Why did some believe Paul's message in Acts 28:24 while others did not? Text of Acts 28:24 “Some were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe.” Context in Rome (Acts 28:17-23, 25-31) Paul, under house arrest yet granted liberty to receive visitors, summoned local Jewish leaders. From morning till evening he “expounded to them, testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets” (v. 23). Their divided reaction (v. 24) sets the stage for the twin themes of fulfilled prophecy and the mystery of hardened hearts. Prophetic Fulfillment: Isaiah 6:9-10 Quoted (vv. 26-27) Paul applies Isaiah’s oracle: “Go to this people and say, ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding…’” . Isaiah foretold that some hearts would be “calloused.” Paul’s citation frames unbelief not as evidence against the gospel but as confirmation of Scripture’s accuracy (cf. John 12:37-41). Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Acts consistently portrays belief as a divine gift (13:48) and unbelief as willful rejection (7:51). God “opened Lydia’s heart to respond” (16:14), yet Felix “became afraid” and dismissed Paul (24:25). Both truths coexist: God grants illumination; people remain morally accountable (Romans 1:18-20). Covenantal Expectation and Messianic Misunderstanding First-century Jews anticipated a geopolitical deliverer. A crucified-and-risen Messiah, welcoming Gentiles as equal heirs, shattered cultural categories (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23). Those whose hope was nationalistic dismissed Paul; those who re-examined Scripture in light of Christ believed (Acts 17:11-12). Spiritual Agency: The Holy Spirit’s Conviction Jesus promised the Spirit would “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). In Acts, belief is tied to the Spirit’s internal work (2:37-41; 10:44-48). Absence of belief reflects resistance to this ministry (7:51). Method and Evidence Paul Presented 1. Torah and Prophets: messianic texts (Genesis 3:15; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Psalm 22; Isaiah 53; Daniel 9:24-27). 2. Eyewitness testimony of the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). 3. Verifiable miracles accompanying the apostolic mission (Romans 15:18-19). Historical verification—such as empty-tomb testimony by Jerusalem adversaries and early creedal material dated within five years of the crucifixion—provided objective grounding. Acceptance, however, still required submission to the Spirit. Parallels Throughout Acts • Pentecost: “about three thousand believed” (2:41) yet others mocked (2:13). • Pisidian Antioch: Gentiles rejoiced, “but the Jews incited the devout women” (13:45, 50). • Athens: “some joined and believed… others sneered” (17:32-34). Luke highlights a consistent pattern: identical evidence, divergent reception—explained by prophetic judgment and elective grace. Archaeological Corroboration • First-century synagogue inscriptions in Rome (Ostia, Trastevere) verify a substantial Jewish community consistent with Acts 28. • The Acts 28 title “first man of the island” (v. 7) for Publius on Malta is confirmed by a 2nd-century inscription using the term protos Melitios. Such confirmations support Luke’s reliability, removing rational barriers and leaving unbelief rooted in spiritual resistance. Modern Miraculous Continuity Documented healings—e.g., the 2003 peer-reviewed study of 24 instantaneous recoveries submitted to the Southern Medical Journal—mirror Acts’ signs (28:8-9). Miracles today, as then, function as attestations; but belief hinges on the heart’s posture, not on data alone (Luke 16:31). Summary Some believed Paul in Acts 28:24 because the Holy Spirit regenerated receptive hearts, Scripture’s messianic prophecies aligned with the resurrection evidence, intellectual honesty overcame social cost, and the persuasive integrity of apostolic testimony stood compelling. Others refused due to prophetic hardening, protection of identity, fear of repercussions, and suppression of revealed truth. The episode encapsulates the biblical teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, yet unbelief is a culpable dismissal of plainly presented, historically anchored, Spirit-empowered truth. |
    |