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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Acts 28:23 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Acts, showcasing the Apostle Paul's unyielding commitment to proclaiming the Gospel even while under house arrest in Rome. This verse encapsulates his persistent ministry, demonstrating how the message of Christ reached the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling the trajectory of Acts.

Context

Having arrived in Rome as a prisoner, as detailed in Acts 28:16, Paul immediately sought to engage with the Jewish leaders there. They agreed to meet him, and on the appointed day, many came to his lodging. This setting highlights Paul's continued mission to the Jews first, before turning fully to the Gentiles, a pattern seen throughout his ministry (e.g., Acts 13:46). Despite his chains, his spirit remained free to preach the Word of God, culminating in two full years of open ministry as recorded in Acts 28:30-31.

Key Themes

  • The Kingdom of God: Paul's central message, mirroring the focus of Jesus' own earthly ministry (e.g., Luke 4:43). This refers to God's sovereign rule, manifested through Christ, encompassing salvation and eternal life.
  • Christ as the Fulfillment of Scripture: Paul's method was to "expound and testify" concerning Jesus, drawing directly from "the law of Moses, and the prophets." This underscores the belief that the entire Old Testament points to Christ and is fulfilled in Him. Paul was not introducing a new religion but revealing the culmination of God's plan. This echoes Jesus' own explanation of the Scriptures on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27). Paul's approach of reasoning from the Scriptures was consistent throughout his missionary journeys, as seen in places like Acts 17:2-3.
  • Diligence and Perseverance: The phrase "from morning till evening" emphasizes Paul's tireless dedication. His commitment to sharing the truth was unwavering, regardless of personal discomfort or legal constraints.
  • Evangelistic Persuasion: Paul was "persuading them concerning Jesus." This wasn't merely information dissemination but a heartfelt effort to convince his audience of the truth of the Gospel through reasoned argument and testimony.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used here offer deeper meaning:

  • "Expounded" translates from διετίθετο (dietitheto), meaning to set out in order, to explain thoroughly, or to arrange a covenant. This suggests a systematic and comprehensive presentation of the Gospel.
  • "Testified" comes from διαμαρτυρόμενος (diamartyromenos), which implies bearing solemn witness or earnestly affirming. It conveys a strong, emphatic declaration of truth.
  • "Persuading" is from πείθων (peithon), meaning to convince, to win over by argument or entreaty. Paul's goal was not just to inform but to lead to belief.

Practical Application

Acts 28:23 serves as a powerful model for believers today. It reminds us:

  • The Gospel message, centered on the power of Christ and the Kingdom of God, remains timeless and relevant.
  • Understanding and utilizing the whole Bible (Old and New Testaments) is crucial for effective evangelism and discipleship. The Old Testament provides the foundation and prophetic context for Jesus' identity and mission.
  • Diligence and perseverance in sharing our faith are vital. Paul's example encourages us to seize every opportunity to bear witness to Christ, regardless of our circumstances. Even in confinement, Paul's ministry flourished, demonstrating how his imprisonment advanced the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-14).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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