Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came
many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of
God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses and out of
the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which
were spoken, and some believed not.
Paul had finally arrived at Rome, and, after calling the
Jewish leaders to visit with him in his place of confinement, he explained why
he was to be presented before Caesar. Describing the circumstances, Paul
confessed that he was a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, the “hope of Israel”.
Hearing this, the Jews were interested, having heard of “that way” and noting
that it was universally condemned by the brethren.
So they set a day, and a number of them came to Paul again,
and Paul “expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them
concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from
morning till evening.” What a sermon that must have been! The apostle Paul,
without question one of the finest evangelists and apologists who ever walked,
preaching and teaching from the Old Testament Scriptures from morning til
evening! Imagine getting all of the doctrine of the Pauline epistles, together with
an exposition of most of the Old Testament, in one day. The analogy of drinking
water from a fire house immediately comes to mind. It would be a lot to swallow
all at once. He “persuaded them concerning Jesus”. I don’t believe Paul was
holding anything back here (see verses 24-27. The apostle was truly distressed
by their reaction.) And yet, sadly, verse 24 gives us the summary:
“And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.”
Readers of this story would rejoice, and rightfully so, over
the ones who did believe. I am certain Paul began to disciple these believers
and help them move forward in their walk with the Lord. I know from the
Scriptures that there was a church at Rome, and no doubt these new believers
were well cared for and nourished in their faith. But there is another lesson here.
Preached to for an entire day by the great apostle, urged to repent and trust
Christ, there were yet a significant number who simply would not or could not believe.
Presented with the truth of the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, they
simply turned away.
What a vivid reminder of
the Scripture in 1 Corinthians 3:7, “So then neither is he that planteth any
thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” Brethren,
we probably don’t preach with the knowledge and power of Paul. But even if we did,
there would still be those who hearing would not hear, and seeing would not
see. Do we quit because they will not hear? Of course not. We preach because it
is given to us, yea, rather it is even commanded, that we carry the gospel to
the ends of the earth. And so we go, and witness and preach. God gives the
increase where and when He chooses. Praise His Name!
