Paul in Rome (Part 2)

Acts 28:23-28 

23 They [the Jewish leaders of Rome] arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “‘Go to this people and say,“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” 

If you have a New Revised Standard translation of the Bible, which is based on the early Greek manuscripts and is the preference for most biblical scholars, you will notice that this section ends at verse 28, then resumes at verse 30 (which we will look at tomorrow).  Some later manuscripts of Acts included another verse (verse 29) which read, “And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, arguing vigorously among themselves.”

I don’t doubt that Paul’s statement in verse 28 triggered some consternation among his Jewish listeners.  Paul was never one to mince words.  He wanted the Jewish leaders to know who Jesus was, the importance of His life and teachings, how Christ was the Messiah as foretold by the prophets.  

Some were convinced, but many were not and this frustrated Paul.  

There are people in this world that will never believe.  There are some who say they believe but do not.  There are those who believe but they are lukewarm in their faith.  

But the sower is to keep sowing…no matter how hard or rocky the ground.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)