Acts 28 - 8.25.26
SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:28 - 31
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [29] (Some manuscripts include here “After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves”)
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
OBSERVATION
Paul is in Rome and gathered with the local Jewish leaders where he witnessed to them all day about the kingdom of God, the Law of Moses and the Prophets to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced and some would not believe. He then quoted from Isaiah the prophet in Isaiah 6:9-10 about their unbelief (verses 25 – 27) which applied to this very situation – specifically the Jews who would not listen and were arguing about the message Paul had given to them about Jesus. Paul’s response, in verse 28, starts with “Therefore” which is saying in response to the Prophet Isaiah and your stubborn unwillingness to hear the salvation message of Jesus, this is the result: “you’re not listening but the Gentiles will.”
Although the scripture doesn’t mention how they felt after hearing Paul say the salvation message is for the Gentiles and they will listen, I imagine the Jews were probably shocked and quite upset with those words. To this day, Jews are known as “God’s chosen” people but Jesus brought salvation to all.
Verses 30 – 31 show that although some of the Jewish leaders in Rome did not agree with Paul’s witness, he continued his ministry for two years to all who would listen, with boldness and without anyone interfering! Neither the Jewish or Roman leaders interfered with his work. God gave him great favor.
APPLICATION
When sharing the salvation message to others, some will have a hard heart and won’t listen. You can spend all day sharing the truth and scriptures, only for the person to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to everything shared. But don’t give up and don’t be discouraged!! Be like Paul and continue sharing the message to others, welcoming people and sharing God’s love.
Paul welcomed “all who came to see him.” To welcome someone into your home, it means sharing your place of refuge and peace, and willingly sharing it with others. Just like sharing God’s love and the message of salvation, we welcome others into fellowship and God’s peace. Being hospitable is showing God’s love.
Paul shared the Gospel message with boldness! He was not afraid to tell everyone about the salvation message. Being bold can be intimidating (I can attest to this) yet it’s just another way of standing firm on what you believe. This is something I’m learning more and more about. One thing that helps me not be so afraid of “being bold” is reading Paul’s experience in Rome (and many other situations). He shared the truth, he stood firm and was bold, and some believed and some didn’t. The potential outcome didn’t seem to matter to him. He stood on the truth of the Gospel knowing it’s up to the recipient of the message to accept or deny it. Sometimes I put too much emphasis on the outcome, wanting it to always be a “yes, I believe” when I need to let God handle that part. The outcome is not up to me but I can stand firm on what I believe, share the truth in love, and let God do the rest.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your word which is full of so many powerful messages about sharing the salvation message to others. Give me the right words, help me to be bold, and not be concerned about the outcome. Holy Spirit, empower me with your wisdom and words in sharing the salvation message. Open up the eyes and ears to those around so they will hear and accept Jesus as their savior. In Jesus name, amen!
- Mary Oberg
