How does Acts 28:23 connect with Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of God?

Setting the Stage in Acts 28:23

• “He expounded to them from morning till evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.” (Acts 28:23)

• Paul—imprisoned yet unhindered—gathers Rome’s Jewish leaders and centers the discussion on two inseparable truths:

– the kingdom of God

– Jesus as its promised King, proven from Scripture

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Paul Echoes Jesus’ Core Message

• Jesus launched His public ministry with: “The time is fulfilled… the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15)

• Throughout His earthly ministry He “went through cities and villages, proclaiming and preaching the good news of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 8:1)

• After His resurrection He spent forty days “speaking about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3)

• Paul’s teaching in Acts 28:23 mirrors these emphases, showing continuity between the earthly ministry of Jesus and the apostolic proclamation.

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Key Parallels with Jesus’ Teachings

• Same content:

– Jesus: Kingdom message + call to repentance (Mark 1:15).

– Paul: Kingdom explanation + call to believe in Jesus (Acts 28:23–24).

• Same Scriptural foundation:

– Jesus opened “Moses and all the Prophets” to show they testify about Him (Luke 24:27, 44).

– Paul uses exactly “the Law of Moses and the Prophets” to do the same (Acts 28:23).

• Same audience focus:

– Jesus first to “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24) yet anticipating Gentile inclusion (Matthew 8:11).

– Paul begins with Jewish leaders, then extends to Gentiles (Acts 28:28).

• Same kingdom nature: present yet future.

– Jesus: “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:21) and will come in fullness (Luke 22:18).

– Paul: proclaims the present reign of the risen Christ (Acts 28:31) and the hope of future consummation (Acts 17:31).

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Old Testament Foundation Affirmed

• Genesis 12:3—promise of blessing to all nations.

• 2 Samuel 7:12-13—Davidic throne forever.

• Isaiah 9:6-7—Messiah’s everlasting government.

• Daniel 7:13-14—Son of Man given an eternal kingdom.

• Paul and Jesus both ground the kingdom message in these prophecies, affirming Scripture’s unity and literal reliability.

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Implications for Today’s Disciple

• The kingdom remains the central storyline of God’s redemptive plan—Jesus reigns now and will reign openly over all creation.

• Gospel proclamation must weave together who Jesus is and what the kingdom means, just as Paul modeled.

• Confidence in Scripture’s accuracy fuels bold witness; if Moses and the Prophets point to Christ, so should every study and conversation.