Acts 28:29


King James Bible
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

New King James Version
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

New American Standard Bible


NASB 1995
When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

NASB 1977
[And when he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

Legacy Standard Bible
[When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

Amplified Bible
[And when he had said these things, the Jews left, arguing among themselves.]

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After he said these things, the Jews departed, while engaging in a prolonged debate among themselves.

American Standard Version
- - -

English Revised Version


New Heart English Bible
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

Weymouth New Testament
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And when he had said these things, the Jews went away, disputing sharply among themselves.

World English Bible
When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
[[and he having said these things, the Jews went away, having much debate among themselves;]]

Young's Literal Translation
and he having said these things, the Jews went away, having much disputation among themselves;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he having said these things, the Jews departed, having much discussion in themselves.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had said these things, the Jews went out from him, having much reasoning among themselves.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had said these things, the Jews went away from him, though they still had many questions among themselves.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed arguing much among themselves.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he had said these things, the Jews went forth and many were debating among themselves.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, and had great disputation among themselves.

Godbey New Testament


Haweis New Testament
And when he had thus spoken, the Jews went away, and had much disputing among themselves.

Mace New Testament
[ having said this, the Jews went out, warmly debating it among themselves.]

Weymouth New Testament


Worrell New Testament
OMITTED TEXT.

Worsley New Testament
And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, having much debate among themselves.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Preaches at Rome
……

Cross References
Isaiah 6:9-10
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Matthew 13:14-15
In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; 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.’

John 12:39-40
For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: / “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”

Romans 11:8
as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”

Romans 11:25
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

Mark 4:12
so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’”

Luke 8:10
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’

John 9:39-41
Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

Romans 9:30-33
What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; / but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, ...

Romans 10:19-21
I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.” / And Isaiah boldly says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.” / But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

1 Corinthians 1:23
but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

2 Corinthians 3:14-16
But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. / But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Hebrews 3:7-11
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, / where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works. ...

Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.

Isaiah 42:18-20
Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see! / Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? / Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”


Treasury of Scripture

And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

great reasoning.

Acts 28:25
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

Matthew 10:34-36
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword…

Luke 12:51
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

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Acts 28
1. Paul, after his shipwreck, is kindly entertained on Malta.
5. The snake on his hand hurts him not.
8. He heals many diseases in the island.
11. They depart toward Rome.
17. He declares to the Jews the cause of his coming.
24. After his preaching some were persuaded, and some believed not.
30. Yet he preaches there two years.














And when he had said these things
This phrase refers to the conclusion of Paul's defense and explanation of the Gospel to the Jewish leaders in Rome. Paul had been under house arrest, awaiting trial before Caesar, and took this opportunity to preach to the Jews. His message centered on the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the salvation available to both Jews and Gentiles. This moment is significant as it marks the culmination of Paul's efforts to reach his own people with the message of Christ, as seen throughout the Book of Acts.

the Jews went away
The departure of the Jews signifies their reaction to Paul's message. Throughout Acts, Jewish audiences often had mixed responses to the Gospel. In this context, their leaving indicates a rejection or at least a reluctance to accept Paul's teachings. This reflects a broader pattern seen in the New Testament, where the Jewish people, as a nation, often struggled to accept Jesus as the Messiah, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 6:9-10, which Paul quotes earlier in Acts 28:26-27.

disputing sharply among themselves
The sharp dispute among the Jews highlights the division and controversy that the message of Jesus often caused. This internal conflict is reminiscent of other instances in Acts where the Gospel led to debate and division, such as in Acts 17:4-5 in Thessalonica. Theologically, this division can be seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' own words in Matthew 10:34-36, where He stated that He came not to bring peace, but a sword, indicating that His message would divide even close relationships. This division also underscores the transformative and challenging nature of the Gospel, which calls for a radical rethinking of traditional beliefs and practices.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
- The apostle who is under house arrest in Rome, continuing to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

2. The Jews
- A group of Jewish leaders in Rome who came to hear Paul’s message about Jesus and the Kingdom of God.

3. Rome
- The capital of the Roman Empire, where Paul is held under house arrest, yet freely preaching and teaching.

4. Paul's Preaching
- The event where Paul explains the Gospel, leading to a division among the Jewish listeners.

5. Great Reasoning
- The intense discussion and debate among the Jews after hearing Paul's message.
Teaching Points
The Power of the Gospel
Despite opposition, the Gospel continues to be preached. We should be bold in sharing our faith, trusting in its power to transform lives.

Engaging with Skeptics
Like Paul, we should be prepared to reason and engage thoughtfully with those who question or oppose our beliefs.

The Role of Prophecy
Understanding and using prophecy can be a powerful tool in explaining the Gospel and God's plan throughout history.

Dealing with Division
Division and debate can arise when the truth is presented. We should remain steadfast and patient, trusting God to work in hearts.

The Importance of Perseverance
Paul’s example of perseverance under house arrest encourages us to remain faithful in our witness, regardless of circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 28:29?

2. How does Acts 28:29 emphasize the importance of listening to God's message?

3. What can we learn from Acts 28:29 about responding to God's Word today?

4. How does Acts 28:29 connect with Jesus' teachings on hearing and understanding?

5. How can Acts 28:29 inspire us to share the Gospel with others?

6. In what ways does Acts 28:29 challenge our personal commitment to evangelism?

7. Why is Acts 28:29 missing in some Bible translations?

8. How does Acts 28:29 impact the understanding of Paul's ministry?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 28:29?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 28?

11. Who were the Hellenistic Jews in the Bible?

12. In Matthew 8:28-34, why did a whole herd of pigs rush into the sea after being possessed by demons, and is there any historical or archaeological clue that such a dramatic event occurred?

13. Romans 10:4: If Christ ends the law, why do later passages still emphasize certain aspects of Old Testament regulations?

14. Isaiah 29:14 proclaims a 'marvelous work' nullifying human wisdom; is there verifiable evidence or historical fulfillment supporting this claim?
What Does Acts 28:29 Mean
Setting the scene

Paul is under house arrest in Rome but still freely preaching. Earlier in the chapter he “was explaining and testifying about the kingdom of God” to the local Jewish leaders (Acts 28:23). Many hours of teaching, capped by Isaiah 6:9-10, led to a split reaction—“some were convinced…others refused to believe” (Acts 28:24). Verse 28 declares, “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” Against that backdrop we arrive at Acts 28:29: “After he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, and they engaged in deep discussion among themselves.”


What the verse actually says

• “After he had spoken these words” ties the departure directly to Paul’s citation of Isaiah and his announcement that the gospel would go to the Gentiles.

• “The Jews departed” shows a decisive break—no more dialogue with Paul that day.

• They left “engaged in deep discussion,” or “sharply disputing,” indicating serious division. Similar reactions surface in John 7:43 and John 10:19 whenever Jesus’ claims confronted entrenched expectations.


Why the dispute mattered

Isaiah 6:9-10 foretold spiritual dullness among many in Israel; Paul’s use of that prophecy (Acts 28:26-27) immediately triggered the split described in verse 29.

• Earlier flashpoints follow the same pattern: Acts 13:45-46; Acts 17:5. Rejection by some Jews never nullifies God’s promises (Romans 11:1), yet it opens fresh avenues for Gentile inclusion (Romans 11:11-12).

• Luke’s wording underscores the literal fulfillment of prophetic Scripture—division, not universal rejection. Some Jews believed (e.g., Acts 28:24; Acts 17:4), preserving the remnant foretold in Romans 11:5.


Implications for Israel and the nations

• Verse 29 pivots to Acts 28:30-31, where Paul spends two more years “proclaiming the kingdom of God…with all boldness and without hindrance.” The gospel advances, just as Jesus promised in Acts 1:8.

• The disputed departure validates Jesus’ earlier words about bringing division (Luke 12:51-53) and Simeon’s prophecy that He would cause “the rise and fall of many in Israel” (Luke 2:34).

• For Gentile readers, Paul’s announcement in verse 28, affirmed by the dispute in verse 29, signals open access to the same covenant blessings promised in Isaiah 49:6.


Personal takeaways

• Truth often provokes division; fidelity to Scripture requires courage as modeled by Paul (2 Timothy 4:2).

• Disagreement does not derail God’s plan; it clarifies hearts, revealing who will receive the word with faith (Acts 13:48).

• The gospel remains for “the Jew first, and then the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Our task is simply to present it clearly and let God handle the results (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).


summary

Acts 28:29 records the immediate fallout of Paul’s final appeal to Rome’s Jewish leaders. His citation of Isaiah’s warning and his declaration that salvation is now going to the Gentiles prompt the group to leave in heated debate. The verse highlights three key truths: Scripture is fulfilled exactly, the gospel’s offer divides audiences, and God uses that division to propel His mission forward.

(29) And when he had said these words . . .--The whole verse is wanting in many of the earliest MSS. and versions. It may have been inserted, either by a transcriber, or by the historian himself in a revised copy in order to avoid the apparent abruptness of the transition from Acts 28:28-30. As far as it goes it confirms the statement of Acts 28:24-25, that some of those who had listened were converted.

Verse 29 (A.V.). - This verse is entirely wanting in the R.T. and R.V. It is omitted in many good manuscripts and versions. It is condemned by Grotius, Mill, Tischendorf, Lachmann, and others; but is not absolutely rejected by Meyer, Alford, Plumptre, and others. Great reasoning (πολλὴν συζήτησιν see Acts 15:2, 7; and Luke 22:23; Luke 24:15; Acts 6:9; Acts 9:29). The phrase is in St. Luke's style, and the statement seems necessary to complete the narrative.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 847: He, she, it, they, them, same.

having said
εἰπόντος (eipontos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command.

these things,
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: The, the definite article.

Jews
Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish.

went away,
ἀπῆλθον (apēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 565: To come or go away from, depart, return, arrive, go after, follow.

having
ἔχοντες (echontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess.

much
πολλὴν (pollēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

reasoning
συζήτησιν (syzētēsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4803: Mutual questioning, disputation.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among.

themselves.
ἑαυτοῖς (heautois)
Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.


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Acts 28:28
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