101 Paul Preaches in Rome [Acts 28:16–31]
The Bible passage: [Acts 28:16–31]
The Story:
When he entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
After three days he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them: “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our forefathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans who, after examining me, wanted to release me, since I had not committed a capital offense. Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; it was not as though I had any accusation against my nation. So, for this reason I’ve asked to see you and speak to you. In fact, it is because of the hope of Israel’s Messiah that I’m wearing this chain.”
They said to him, “We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea; no one has come and reported anything evil about you. We consider it acceptable to hear from you what you think. We are aware that this sect is spoken against everywhere.”
Many made appointments and came to see him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he explained and witnessed about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.
Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement: “The Holy Spirit correctly spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your forefathers when He said, ‘You will listen and listen yet never understand; and you will look and look, yet never perceive. This people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise, they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and be converted and I would heal them.’
“Therefore, let it be known to you that this saving work of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen!”
After he said these things, the Jews departed, engaging in a prolonged debate among themselves.
Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance.
The Lessons:
- Paul quotes [Isaiah 6:9-10]
- God had promised Paul that he would get to give his defense in Rome and God kept His word.
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