From Acts 27-28

God’s unstoppable gospel still is going out today. Everywhere people hear about the story of Jesus. The story that brings salvation for all who believe.

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Passage and Comments

Paul finally arrives in Rome. He is met by the Jewish elders. But these have not heard of him before and they want to know about his views.

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. (Acts 28.17-19)

Paul gives his defense saying ‘I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers’. This is the chief fear of the Jews who were persecuting him before. They thought Paul was undermining Judaism and getting Jews to abandon their own customs. Not true. This issue has to do with his ministry to Gentiles. He didn’t force them to become Jews or adopt Jewish customs. Paul’s practice I think got confused when he was speaking to Gentiles who were among Jews, like synagogues and the temple (Acts 21.21). Paul continues.

20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” (Acts 28.20-22)

‘The hope of Israel’ I suspect is the hope of resurrection (Acts 23.6; 24.15; Rom 8.24). The hope that was realised in the resurrection of Jesus. The Jews say, ‘with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against’. Partly I think because of the Jew-Gentile issues I alluded to above. It seems that Christianity early on is the ‘new perspective’ that the Jews are not sure about and everywhere it is spoken against. Paul has his work cut out for him.

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.  (Acts 28.23)

Paul’s gospel sometimes is described in terms of the kingdom of God. Jesus of course is the King because he is the Christ. A good part of Paul ministry to the Jews is proving from the scriptures (Old Testament) that Jesus is the promised Christ. There are mixed results.

24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “ ‘Go to this people, and say,

“You will indeed hear but never understand,

and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,

and with their ears they can barely hear,

and their eyes they have closed;

lest they should see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

and turn, and I would heal them.’ (Acts 28.24-27; cf. Isa 6.9-10)

Paul must have spat the dummy. Seems a very undiplomatic thing to say to people. Perhaps he is saying this as a warning.

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Acts 28.28-31)

About Mission

Acts ends with a recurring theme throughout the book. The unstoppable work of God in the gospel going forth.

• Lord added to their number (Acts 2:47)
• word of God spread (Acts 6:7)
• encouraged by the Holy Spirit grew in number (Acts 9:31)
• word of God increased and spread (Acts 12:24)
• strengthened in faith and grew daily in numbers (Acts 16:5)
• word of the Lord continued to spread widely and grew in power (Acts 19:20)
• proclaiming the kingdom of God and Jesus, without hindrance (Acts 28:23,30)

God’s unstoppable gospel still is going out today. Everywhere people hear about the story of Jesus. The story that brings salvation for all who believe.

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights