Acts 28:23

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when they had appointed {G5021} him {G846} a day {G2250}, there came {G2240} many {G4119} to {G4314} him {G846} into {G1519} his lodging {G3578}; to whom {G3739} he expounded {G1620} and testified {G1263} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316},{G5037} persuading {G3982} them {G846} concerning {G4012} Jesus {G2424}, both {G5037} out of {G575} the law {G3551} of Moses {G3475}, and {G2532} out of the prophets {G4396}, from {G575} morning {G4404} till {G2193} evening {G2073}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they arranged a day with him and came to his quarters in large numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, giving a thorough witness about the Kingdom of God and making use of both the Torah of Moshe and the Prophets to persuade them about Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

American Standard Version

And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded the matter, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:23 powerfully depicts the Apostle Paul's unwavering commitment to proclaiming the Gospel in Rome, even while under house arrest. On an appointed day, many Jewish leaders and others gathered at his lodging, where Paul meticulously expounded and earnestly testified about the Kingdom of God, diligently persuading them concerning Jesus, drawing extensively from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, maintaining this intense ministry from morning until evening. This verse encapsulates the climax of Paul's mission in Acts, demonstrating the Gospel's reach into the heart of the Roman Empire through persistent, biblically grounded evangelism.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 28:23 is situated at the culmination of the book of Acts, following Paul's arduous journey to Rome as a prisoner, as detailed in [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Voyage to Rome") and his arrival and initial interactions in [Acts 28:11-16](/acts/28-11-16 "Acts 28:11-16 - Paul's Arrival in Rome"). Upon reaching Rome, Paul, though confined, immediately initiated contact with the leading men of the Jewish community ([Acts 28:17](/acts/28-17 "Acts 28:17 - Paul's First Meeting with Jewish Leaders in Rome")), explaining his situation and his innocence. This verse describes the follow-up meeting, a pivotal event where Paul, true to his lifelong pattern, first presented the Gospel to the Jews. The intense, day-long session described here sets the stage for the mixed reaction of the Jewish community ([Acts 28:24-29](/acts/28-24-29 "Acts 28:24-29 - Jewish Response to Paul's Preaching")), ultimately leading to Paul's two-year ministry to all who came to him, as recorded in [Acts 28:30-31](/acts/28-30-31 "Acts 28:30-31 - Paul's Two-Year Ministry in Rome"), bringing the book of Acts to a triumphant, open-ended conclusion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul arrived in Rome around 60-62 AD, a time when the city was the undisputed center of the Roman Empire and a significant hub for Jewish communities outside of Jerusalem. These Jewish communities, often with their own synagogues and traditions, were familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures (the Law and the Prophets) and awaited the Messiah. Paul's strategy of engaging with them first was consistent with his missionary approach across the Roman world (e.g., in Pisidian Antioch in [Acts 13:14-41](/acts/13-14-41 "Acts 13:14-41 - Paul's Sermon in Pisidian Antioch") and Thessalonica in [Acts 17:1-4](/acts/17-1-4 "Acts 17:1-4 - Paul Preaches in Thessalonica")). His "lodging" would likely have been a rented house where he was kept under a relatively lenient form of house arrest, allowing him visitors and the freedom to preach, albeit under guard. The expectation of a Messiah was deeply ingrained in Jewish culture, providing Paul with a common ground from which to argue that Jesus was the fulfillment of their ancient hopes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Foremost is the **Proclamation of the Kingdom of God**, a consistent message throughout Jesus' ministry ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God")) and the early church, emphasizing God's sovereign rule manifested through Christ. Another key theme is **Christ as the Fulfillment of Scripture**, as Paul "expounded and testified" concerning Jesus "both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets." This highlights the continuity between the Old Testament prophecies and their realization in Jesus, a central tenet of early Christian apologetics ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures on the Road to Emmaus")). The verse also underscores **Paul's Unwavering Perseverance and Diligence** in ministry, exemplified by his preaching "from morning till evening," regardless of his imprisonment. Finally, the act of "persuading them concerning Jesus" speaks to the theme of **Evangelistic Persuasion**, emphasizing that the Gospel is not merely information but a truth to be embraced through conviction, often achieved through reasoned argumentation and heartfelt testimony.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **expounded (Greek, _ektíthēmi'_):** From the provided Strong's data (G1620), this word means "to expose; figuratively, to declare." Paul's act of expounding implies a systematic, clear, and comprehensive presentation of the truth, laying out the arguments and evidence for the Kingdom of God and Jesus' identity. It suggests an orderly and thorough explanation, making the complex accessible.
* **testified (Greek, _diamartýromai'_):** According to Strong's (G1263), this term means "to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively." It signifies a solemn, emphatic declaration, bearing witness to a truth with conviction and urgency. Paul wasn't merely lecturing; he was passionately affirming the reality of what he proclaimed, urging his listeners to respond.
* **persuading (Greek, _peíthō'_):** Strong's (G3982) defines this as "to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate... to assent... to rely." This word highlights Paul's goal: not just to inform, but to move his audience to belief and action through reasoned argument and compelling evidence. It implies an appeal to the intellect and will, aiming for conviction and trust in Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had appointed him a day":** This clause indicates a pre-arranged, formal gathering, demonstrating the Jewish leaders' willingness to hear Paul out. It suggests a structured opportunity for discourse, highlighting the importance of the forthcoming discussion.
* **"there came many to him into his lodging":** This signifies a significant turnout, underscoring the interest in Paul and his message among the Jewish community in Rome. Despite his imprisonment, Paul's reputation or the novelty of his situation drew a considerable audience to his rented accommodation.
* **"to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God":** This reveals the dual nature of Paul's communication: intellectual explanation ("expounded") combined with passionate declaration ("testified"). His core message was the "kingdom of God," God's sovereign rule and redemptive plan, which was the central theme of Jesus' ministry and the early church.
* **"persuading them concerning Jesus":** This clause specifies the object of Paul's exposition and testimony: Jesus. His aim was to convince his listeners that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and the central figure of God's kingdom, moving them from mere understanding to belief and acceptance.
* **"both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets":** This highlights Paul's methodology. He did not present a new, foreign religion but demonstrated that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. He systematically drew evidence and arguments from the Torah (Law) and the Nevi'im (Prophets), appealing to their shared sacred texts.
* **"from morning till evening":** This phrase emphasizes Paul's extraordinary diligence, endurance, and passion. It indicates a sustained, intensive effort, a full day of continuous teaching and argumentation, reflecting his deep commitment to the Gospel and his desire to reach his audience effectively.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Emphasis** is clearly seen in the phrase "from morning till evening," which underscores Paul's tireless dedication and the intensity of his ministry, even while under house arrest. This hyperbole or strong statement highlights his perseverance. There is also a subtle **Juxtaposition** between Paul's physical confinement ("his lodging") and the expansive, liberating message he proclaims ("the kingdom of God," "concerning Jesus"), illustrating that the Word of God is not chained. The detailed description of Paul's method—"expounded and testified," "persuading," and drawing from "the law of Moses, and out of the prophets"—serves as a form of **Didacticism**, providing a model for effective evangelism rooted in biblical authority and persuasive communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:23 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of the Gospel message and the unwavering commitment required for its proclamation. Theologically, it reaffirms that Jesus is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowed and prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Paul's method of reasoning from the Law and the Prophets underscores the continuity of God's revelation across the testaments, demonstrating that Christianity is not a radical departure from Judaism but its divinely intended fulfillment. The emphasis on "the kingdom of God" connects Paul's ministry directly to Jesus' own central message, highlighting that God's sovereign rule is now actively breaking into the world through Christ. This scene also exemplifies the divine paradox of God's power working through human weakness and constraint, as Paul's imprisonment paradoxically becomes a platform for the Gospel's advancement.

* [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")
* [Romans 1:2](/romans/1-2 "Romans 1:2 - The Gospel Promised in the Scriptures")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:23 offers a profound model for contemporary believers, challenging us to re-evaluate our own commitment to sharing the Gospel. Paul's tireless dedication, preaching "from morning till evening" despite his chains, serves as a powerful reminder that circumstances should not dictate our spiritual fervor. His approach—systematically expounding the Kingdom of God and persuasively testifying about Jesus, all rooted in the entirety of God's Word—highlights the importance of both intellectual rigor and heartfelt conviction in our witness. We are called not merely to present facts but to engage in genuine persuasion, appealing to both mind and heart. This verse encourages us to be diligent students of Scripture, able to connect the Old Testament's promises with their fulfillment in Christ, thereby demonstrating the coherence and truth of our faith. Ultimately, it inspires us to seize every available opportunity, regardless of personal limitations or societal constraints, to make known the life-transforming message of Jesus and His Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's "from morning till evening" dedication challenge my own commitment to sharing the Gospel in my daily life?**
* **In what ways can I better "expound and testify" about the Kingdom of God and Jesus, drawing from the entirety of Scripture?**
* **What does it mean for me to "persuade" others concerning Jesus, and how can I do so with both conviction and compassion?**
* **How can I view my own limitations or challenging circumstances as potential platforms for advancing the Gospel, rather than hindrances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul focus on "the law of Moses, and out of the prophets" when speaking about Jesus?**

Answer: Paul's focus on "the law of Moses, and out of the prophets" (the Old Testament) was crucial because his primary audience in this instance was the Jewish community in Rome. For them, these Scriptures were the authoritative Word of God, containing the promises of a Messiah and the framework of God's covenant with Israel. Paul's strategy was to demonstrate that Jesus was not a new, foreign deity or a break from their heritage, but rather the very fulfillment of what their own sacred texts had foretold. By expounding from these familiar Scriptures, he sought to show the continuity of God's plan and the logical necessity of Jesus as the promised Messiah, thereby "persuading them concerning Jesus" based on their own foundational beliefs. This method was consistent with how Jesus Himself explained His mission to His disciples on the road to Emmaus, showing them "that all things which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me, must be fulfilled" ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 28:23 resounds with Christ-centered fulfillment, as Paul's entire day-long discourse was dedicated to "persuading them concerning Jesus" by demonstrating how He is the culmination of all that was written "out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets." This highlights the profound truth that the entire Old Testament narrative, from the covenant promises in [Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis - The Book of Beginnings") to the prophetic visions in [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah - The Book of Prophecy"), points forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's exposition would have revealed how the sacrificial system of the Law foreshadowed Jesus, the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and how the prophetic utterances concerning a suffering servant and reigning king found their perfect embodiment in Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The "kingdom of God" that Paul expounded is fully realized in Jesus, who inaugurated this kingdom through His earthly ministry ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins Preaching the Kingdom")) and continues to expand it through His church. Thus, Paul's tireless ministry in Rome was not merely about historical facts, but about unveiling the living Christ as the interpretive key to all of Scripture, inviting his hearers into the redemptive reality of God's rule established through His Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into the Kingdom of His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 19:8

¶ And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Acts 17:2

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Acts 17:3

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Acts 18:28

For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Luke 24:26

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Luke 24:27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Acts 26:22

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: