my situation were different.” Paul shows us the opposite: gospel confidence doesn’t wait for better circumstances—it seizes the moment right in front of us.

That’s why our final message in Acts is called Carpe Diem—seize the day. The question isn’t whether opportunities to minister to others in the name of Christ exist. It’s whether we’ll see them… and step into them. So how do we become people like Paul—free from fear, bold in faith, and ready to turn every moment, even the hard ones, into gospel opportunity?

There’s an old Irish blessing that many of you have likely heard:

“May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face The rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

As we come to the end of the book of Acts (chapter 28), the winds have shifted favorably on the apostle Paul and his team. Now, they make their way speedily towards Rome where Paul will have opportunity to defend himself and to share the hope of Jesus Christ. What you and I are meant to see here is that for the Christian, no matter what we face in our journey of life in service to Christ, the wind is always at our back. Why? Because there never is a time when God doesn’t hold us in the palm of his hand. He is the Captain of our lives and if that’s the case, we can be assured of our eventual outcome. If God is for us, who can be against us?

As Luke brings this book of Acts to its conclusion, he drives home the glorious truth that God is the one who is steering the ship of Paul’s life and mission. Ultimately, the blowing winds and the people in power must do God’s bidding. This is meant to give us not just comfort but courage for our calling. It is meant to invigorate our faith for carrying the mantle of God’s mission in this world no matter what we are facing. Our sermon this Sunday from Acts 28:11-15 is called, Favorable Winds.

Have you ever seen the TV show Alone? Ten people are dropped into the wilderness with only a few supplies, and the moment the helicopter lifts away, reality sets in: “Okay… here we go.” All the preparation leads to that one moment—the start of the journey.

In a similar way, as we come to the final chapter of the book of Acts, we don’t find a neat and tidy ending. Instead, we’re given something much more powerful—an invitation. The story isn’t finished. In many ways, it’s just beginning.

Acts reminds us that God’s mission didn’t stop in the early church. It continues today, moving outward into new places, new people, and new opportunities. It’s a story still being written—and we’re part of it.

Like the closing lines of a great story, we’re meant to look around and say, “Here we are… here we go.” God is already at work in the world—bringing hope into brokenness, light into darkness, and life where it’s needed most. And He invites us to join Him.

This Sunday, we studied at Acts 28 and were encouraged by the truth that the mission of God is moving forward with power and purpose. Our sermon is called “And So It Begins.” The mantle of the mission of God is being passed on from the apostles to the church. Thank God the good news is this: It’s not dependent on us—it’s driven by Him. And that’s exactly why we can step forward with confidence and hope.

We’d love for you to join us each Sunday as we gather, worship, and lean into what God is doing—both in the world and in our own lives. Be prayerful that God might work a new, fresh work in each of our lives and engage our hearts together in joyful devotion to Jesus.

Looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday. Invite a friend!

Find out more about Waterbrooke Church at www.waterbrooke.church