ACTS 28:23–28
THE GOSPEL RECEIVED BY SOME AND REJECTED BY OTHERS IN ROME
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.”
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.