What can we learn from Acts 28:29 about responding to God's Word today? Setting the Scene “When he had stated these things, the Jews departed, having great reasoning among themselves.” — Acts 28:29 Paul has just quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 and announced, “Therefore let it be known to you that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen” (v. 28). Verse 29 captures the immediate response: the listeners walk away and argue, rather than embrace the message. What Their Reaction Reveals • They left the place where the Word was being proclaimed. • They argued with one another instead of seeking the Lord. • They fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of hearts grown dull (Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:15). Debate vs. Obedience • God’s Word is “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). It calls for surrender, not merely discussion. • James 1:22 warns, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Endless reasoning can feel spiritually safe, yet it delays obedience. Lessons for Today 1. Listen with a yielded heart – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). – Settle in advance that Scripture is true; then hear it as marching orders. 2. Act promptly on what you understand – The Bereans were commended because they “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). – Immediate obedience guards against the drift of procrastination. 3. Stay in fellowship where the Word is taught – The Jews’ first step away from truth was a literal step out the door. – Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to meet together so we can “stir one another to love and good works.” 4. Avoid endless argument that masks unbelief – 2 Timothy 3:7 describes people “always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” – Healthy discussion tests understanding; unhealthy debate resists submission. 5. Welcome the wideness of God’s salvation – Paul’s declaration that “the Gentiles … will listen” (v. 28) reminds us to rejoice when the gospel reaches unexpected people (Romans 10:12-13). – Guard against jealousy or exclusivism that shuts others out. Putting It Into Practice • Start each day by reading Scripture with the intent to obey one clear directive. • Replace fruitless arguments with prayerful study and humble listening. • Celebrate testimonies of God’s work in lives different from your own. • Keep short accounts with God—repent quickly when the Word exposes sin. • Encourage fellow believers to act on truth rather than merely discuss it. Living Response Acts 28:29 shows a fork in the road: walk away debating, or stay and believe. Choose to be among those who listen, receive, and respond—so the Word accomplishes in you everything God intends (Isaiah 55:11). |
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