How can Isaiah's prophecy in Acts 28:25 guide our evangelistic efforts today? Setting the Scene in Acts 28 • Paul is under house arrest in Rome, sharing Jesus with Jewish leaders. • “They disagreed with one another and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: ‘The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers through Isaiah the prophet:’ ” (Acts 28:25). • Paul then quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, declaring that some hearts would stay hardened. The Holy Spirit Still Speaks through Scripture • Acts 28:25 shows Paul grounding his message in Isaiah and attributing it to the Spirit Himself. • Evangelism today stays anchored in God-breathed Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). • Confidence: the same Spirit who inspired Isaiah now empowers our witness (Acts 1:8). Expect Mixed Responses, but Speak Anyway • Isaiah’s prophecy foretells both hearing and rejection (Acts 28:26-27). • 2 Corinthians 2:14-16—our message is “an aroma of life” to some and of judgment to others. • Knowing this reality protects us from discouragement when some walk away. Rely on the Spirit, Not Persuasion Alone • Human eloquence cannot soften a calloused heart; only the Spirit grants understanding (John 16:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14). • We sow; God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Pray and proclaim; let the Spirit convict and convert. Move Forward When Hearts Remain Hard • Paul turns to the Gentiles: “God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” (Acts 28:28). • If one field proves resistant, seek the next door the Lord opens (Matthew 10:14; Ezekiel 3:11). • Faithfulness, not results, marks fruitful evangelism. Gentiles in View: The Gospel for All • Isaiah hinted at a worldwide mission (Isaiah 49:6). • Romans 1:16—“first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” • Cross-cultural outreach flows naturally from Isaiah’s prophecy and Paul’s example. Speak with Clarity and Urgency • Paul’s blunt citation of Isaiah shows loving honesty about judgment and grace. • Our message must include both sin and salvation (Acts 17:30-31). • Clear truth allows hearers to make informed, Spirit-led decisions. Cultivate a Servant’s Heart • Paul preached under chains yet with joy (Philippians 1:12-14). • A life that matches the gospel reinforces the message (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Humility and compassion keep us approachable even when proclaiming hard truths. Practical Takeaways for Today • Stay Word-centered: quote and explain Scripture, trusting its power. • Pray for open hearts, but be prepared for resistance. • Share widely; if a door shuts, follow God’s leading to new audiences. • Present the full counsel of God—sin, judgment, mercy, and faith in Christ. • Rely on the Spirit’s work; our role is faithful proclamation. |
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