Acts 28:17-31 Paul’s Ministry at Rome
And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have 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, who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying,
‘Go to this people and say:
“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;
And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.” ’
“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”
Once Paul reaches Rome, he immediately calls the Jewish religious leaders together in hopes of leading them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. None of these leaders have heard of Paul, so they come to hear his message. But once more, Paul becomes a cause of controversy, convincing some of the Jews to believe in Jesus while others remain unconvinced. At this point, Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah, informing the Jews that if they refuse the good news of Jesus Christ, he will preach to the Gentiles. For the next two years, Paul lives in his own rented house, preaching and teaching to all comers.
That controversial intellectual, Paul, has come to Rome, and people are flocking to listen to him. Despite Paul’s eloquence, his command of the Scriptures, and his ability to argue theology, some of the Jewish leaders remain obdurate, preferring to persist in their traditional beliefs and practices. But others are thrilled at this good news and become Christians, eagerly listening to everything Paul has to offer.
How sad! Here is one of the leading proponents of the Gospel, eager to share his experiences and learning. The saddest commentary is “And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.”
Once more, Paul speaks to an audience that remains almost persuaded. But there are many who are persuaded and who begin spreading the word so that others in Rome will come to Paul in Rome. As the center of government for the known world, news that begins in Rome will spread throughout the Empire in the shortest period of time. Once more, we realize that God has timed the coming of Jesus and Paul to take advantage of the Roman Empire, its roads, and its excellent communications.
God’s timing is always split second and always perfect. Even though we feel frustrated and wonder if God has abandoned us, God is still working and will accomplish His purposes. May we remain faithful, even when events are discouraging.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to trust Your purposes, even when we don’t see anything positive in our situation. We praise You for continuing to work, even when we cannot see what You are doing. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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