Acts 28:17-31
Q.1. Why did Paul meet with the Jewish leaders? How could he claim that he had been true to the faith of his forefathers? Was he forthcoming about his disagreement with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem? What had the Roman Jews heard about the Gospel? Were they open to discuss it? – (Acts 28:17-22)
Although God had called Paul to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, his strategy was to always start at the synagogue, where there were Jews and Gentile proselytes (c.f. Acts 9:15; 13:44-48). Some Jews responded, but most reacted vehemently against what they saw as an attack on the Law. Paul’s message eventually took him into conflict with the Jewish leaders at Jerusalem. This resulted in an extended period in Roman custody. Therefore, Paul naturally wanted to know if the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem had warned the Jewish leaders at Rome. From Paul’s perspective, the Gospel was a fulfilment of the Old Testament Scriptures. Therefore he could claim – … Brethren, 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 (Acts 28:17). Not all the conversation was recorded, but the Roman leaders did know that he was committed to the ‘Christian sect’. They responded – we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere (Acts 28:22).
Q.2. Where did the leaders meet Paul? On what basis did he make his defence of the Gospel? How did the men respond? Why did they leave Paul? How did Paul show them that history was repeating itself? – (Acts 28:23-27)
Paul was under house arrest in his own rented home (Acts 28:16,23,30). The Jewish leaders visited him where he lived. Whenever they came – … he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening (Acts 28:23). Some did accept his preaching, but the majority refused to believe, and stopped coming (Acts 28:24-25). There came a turning point, when Paul identified with Isaiah the prophet’s condemnation of a previous generation, whom God accused as being people who refused to believe the truth (Is.6:9-10).
Q.3. What prophecy about the Jews and Gentiles did Paul make upon their departure? How great was the impact Paul had on the Jewish leaders? What did Paul do after this further rejection by the Jews? – (Acts 28:28-31 c.f. Lk.21:20-24; Rom.11:25)
It was more than a coincidence that Luke completed his account of all Jesus continued to do through His apostles in establishing the church, as is recorded in the closing verses of Acts 28 (c.f. Acts 1:1-3). His blueprint in what he recorded was in line with the command of Jesus to be … My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth (Acts 1:8). Luke concluded with all the peoples beyond Israel, as Paul declared – let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen (Acts 28:28). This is consistent with the prophecies of Jesus that – Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Lk.21:24 c.f. Rom.11:25). The impact of Paul’s ministry was underscored by the heated dispute amongst the Jews. If a Jew converted to Christianity, this would result in much opposition, and even rejection by his people and family (Acts 28:29). Paul continued his witness to all who came to see him in his own rented quarters – preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered (Acts 28:31 c.f. Acts 28:30). Tradition has it that Paul was martyred for his commitment to Christ.