Acts 28 - If you were on trial for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Acts 28 - NIV

Enduring Word Commentary

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. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’

28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Paul finally reached his final destination in Rome. Though he was under house arrest, he was still allowed to speak to the Jews, who were gathered in Rome. They actually came to him to listen to him. Paul shared the message of Christ literally all day long. As usual, he connected the Old Testament, as summarized by the Law and the Prophets, to Jesus. The text says he, "Tried to persuade them". 

Though we can never force someone to believe, or argue them into the kingdom, it doesn't mean we can't be persuasive in our witness for Christ. As we have seen all along. the New Testament has given us many reasons to believe Jesus was and is the Messiah. It is real evidence not just wishful thinking!

As Josh McDowell has written in his famous book, "Evidence that Demands a Verdict", "Christianity is not a religion. Religion is humans trying to work their way to God... Christianity is God coming to men and women."

Evidence that Demands a Verdict

The response was mixed. Some were convinced. Paul's persuasive arguments about the truth of Jesus combined with the power of the Holy Spirit were a dynamic duo. But, "Others would not believe!" 

I think the statement says a lot. There are some people who can be given all of the compelling information in the world about why Jesus is truly the Son of God and the Savior of the world, and they will still refuse to believe. Why? As Isaiah the prophet said in the Old Testament,

"You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." From Isaiah 6:9-10

We know the devil is also at work blinding the minds of unbelievers. As the parable of the sower and the seed says, "the devil snatches up the seed before it can take root" The seed Jesus teaches, represents the Word of God. The purpose of the Word of God is to reveal salvation in Christ! 

"And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

At this point that Paul felt like his duty to preach to his Jewish brothers and sisters had been fulfilled. He had gone to the furthermost place in the world known to him when he reached Rome. He presented the gospel with clarity and conviction. Though he will never lose hope for the salvation of His Jewish brothers and sisters, his focus from now on will be on the Gentiles. 

One of the best quotes given by Billy Graham was, 

"If you were on trial for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?" 

Jesus, thank you for the convincing proofs you have given us that you are the only Son of God, who died for the sins of the world and then rose from the dead! As we both proclaim and live out your gospel may you bring people whose hearts are open to the truth! Amen. 






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