Acts 28:17-31

                                                             Acts 28:17-31

After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, 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. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation.For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 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 heartand turn, and I would heal them.’ Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” He lived there two whole years at his own expense,  and welcomed all who came to him,proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

 

 

The first thing Paul did upon his arrival in Rome was to call the Jews together to explain why he had been taken prisoner and to demonstrate why he was innocent.  The Romans had repeatedly sought to release him, but the Jews always objected.  His strategy was to show that he had nothing against them in hopes that he could finally obtain his release and be free to proclaim the Gospel all over the world again.  His priority was not his own freedom, but the advance of the Gospel.

 

PAUL DEFENDS HIS CAPTIVITY TO THE JEWS: Since it was the Jews who caused Paul’s imprisonment and the Jews who had repeatedly insisted that he continue to be kept in prison, Paul wants to attempt to avert this repeating itself in Rome.  He affirms that he had done nothing against the customs and traditions of the Jewish people.  He recounts that the Jerusalem Jews had handed him of to the Romans to be judged and that they had found him to be innocent of any crimes deserving of death and wanted to release him.  He seeks to identify with them by bringing up the hope of Israel.  There is wisdom in recognizing the dangers we face and seeking to avoid falling into those dangers.

 

PAUL DELIVERS THE GOSPEL TO THE JEWS: As much as Paul wants to be free from being imprisoned so he can continue to advance the Gospel in the world, he is not about to let his own freedom take priority over the preaching of the Gospel to the Jews.  The responded to Paul in ignorance of his specific circumstances but we critical of what the called a sect that had been causing troubles in many of their cities.  Paul takes advantage of this situation to expound from their own Scriptures about the identity of Jesus as the Messiah and proclaimed the Gospel to them.  The response he received to his message was, as is often the case, mixed.  Some believed, while others rejected the message of the Gospel.  This is the type of response we much always be prepared to face.  Rejection of the Gospel should never discourage us from preaching it.

 

PAUL DESCRIBES THE UNBLIEF OF THE JEWS: Paul does not shrink away in the face of rejection.  He has no interest in being politically correct.  He confronts them using the Scriptures that show the Jewish people and their historic hard heartedness.  This was not a way to win friends or to secure is own comfort or freedom.  However, his hope was to shock them into seeing the error of their way in hopes that they might turn from unbelief to faith in Jesus for salvation from their sins.  It is easy for us to place comfort or pleasant circumstances for ourselves as a greater priority than the preaching of the Gospel.  This is a mistake we must avoid.  Paul waited for trial for two years but used the freedom he had during this time to continue preaching the Gospel and writing letters.  We must use our time wisely for the furtherance of the Gospel no matter what may hinder us.

 

APPLICATION: When we face difficult circumstances and a hostile environment, we should do all we can to make peace with and identify with those who seem to be against us.  Resolving conflict is a sign of wisdom.  No matter what the personal cost may be, we must make the proclamation of the Gospel a priority.  If people reject the message of Christ we must have the courage to confront the and warn them of the dangers of their lack of submission to Christ.