Lesson 4707

(Lesson 4707)(12-24-24) Acts 28:14-24 

   “Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. 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. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul and his companions arrived in Rome, where Paul was allowed to live in a rented house under guard. He called together the Jewish leaders in Rome and explained that he had been arrested in Jerusalem, though he had done nothing against his people or their customs. He told them that he was in prison because of his belief in the resurrection of the dead, specifically in Jesus Christ. The Jewish leaders responded that they had not received any letters about Paul and had heard nothing negative about him from other believers, but they were curious to hear more about his views. A meeting was arranged, and many came to Paul’s house. He preached to them, explaining the kingdom of God and testifying about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, convincing some, while others disagreed. As they were about to leave, Paul quoted from the prophet Isaiah, saying that the people’s hearts had grown dull, and they would not understand the message. He concluded that God’s salvation had been sent to the Gentiles, and they would listen. ~