Some Believe, Some Don't! - Acts 28

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” 23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 

At the end of the book of Acts, Paul finally makes it to his final destination, the city of Rome.  Paul had written a letter to the Roman Christians and when they knew he had come, they arranged to meet him. He was greatly encouraged by them, because he had never met them and it showed that God had used him to reach those he didn't even know.  It would sort of be like writing something on the internet, and someone you didn't know became a believer, and then you finally met them.

As Paul waited for his trial with Emperor Caesar, he was given many privileges.  He was free to live by himself with only one soldier to guard him.  Again, we see God watching over Paul's life.  He had delivered him safely to Rome, even after being bitten by deadly snakes on the island of Malta.  Now the news spread among the Jewish leaders.  Paul had come to Rome.  They knew about the "sect", which were the new Christians in Rome.  So Paul held court with them, and the number who came to listen to him increased each day.  Paul had a huge heart for his Jewish brothers as evidenced by his teaching them from morning until evening.  And what did he teach?

He spent his time connecting the Old Testament, which is always referred to the Law of Moses (Pentateuch - 1st five books of the bible), and the Prophets (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah ...).  Both foretold of Jesus' coming to the earth, as God's kingdom came on earth as it was in heaven.  Notice this is was the content Paul used to "persuade" them.  Paul used the Law and the Prophets to persuade them that they were written to lead people to Jesus the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets.  

What was the result?  They were divided.  Some were convinced, and we can assumed believed, and others did not believe Paul's message.  At this point he realized he had done all he could to reach his fellow Jews, and so he concluded he was not to go the Gentiles.  

What can we learn for this final chapter of Acts about the Apostle Paul?

1. God provided a way to bring the gospel to Rome through Paul through many trials and tribulations.  When God calls us he guides and protects us. As we trust him he will deliver us so we can do His will, which is to proclaim Christ.  

2. Paul's message centered on who Jesus is in light of the Old Testament revelation of God.  His message may have been more pertinent to Jews who knew the Old Testament, but this reminds us that we need both the Old and New Testament.  We don't have the New Testament without the Old Testament, so we should forget about the Law and the Prophets.

3. Finally, we see that Paul, one of the most persuasive speakers of all time, didn't reach all people.  Some believed and were persuaded, and others didn't. If this happened for Paul, and in fact Jesus too, we should not expect much different.  Our only responsibility is to preach and teach about Jesus, but only God can change a human heart can cause someone to come to faith in Christ.  

Paul's life challenges me to be more bold about my faith. It leads me to realize that if you follow God's lead in your life, he will open the doors for the gospel.  Our only responsibility is to preach and teach about Jesus, but only God can change a human heart can cause someone to come to faith in Christ.