So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. So they set a day to meet with Paul,The Jewish leaders in Rome arranged a formal meeting with Paul, showing that his message deserved careful hearing. Though held under Roman guard while awaiting trial before Caesar, Paul was permitted to receive visitors in his rented lodging. Act 25:22-23 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear… and many people came to the place he was staying. A large gathering of Jews came to hear Paul’s defense of the gospel. His confinement did not hinder Christ’s mission; the apostle’s home became a place of witness, instruction, and earnest discussion. Mrk 2:1-2 A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum.… He expounded to them from morning to evening, Paul devoted an entire day to explaining the truth with patience and thoroughness. His teaching was not a brief appeal but a sustained presentation designed to answer objections and call his hearers to faith. Luk 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,… testifying about the kingdom of God Paul proclaimed God’s saving reign established through Jesus Christ. The kingdom promised in Israel’s Scriptures had come in the Messiah and would reach its fullness when Christ returns. Act 20:25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached… and persuading them about Jesus Paul testified that Jesus is the crucified and risen Messiah, the One through whom forgiveness, salvation, and entrance into God’s kingdom are given. He appealed to both the evidence of Scripture and the necessity of personal faith. Act 18:28 For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate,… from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. The whole witness of the Old Testament pointed forward to Christ. By beginning with the Scriptures his listeners honored, Paul showed that faith in Jesus was not a rejection of God’s revelation to Israel but its promised fulfillment. Luk 24:44 Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you… Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who is under house arrest in Rome, continuing his mission to preach the Gospel. 2. Rome The city where Paul is staying, a significant center of the ancient world and the heart of the Roman Empire. 3. Jewish Leaders The group of people Paul is addressing, who are interested in hearing his message about Jesus. 4. The Law of Moses and the Prophets The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) that Paul uses to explain and persuade about Jesus. 5. The Kingdom of God A central theme of Paul's teaching, referring to God's sovereign rule and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus. Teaching Points The Importance of Scripture in EvangelismPaul uses the Law of Moses and the Prophets to explain Jesus, highlighting the importance of knowing and using Scripture in sharing the Gospel. Perseverance in Ministry Despite being under house arrest, Paul continues to preach from morning to evening, demonstrating dedication and perseverance in ministry. The Centrality of the Kingdom of God Paul's focus on the Kingdom of God reminds us of the overarching account of God's redemptive plan through Jesus. Engaging with Different Audiences Paul tailors his message to his Jewish audience by using familiar Scriptures, teaching us to consider our audience when sharing the Gospel. The Role of Prophecy in Affirming Jesus as Messiah By using the Prophets, Paul shows how prophecy confirms Jesus' identity, encouraging us to understand and share these connections. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Paul's use of the Law of Moses and the Prophets in Acts 28:23 enhance our understanding of Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?2. In what ways can we apply Paul's perseverance in ministry to our own lives, especially when facing challenges or opposition? 3. How can we effectively use Scripture to engage with people from different backgrounds or beliefs, as Paul did with the Jewish leaders? 4. What does the concept of the Kingdom of God mean to you, and how does it influence your daily life and priorities? 5. How can understanding the prophetic connections between the Old and New Testaments strengthen our faith and witness to others? Connections to Other Scriptures Luke 24:27Jesus explains to His disciples how the Scriptures (Law of Moses and the Prophets) point to Him, similar to Paul's approach in Acts 28:23. Acts 17:2-3 Paul uses the Scriptures to reason with the Jews in Thessalonica, showing a consistent method in his ministry. Isaiah 53 Often cited by early Christians, including Paul, to demonstrate the prophetic foretelling of Jesus' suffering and role as the Messiah. Romans 1:16 Paul expresses his commitment to preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, reflecting his actions in Acts 28:23. Matthew 5:17 Jesus speaks about fulfilling the Law and the Prophets, which aligns with Paul's message about Jesus in Acts 28:23. People Esaias, Isaiah, Paul, PubliusPlaces Alexandria, Forum of Appius, Jerusalem, Judea, Malta, Puteoli, Rhegium, Rome, Syracuse, Three TavernsTopics Appointed, Arranged, Considerable, Convince, Declared, Discussions, Early, Earnestness, Endeavouring, Entertaining, Evening, Explained, Explaining, Expounded, Expounding, Fixed, Friends, Fully, Giving, Kingdom, Large, Larger, Law, Lodging, Matter, Meet, Morning, Numbers, Paul, Persuade, Persuading, Prophets, Reign, Solemn, Solemnly, Staying, Subject, Teaching, Testified, Testifying, Till, Tried, Trying, WitnessDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 28:23 2376 kingdom of God, coming 4263 Rome Library After the Wreck'And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2. And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Last Glimpse of Paul Paul in Rome On Faith Pastoral and Personal The Supremacy of Christ The Apostle's Position and Circumstances The New Name of Methodism Wesley in Wales The Theme of Acts Lix. What was Learned in God's House. Isaiah vi. The Church of Jerusalem and the Labors of Peter. Quotations from the Old Testament in the New. Chronology of the Apostolic Age. Mission and Return of the Seventy. Ancient Versions of the Old Testament. Preaching (iii. ). Divine Healing. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles. First Missionary Journey Scripture The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus. Interpretation of Prophecy. The Epistles of Paul. Links Acts 28:23 NIVActs 28:23 NLT Acts 28:23 ESV Acts 28:23 NASB Acts 28:23 KJV Acts 28:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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