*Acts 28:15-31
Arriving in Rome, Paul meets with Jewish leaders, defends his ministry, and finds both believers and opposition.
- Paul’s Arrival in Rome:
- Upon arriving in Rome, Paul is allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
- He is warmly greeted by the local Christian community, which gives him courage.
- Paul Calls the Jewish Leaders:
- Three days after his arrival, Paul calls together the local Jewish leaders.
- He explains his situation, stating he has done nothing against the Jewish people or customs but was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.
- Although the Romans found no reason for his death sentence, they were willing to release him, but the Jewish objections led him to appeal to Caesar.
- He clarifies that he has called the leaders to discuss these matters, as he is wearing chains for “the hope of Israel.”
- Discussion with Jewish Community:
- The Jewish leaders in Rome express that they have not received any letters from Judea concerning Paul, nor have any of the brethren reported or spoken any evil about him.
- They are, however, curious about his views, stating that the Christian sect is everywhere spoken against.
- Paul Preaches the Kingdom of God:
- On a designated day, many Jews come to the place where Paul is staying. From morning till evening, he explains and testifies about the kingdom of God, trying to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
- The response is mixed; some are persuaded by his words, while others do not believe.
- Paul Quotes Isaiah:
- Frustrated with the disbelief among some, Paul quotes Isaiah, prophesying that they will hear but not understand, and see but not perceive.
- He declares that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.
- Paul’s Ministry in Rome:
- Paul lives in Rome for two full years at his own expense, welcoming all who come to him.
- He preaches the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
28:19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
28:21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
28:24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
28:25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.