GOD’S SALVATION SENT TO THE GENTILES

Passage: Acts 28:23-31

Key verse: 28

NIV

23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God,(A) and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets(B) he tried to persuade them about Jesus.(C) 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.(D) 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said(E) through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;(F)
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’[a](G)

28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation(H) has been sent to the Gentiles,(I) and they will listen!” [29] [b]

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(J) and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness(K) and without hindrance!

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Footnotes
  1. Acts 28:27 Isaiah 6:9,10 (see Septuagint)
  2. Acts 28:29 Some manuscripts include here After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening (A)he expounded to them, testifying to (B)the kingdom of God and (C)trying to convince them about Jesus (D)both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And (E)some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: (F)“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 (G)“‘Go to this people, and say,
(H)“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 (I)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 (J)turn, and I would heal them.’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that (K)this (L)salvation of God (M)has been sent to the Gentiles; (N)they will listen.”[a]

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense,[b] and (O)welcomed all who came to him, 31 (P)proclaiming (Q)the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ (R)with all boldness and (S)without hindrance.

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Footnotes
  1. Acts 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves
  2. Acts 28:30 Or in his own hired dwelling
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Paul met with the Jews in Rome in large numbers, explaining about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them about Jesus (23). He wasn’t concerned about trying to win their support at his trial, but he was concerned about their eternal souls. Some were convinced, but others wouldn’t believe.

As they began disagreeing and arguing among themselves, Paul quoted the book of Isaiah. It explained why he preached to them, and why their hearts were hard and calloused: the Holy Spirit was right about them, and about each of us. But Paul did not despair or give up. Rather, he saw that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen (28). Do I have ears to hear the good news today? Am I willing to preach it, although none may listen?

Paul devoted two years under house arrest welcoming all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus without hindrance. Jesus’ purpose for this part of Paul’s life was being fulfilled.

Prayer: Father, thank you sending to us the good news of our salvation through Jesus Christ. We came to know and believe because of the preaching of others. Grant me courage to welcome others and share this saving grace with them today.

One Word: Listen to the word of God’s salvation