ACTS 28:23–28
THE GOSPEL RECEIVED BY SOME AND REJECTED BY OTHERS IN ROME
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – Acts 28:23–28
23 So they set a day with him and came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, bearing witness to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus from the law of Moses and the prophets.
24 Some were convinced by what he had said, while others did not believe.
25 Without reaching any agreement among themselves, they began to leave, after Paul made one statement: “The holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah,
26 ‘Go to this people and say: You shall indeed hear but not understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive.
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
29 “And when he had said this, the Jews left, seriously arguing among themselves.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Paul conducts a full-day exposition following rabbinic teaching style, reasoning from the Torah and the Prophets. The division among listeners mirrors reactions faced by prophets throughout Israel’s history. Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 6:9–10) was originally spoken to a resistant people and had become a classic text explaining Israel’s hardness of heart. The turn to the Gentiles does not reject Israel but reflects a widening of God’s saving plan, already foretold in Scripture.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the mystery of human freedom in responding to grace. The Gospel invites but never coerces. The rejection by some opens the door wider to the Gentiles, showing that God’s plan advances even through resistance. The Church is called to proclaim tirelessly, leaving the response to God. Salvation history moves outward without abandoning its roots, fulfilling God’s universal purpose.
Parallels in Scripture
Isaiah 6:9–10 – Hardness of heart
Matthew 13:14–15 – Jesus applies Isaiah
Luke 24:27 – Explaining Scripture
Acts 13:46–47 – Turning to the Gentiles
Romans 11:11–12 – Salvation to the Gentiles
Key Terms
Kingdom of God – God’s saving reign
Convinced – Faith response
Did not believe – Resistance to grace
Holy Spirit – Speaker through prophets
Salvation sent to the Gentiles – Universal mission
They will listen – Hopeful promise
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 28:23–28 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, emphasizing the call to conversion and the universal scope of salvation.
Conclusion
Acts 28:23–28 shows the Gospel standing at a crossroads: accepted by some, rejected by others. Yet God’s saving plan moves forward irresistibly, reaching all nations while remaining rooted in Israel’s hope.
Reflection
How open is my heart to God’s word?
Do I resist conversion in any area of my life?
Am I committed to sharing the Gospel even when responses are mixed?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, open my ears to hear and my heart to understand. Heal every resistance within me, and make me a faithful witness to the salvation offered in Christ to all peoples. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
Paul continues his ministry in Rome by explaining the Gospel to the Jewish leaders, reasoning from the Scriptures about Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Some among his audience are convinced by his message, recognizing the truth of God’s Word and the hope it offers. This response demonstrates the power of God’s Word to penetrate hearts and inspire faith, even in the midst of skepticism.
Yet others remain hardened, unwilling to accept the message despite clear evidence from the Scriptures. Paul notes that this rejection fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, highlighting that God’s Word both calls and divides, bringing light to some while exposing the resistance in others. This tension underscores the reality that God’s invitation is freely offered, yet human freedom allows for acceptance or refusal.
Acts 28:23 – “When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers; and he expounded the matter to them from morning till evening, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets.”
Interpretation
This verse reveals Paul’s unwavering dedication to proclamation, teaching, and patient dialogue. Though under house arrest, his mission is unrestricted. Chains do not silence him; they focus him.
“When they had appointed a day for him” shows intentional openness. The leaders do not dismiss him—they schedule time to listen. The Gospel is given space to be heard.
“They came to him at his lodgings in great numbers” emphasizes eagerness and seriousness. Paul does not go to them—they come to him. Even confinement becomes a place of mission.
“And he expounded the matter to them from morning till evening” reveals extraordinary perseverance. Paul does not offer a brief explanation—he gives a full witness. His message is not casual; it is comprehensive.
“Testifying to the kingdom of God” shows the heart of his preaching. This is not merely about rules or rituals—it is about God’s reign, God’s promise, God’s salvation.
“And trying to convince them about Jesus” shows pastoral effort. Paul is not debating—he is persuading in love. He longs for their salvation.
“Both from the law of Moses and from the prophets” demonstrates continuity. Paul presents Christ not as a break from Judaism, but as its fulfillment. He grounds the Gospel in Scripture.
This verse teaches that true evangelization is patient, grounded, and persistent. Paul does not rush; he reasons, explains, and invites.
Historical and Jewish Context
Jewish teaching often involved long hours of discussion, interpretation, and debate.
Appealing to the Law and the Prophets was essential when speaking to Jewish audiences.
House arrest allowed Paul to receive visitors freely, making his lodging a center of teaching.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Acts 28:23 reflects the Church’s mission of catechesis and proclamation. Faith is not forced—it is explained.
Paul models how Scripture must be read Christologically: Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
This verse also reflects the Church’s commitment to reasoned faith, not blind belief.
Key Terms
Appointed a day — intentional listening
Great numbers — openness
Expounded — deep explanation
Kingdom of God — God’s reign
Convince — loving persuasion
Law and prophets — scriptural foundation
Conclusion
Acts 28:23 reveals Paul at his finest: teacher, witness, shepherd. Though confined, he is free. Though bound, he proclaims. God’s word is not chained.
Reflection
Do I give time and patience to explain my faith? Do I ground my beliefs in Scripture, or only in opinion?
Prayer
Lord, give me a heart like Paul’s—patient, faithful, and tireless in sharing Your truth. Help me to explain my faith with clarity, love, and perseverance. May Your Word always find a home in willing hearts. Amen.
Acts 28:24 – “And some were convinced by what he said, while others disbelieved.”
Interpretation
This verse captures the enduring reality of the Gospel: it always invites a response, but never forces one. Paul’s long and faithful explanation does not produce uniform results. The Word of God reveals hearts.
“And some were convinced by what he said” shows that the Gospel bears fruit. Truth is not powerless. Some hearts are open, receptive, and willing to be changed. God’s grace finds a home.
“While others disbelieved” reveals human freedom. Even the clearest testimony, even the most patient explanation, cannot override the will. Rejection does not invalidate the truth—it reveals resistance to it.
This verse teaches that the measure of success in God’s work is not universal agreement, but faithful witness. Paul is responsible to proclaim—not to control the outcome.
Historical and Jewish Context
Jewish teaching often resulted in divided responses. Disagreement was common and expected.
Faith in Jesus as Messiah was especially challenging for many Jews because it redefined expectations of power, kingdom, and redemption.
In Jewish tradition, God never forced belief—He invited covenant.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Acts 28:24 reflects the Church’s understanding of free will. God offers grace, but does not impose it.
This verse also shows that rejection is not failure. Even Christ was rejected by many.
The Church continues to proclaim—not to coerce, but to invite.
Key Terms
Convinced — receptive hearts
Disbelieved — resistance
What he said — proclaimed truth
Some…others — divided response
Conclusion
Acts 28:24 reveals that the Gospel always divides—not because it is unclear, but because hearts differ. Paul remains faithful regardless of the response.
Reflection
Do I receive God’s Word with humility—or do I resist it when it challenges me? Do I remain faithful even when others reject what I share?
Prayer
Lord, soften my heart to receive Your truth. Help me to believe, even when it stretches me. And give me courage to proclaim Your Word, trusting You with the results. Amen.
Acts 28:25 – “So they disagreed among themselves; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: ‘The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet.’”
Interpretation
This verse marks a solemn turning point in Paul’s final recorded ministry in Acts. Dialogue has been offered, Scripture has been explained, and testimony has been given—but division remains. Paul now speaks not as a debater, but as a prophet.
“So they disagreed among themselves” shows inner division. The Gospel does not merely divide communities—it reveals divisions already present in the heart. Truth clarifies rather than conceals.
“And as they were leaving” suggests a moment of closure. Some have accepted, others have resisted. Now Paul speaks one final word—not to argue, but to interpret their response through Scripture.
“Paul made one further statement” indicates importance. This is not casual. This is his final prophetic word to them.
“The Holy Spirit was right” affirms divine authority. Paul is not asserting his own opinion—he is pointing to God’s Word.
“In saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet” grounds his message in Scripture. This is not new condemnation; it is ancient warning. Their response fulfills prophecy.
This verse teaches that rejection of God’s Word is not new—it is part of salvation history. Paul does not shame them; he interprets their response in the light of God’s revelation.
Historical and Jewish Context
Isaiah’s prophetic words were often addressed to a people who heard but did not obey.
Jewish prophets frequently confronted resistance, not with anger, but with Scripture.
Paul’s use of Isaiah places his audience within a long tradition of hearing but not always receiving.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Acts 28:25 reflects the Church’s belief that Scripture interprets life. Paul reads events through God’s Word, not emotion.
This verse also shows that the Holy Spirit is the true preacher. Paul is only the instrument.
It reminds us that disagreement with the Gospel is not intellectual alone—it is spiritual.
Key Terms
Disagreed — division of hearts
Leaving — closure
Further statement — prophetic word
Holy Spirit — divine authority
Isaiah — scriptural witness
Conclusion
Acts 28:25 shows that Paul’s final word is not frustration—it is Scripture. God’s Word stands, whether accepted or rejected.
Reflection
Do I allow Scripture to interpret my life—or do I interpret Scripture to fit my life? Am I open when God’s Word challenges me?
Prayer
Lord, give me ears to hear and a heart to receive. Do not let Your Word pass me by. Help me to respond with faith, not resistance. Amen.
Acts 28:26 – “Go to this people, and say, You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive.”
Interpretation
This verse is a solemn warning drawn directly from the prophet Isaiah. Paul now interprets the divided response to the Gospel not as failure, but as fulfillment of Scripture. The problem is not the message—it is the heart.
“Go to this people, and say” emphasizes divine initiative. God continues to speak, even when He knows His Word will be resisted. Silence is not His response to rejection—truth is.
“You shall indeed hear but never understand” reveals spiritual deafness. Hearing does not guarantee comprehension. Truth can be present, yet unreceived.
“And you shall indeed see but never perceive” shows spiritual blindness. Vision does not guarantee insight. One can witness God’s work and still miss its meaning.
This verse teaches that resistance to God is not intellectual—it is spiritual. The heart determines the ears and the eyes.
Historical and Jewish Context
This quotation comes from Isaiah 6:9–10, spoken to a people resistant to God’s call.
Isaiah was sent to preach, even knowing many would not respond.
In Jewish tradition, hearing without obedience was considered a form of blindness.
Paul places his listeners within this prophetic pattern—not to condemn, but to awaken.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Acts 28:26 reflects the mystery of human freedom. God speaks clearly, but He never forces conversion.
This verse reminds us that grace can be resisted.
It also shows that preaching is obedience—not outcome-based.
Paul is faithful even when hearts remain closed.
Key Terms
Hear — exposure to truth
Understand — inner reception
See — external witness
Perceive — spiritual insight
This people — addressed in love
Conclusion
Acts 28:26 reveals that the tragedy is not lack of revelation—but lack of response. God speaks. Some refuse to receive.
Reflection
Do I truly receive God’s Word—or only hear it? Do I perceive what God is showing me—or do I resist it?
Prayer
Lord, open my ears to truly hear and my eyes to truly see. Remove every hardness from my heart. Let Your Word not pass through me—but dwell within me. Amen.
Acts 28:27 – “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”
Interpretation
This verse deepens the prophetic warning begun in the previous line. The tragedy is not that God has hidden Himself—it is that people have closed themselves. Resistance is not imposed by God; it is chosen by the heart.
“For this people’s heart has grown dull” reveals the root problem. Spiritual resistance begins in the heart. A dull heart is not incapable—it is unresponsive. It has become insensitive to God’s voice.
“And their ears are heavy of hearing” shows willful inattentiveness. God is speaking, but they no longer listen with desire. Sound enters, but meaning is blocked.
“And their eyes they have closed” emphasizes responsibility. This is not blindness imposed—it is blindness chosen. They close their own eyes.
“Lest they should see… and turn” reveals the hidden fear: transformation. To truly see and hear God would require change. Resistance protects comfort, not truth.
“And I would heal them” reveals God’s heart. This is not a threat—it is a lament. God desires healing, not judgment. Their resistance blocks not punishment—but mercy.
This verse teaches that rejection of God is tragic not because of what is lost intellectually—but because of what is refused spiritually: healing, renewal, salvation.
Historical and Jewish Context
Isaiah 6:10 speaks to a people hardened by repeated disobedience.
In Jewish thought, the heart was the center of will, not emotion.
To “turn” meant repentance—realignment with God.
Healing was often associated with forgiveness and restoration.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Acts 28:27 reveals the Church’s understanding of conversion. God desires repentance not for control—but for healing.
This verse shows that God’s judgment is not retribution—it is the consequence of refusal.
Grace is offered, but not forced.
God heals those who turn.
Key Terms
Heart — center of decision
Dull — unresponsive
Closed — willful resistance
Turn — repentance
Heal — God’s true desire
Conclusion
Acts 28:27 reveals the sorrow of God: healing is available—but refused. The tragedy is not God’s silence—it is human resistance.
Reflection
Is my heart responsive—or resistant? Do I truly want God to change me?
Prayer
Lord, soften my heart. Open my ears. Uncover my eyes. I do not want to resist Your healing. I want to turn to You and be made whole. Amen.
Acts 28:28 – “Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
Interpretation
This verse is one of the most decisive and universal declarations in the entire Book of Acts. Paul now announces openly what has been unfolding throughout his ministry: God’s salvation is not restricted—it is offered to all.
“Let it be known to you then” gives the statement solemn force. This is not a suggestion; it is a proclamation. Paul speaks with prophetic clarity.
“That this salvation of God” centers the message on grace, not ethnicity. Salvation belongs to God, not to any one group. It is His gift, not human possession.
“Has been sent to the Gentiles” reveals God’s expansive mercy. This is not rejection of Israel—it is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations through Israel (cf. Gen 12:3).
“They will listen” expresses confidence, not pride. Paul does not condemn—he redirects. Where hearts are open, God sends His Word.
This verse teaches that God’s mission cannot be stopped by resistance. When one door closes, another opens. God’s mercy always finds a path.
Historical and Jewish Context
The Gentile mission had been unfolding since Acts 10 (Cornelius).
Many Jews struggled with the idea of Gentiles receiving salvation without adopting full Mosaic law.
Isaiah had foretold that the nations would come to the light of God.
Paul now declares that this prophecy is being fulfilled.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Acts 28:28 reflects the Church’s universal mission. The Gospel is for every people, culture, and nation.
This verse affirms that salvation is not exclusive—it is missionary.
It also shows that God’s grace is responsive: where hearts are open, He moves.
The Church continues this mission today.
Key Terms
Salvation — God’s gift
Sent — missionary movement
Gentiles — all nations
Listen — receptive hearts
Let it be known — proclamation
Conclusion
Acts 28:28 marks a turning point: the Gospel now stands fully revealed as universal. God’s mercy will not be confined. Where hearts are open, grace will flow.
Reflection
Do I see the Gospel as a gift meant for all—or only for some? Do I listen when God speaks?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making Your salvation available to all. Give me a heart that listens, receives, and shares Your grace without limits. Use me as a messenger of Your universal love. Amen.
Acts 28:29 – “And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves.”
Interpretation
This verse, that is not found in the best Greek manuscripts, marks the closing of Paul’s formal dialogue with the Jewish leaders in Rome. His words do not end in agreement—but in serious reflection and division. The Gospel has done what it always does: it has provoked conscience.
“And when he had said these words” refers to Paul’s solemn declaration about salvation being sent to the Gentiles. His statement is not casual—it is decisive. It demands response.
“The Jews departed” shows that the moment of dialogue has ended. They do not linger; they leave with unsettled hearts. The Word of God does not leave people unchanged—it sends them away thinking.
“Having much dispute among themselves” reveals inner conflict. The Gospel has stirred debate, not indifference. Some are convinced, others resist. Truth has disrupted comfort.
This verse teaches that God’s Word does not always produce peace—it produces decision. Division is not failure; it is revelation.
Historical and Jewish Context
Jewish teaching often involved debate and discussion. Dispute was not necessarily hostility—it was a form of serious engagement.
However, this division reflects the same pattern seen throughout Acts: some accept Christ, others resist Him.
In Jewish tradition, prophetic messages often produced conflict before conversion.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Acts 28:29 shows that the Gospel confronts before it comforts.
This verse reflects the Church’s understanding that truth is not neutral—it demands a response.
Paul has fulfilled his mission: he has proclaimed. The response now belongs to the hearers.
It also reminds us that conversion is a process, not always immediate.
Key Terms
Said these words — final proclamation
Departed — moment of decision
Much dispute — inner conflict
Among themselves — divided hearts
Conclusion
Acts 28:29 shows that the Gospel leaves no one untouched. Some are drawn closer. Others struggle. But all are forced to confront the truth.
Reflection
When God’s Word challenges me, do I walk away unchanged—or do I wrestle with it until it changes me?
Prayer
Lord, do not let Your Word pass me by. Even when it unsettles me, let it transform me. Give me the courage to choose truth over comfort. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Acts 28:23–28 reveals the dual response to the Gospel: it brings salvation to those who believe and confrontation to those who resist. Paul faithfully proclaims Christ to all, leaving the response in God’s hands. The passage emphasizes the universality of the Gospel and the necessity of human openness to God’s call. It also shows that even partial acceptance—some believing, some rejecting—serves God’s broader plan of salvation and judgment.
For Christians today, this account teaches perseverance in witness. Not all will accept the Gospel, yet believers are called to proclaim it faithfully and trust God with the hearts of those who hear. Faithfulness in evangelization means presenting the truth with clarity, courage, and love, leaving the ultimate response to God.
PRAYER
Lord God, help us to proclaim Your Word faithfully, even when faced with acceptance and rejection. Grant us patience, courage, and love in sharing the Gospel, trusting that You work in the hearts of all who hear. May our witness bring light to those who are open and glorify You in every circumstance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.