Acts 28:17-31
English Standard Version (ESV)
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. 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.”
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. 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.’
“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.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that
this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”[a]
30 He lived there two whole years at his own
expense,[b] 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.
Paul was an
amazing man. He waited three days,
probably to renew his mind and refresh his body, before speaking to this group
of Jewish leaders. Notice, however, that
he does as he has in any other place that he goes, he speaks to the Jews
first. He gives them a chance before
going to the Gentiles. He goes to the
toughest crowd first, the ones who have continually rejected Christ, who
crucified Him, and who refuse to acknowledge His resurrection.
This passage is
one that we need to remember as we seek Him.
We need to realize that we should also be bold in our faith. We need to understand that not always will
our words be received well; yet, we need to continue to share. Paul knew that some would reject this message
of hope but he was not speaking to them.
Paul we speaking so that those who would receive the Word, believe,
repent, and be saved. Too often we focus more on the
rejection than we do the acceptance. We
tend to shy away when we thing rejection is about to come. Not Paul, he just jumps in and shares with
the tough crowd. We need to remember, even though more reject than accept we
need to press on because there is someone out there who is ready to hear of the
hope found in Christ.
Seek Him and be
sure to share with others what you find.
Seeking Him with
all my heart,
Sheila
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