What historical context influenced the differing reactions in Acts 28:24? Acts 28:24—Text “Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe.” Immediate Narrative Setting Paul, under house arrest in Rome (ca. AD 60–62), invites the leading men of the Jewish community to his lodging (Acts 28:17–23). 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” (v. 23). The result: divided reaction—Acts 28:24. Size and History of the Roman Jewish Community 1. Population and Synagogues • Estimates place Rome’s Jewish population at 40,000–50,000 by the mid-1st century, clustered in Transtiberim and Aventine districts. • Multiple synagogues existed, each reflecting geographic origins (e.g., Synagogue of the Libertines; cf. inscriptions in the Monteverde catacombs). 2. Recent Expulsion and Return • Emperor Claudius expelled Jews “because they were continually rioting at the instigation of Chrestus” (Suetonius, Claudius 25; cf. Acts 18:2). • After Claudius’ death (AD 54), Nero allowed their return. The memory of forced exile heightened caution toward any teaching that might provoke imperial scrutiny. Theological Factions within Diaspora Judaism 1. Pharisaic Majority—valued Torah-centric tradition and oral law. 2. Sadducean Minority—priestly aristocracy, skeptical of resurrection. 3. Apocalyptic Sects—Essenes and “Fourth Philosophy” (Zealots), emphasizing imminent divine intervention. 4. Proselytes and God-fearers—Gentiles affiliated with synagogues, often more open to messianic claims (Acts 13:48). Messianic Expectations and their Tensions Second-Temple texts (Dead Sea Scrolls 4Q521; Psalms of Solomon 17) anticipated a conquering Davidic Messiah purging Rome. Paul’s presentation of a crucified yet risen Messiah fulfilling Isaiah 53 contradicted prevailing hopes and provoked selective acceptance. Paul’s Legal Status and Perceived Credibility Although chained to a soldier (Acts 28:20), Paul’s appeal to Caesar granted a measure of honor. Still, accusations from Jerusalem (Acts 24–26) cast suspicion. Some Roman Jews viewed him as a self-defending defendant rather than a trustworthy rabbi. Hermeneutical Divide over Scripture Paul read the Tanakh christologically; his audience read it nationalistically. • Example: Isaiah 6:9–10—Paul cites it (vv. 26–27) to explain hardened hearts. • Those “convinced” recognized Isaiah’s pattern in their response; the rest fulfilled its warning. Sociopolitical Prudence Rome feared new movements fomenting unrest (Tacitus, Annals 15.44). Aligning with a sect whose founder was executed under Pontius Pilate (inscription discovered at Caesarea, 1961) risked surveillance. Some listeners chose unbelief to avoid destabilizing their precarious civic standing. Philosophical-Psychological Dynamics Behavioral science observes confirmation bias: evidence is filtered through prior commitments. Luke highlights volitional culpability—“others refused to believe.” The Greek ἠπίστουν (“were disbelieving”) carries connotations of obstinate refusal, not mere intellectual hesitation. Eyewitness Evidence of the Resurrection Presented Paul’s rehearsed data (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) aligned with the early creed universally dated within five years of the crucifixion. Some accepted these historical claims; others dismissed them despite multiple attestation (empty tomb narratives, James’s conversion, 500 witnesses). Archaeological Corroborations for Acts’ Reliability • Gallio Inscription (Delphi, AD 51) anchors Acts 18 chronologically, supporting Luke’s historical precision leading up to Acts 28. • Rome’s Horrea Galbae ostraca list Jewish names from the correct period. • Catacomb graffiti (e.g., Domitilla) include earliest Christian symbol use, showing Christian presence consistent with Acts’ outcome (Acts 28:30–31). Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Luke frames the mixed reaction within God’s providence: Jewish rejection catalyzes Gentile mission (v. 28). The Isaiah quotation shows God foreknowing hardness yet still offering grace. Implications for Evangelism Today Expect varied responses to the gospel; persuasion employs Scripture, evidence, and patient reasoning. Conversion ultimately requires the Spirit’s illumination; rejection stems from hardened will, not lack of proof. Summary Differing reactions in Acts 28:24 arose from a complex blend of: • Diverse intra-Jewish factions and messianic hopes. • Recent political trauma under Claudius and ongoing fear under Nero. • Conflicting hermeneutics of the Hebrew Scriptures. • Social risk attached to embracing a crucified-and-risen Messiah. • Spiritual receptivity versus willful unbelief, foretold by Isaiah and confirmed by behavioral observation. The historical texture surrounding Paul’s final recorded synagogue encounter explains why “some were convinced … but others refused to believe,” vindicating both Luke’s accuracy and the prophetic coherence of Scripture. |
    |