What methods did Paul use to "persuade them about Jesus" in Acts 28:23? Setting the Scene (Acts 28:23) “From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.” Paul’s Persuasion Toolbox • Scriptural exposition—he “expounded” (διεξέτιθε) the Scriptures, unfolding the text verse by verse. • Personal testimony—he “testified” (διαμαρτύρομαι), speaking as a firsthand witness of the risen Lord (cf. Acts 22:6-21). • Logical reasoning—he “persuaded” (πείθω), presenting ordered arguments rather than mere assertions (cf. Acts 17:2-3). • Prophetic fulfillment—he proved that Jesus matches every messianic promise “from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.” • Kingdom framework—he set Jesus’ work inside the grand narrative of God’s reign, giving listeners a sweeping, hope-filled context. • Patient, all-day dialogue—“from morning till evening,” allowing questions, objections, and careful answers. • Hospitable environment—meeting “at his lodging,” creating a relaxed setting where truth could be heard without courtroom tension. Grounding Everything in Scripture • Law of Moses: Genesis 3:15; Deuteronomy 18:15; Numbers 21:8-9 (cf. John 3:14-15). • Prophets: Isaiah 53; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Micah 5:2; Daniel 7:13-14. • Pattern echoed elsewhere: – Acts 17:2-3 “Paul reasoned… explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise…” – Acts 26:22-23 “saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen.” • Jesus modeled this method: Luke 24:27 “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written about Himself in all the Scriptures.” Framing Jesus within the Kingdom of God • Paul linked messianic promises to the present offer of God’s reign (Acts 19:8; 20:25). • This kingdom focus kept the message from sounding like a novel sect; it was the fulfillment and climax of Israel’s story (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7). Patient, All-Day Engagement • Length signaled respect for his audience’s questions and the weight of the subject. • Modeled the perseverance commended in 2 Timothy 4:2 “be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with great patience and instruction.” A Testimony, Not Just a Lecture • Personal encounter with Christ (Acts 22; 26) validated his exegesis. • 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 shows the blend of “received” Scripture and eyewitness accounts. Results and Continuing Pattern • Some were convinced, others disbelieved (Acts 28:24). The method faithfully honored God’s word regardless of outcome. • Modern proclamation remains anchored in these same elements: thorough Scripture, clear reasoning, Christ-centered fulfillment, and patient, relational engagement empowered by the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5). |
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