The final scene depicts what was of greatest interest to Luke, namely, Paul’s proclamation of the gospel in Rome. The pattern of Paul’s ministry, which Luke has faithfully traced elsewhere, is repeated for the last time. As soon as the apostle was settled, he was in touch with the Jewish leaders, both to explain his own position and to tell them of Christ. As usual, a few were interested; some may even have believed, but the majority remained unconvinced. Paul declared, therefore, that the message would henceforth go to the Gentiles. With this the book ends, as though leaving the reader with what was now to be the program of the church. As for Paul’s relationship with the church in Rome and the outcome of his appeal, of these things Luke says nothing. The suggestion, however, that he was …