*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.
Acts 28:15-31 teaches us to keep sharing God’s message no matter our circumstances. Even while Paul was under house arrest, he continued to preach about Jesus to everyone who would listen. He didn’t let obstacles stop him from fulfilling his mission. This reminds us that no matter where we are or what challenges we face, we can still serve God and encourage others. We can apply this by staying faithful in tough times, using every opportunity to share God’s love, and trusting that He can work through us no matter our situation.
Acts 28:15-31 (WEB)
28:15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. 20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”21 They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one message: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying,‘Go to this people and say,in hearing, you will hear,but will in no way understand.In seeing, you will see,but will in no way perceive.27 For this people’s heart has grown callous.Their ears are dull of hearing.Their eyes they have closed.Lest they should see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heart,and would turn again,then I would heal them.’28 “Be it known therefore to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him, 31 preaching God’s Kingdom and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.