Paul's story ends as the Book of Acts comes to a close. In some ways, the ending of the book is anti-climatic. We are not told how Paul fares in his trial in Rome. We are not told of his death, or of the evangelistic efforts
in the heart of the Roman Empire. The story just ends, saying "let it be
known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." In a way, the author ends with his main theme
reinforced; God's salvation can not be thwarted, and will be for all people.

Maybe there is a lesson here for us. Perhaps the end of Paul's life is not
recounted because it does not matter. After all, the story is not Paul's
story. It is not the Jewish story. It isn't even the story of the Roman
Empire. This author reminds us that ultimately this is God's story; and
God's story is still being accomplished. In many ways, the book of Acts is
still being written. When the church follows God's Spirit; when faithful
men and women put aside their own needs and opinions to follow God's
leading; when the Christian community stands united in witnessing to God's activity in the world, the story still unfolds.