Acts 28:25
They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
They disagreed among themselves

Paul’s extended witness from the Law and the Prophets produced the same divided response seen throughout his ministry. Some were persuaded concerning Jesus, while others refused to believe, revealing that knowledge of Israel’s Scriptures did not guarantee a willing heart before God.

Jhn 7:43 So there was division in the crowd because of Jesus.
Jhn 9:16 Because of this, some of the Pharisees said…
Act 23:7 As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out…

and began to leave

The leaders departed without a united response to the gospel. Their departure marked a sober rejection of the apostolic testimony, though God’s word continued to bear fruit among those who received it.

Jhn 6:66 From that time on many of His disciples turned back…
Mrk 10:22 But the man was saddened by these words and went away…
Mat 19:22 When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow…

after Paul had made this final statement:

Paul concluded his recorded address to the Jewish leaders in Rome with a prophetic warning. Like the prophets before him, he spoke God’s truth plainly even when it exposed unbelief.

Act 20:25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached…
Act 18:6 But when they opposed and insulted him,…
Act 13:46-47 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly…

“The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke

Paul affirmed that Isaiah’s prophecy came from the Holy Spirit and remained fully authoritative. Israel’s earlier history interpreted the present response to Christ, showing the unity of God’s revelation.

Heb 3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear…”…
Heb 10:15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this.…
2Pe 1:21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will…

to your fathers

The warning addressed the leaders as heirs of the same covenant people who had repeatedly resisted God’s messengers. Their ancestry brought great privilege through the promises, worship, and Scriptures entrusted to Israel, but it also called for faith and obedience.

Heb 1:1 On many past occasions and in many different ways,…
Luk 1:55 as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham…
Luk 1:72 to show mercy to our fathers and to remember…

through Isaiah the prophet:

Paul introduced the words of Isaiah 6:9–10, spoken after Isaiah’s vision of the holy God. Isaiah had been sent to a people hardened by sin, yet his message also preserved hope in God’s promised Redeemer. The rejection of Jesus did not overturn God’s purposes; it confirmed what the prophets had foretold and opened the way for the gospel’s wider proclamation among the nations.

Jhn 12:39-41 For this reason they were unable to believe.…
Mat 13:14-15 In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled:…
Mrk 4:12 ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving’…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is speaking to the Jewish leaders in Rome. He is under house arrest but continues to preach the Gospel.

2. Jewish Leaders
The audience Paul is addressing. They are in Rome and have come to hear Paul's message about Jesus.

3. Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who inspired the prophets and is credited by Paul for speaking through Isaiah.

4. Isaiah the Prophet
An Old Testament prophet whose words are being quoted by Paul to make a point about the Jewish leaders' unbelief.

5. Rome
The city where Paul is under house arrest and where this event takes place.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is active in both the Old and New Testaments, guiding and speaking through the prophets. Believers today should seek the Spirit's guidance in understanding and applying Scripture.

The Danger of Spiritual Blindness
Just as the Jewish leaders were unable to see the truth of the Gospel, we must be vigilant against spiritual blindness in our own lives. Regular self-examination and prayer can help us remain open to God's truth.

The Importance of Scripture
Paul uses Scripture to make his point, showing its authority and relevance. We should also rely on Scripture as our foundation for truth and guidance.

Perseverance in Witnessing
Despite opposition and disagreement, Paul continues to witness. We are called to persevere in sharing the Gospel, trusting that God will work through our efforts.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The disagreement among the Jewish leaders serves as a reminder of the importance of unity. As believers, we should strive for unity in the Spirit, even amidst differing opinions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's use of Isaiah 6:9-10 in Acts 28:25 challenge us to examine our own spiritual openness to God's message?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our daily lives?

3. How can the example of Paul's perseverance in witnessing encourage us in our own efforts to share the Gospel?

4. What steps can we take to prevent spiritual blindness and ensure that we are receptive to God's truth?

5. How can we promote unity within our church or community, especially when disagreements arise?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 6:9-10
Paul quotes this passage to highlight the spiritual blindness and deafness of the people, a theme that is consistent throughout the Bible.

Matthew 13:14-15
Jesus also quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, showing the continuity of this message from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Hebrews 3:7-11
The writer of Hebrews references the Holy Spirit speaking through the prophets, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice.

John 12:37-41
John references Isaiah to explain the unbelief of the people despite Jesus' miracles, similar to Paul's point in Acts 28.
Panel's Visitors At RomeJ. Stalker, D. D.Acts 28:16-31
Paul At RomeA. Mitchell, D. D.Acts 28:16-31
Paul At RomeS. L. B. Spears.Acts 28:16-31
Paul At RomeJ. H. Masom.Acts 28:16-31
Paul At RomeD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 28:16-31
Paul At RomeWilliam H. Davis.Acts 28:16-31
Paul At RomeA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 28:16-31
Paul WatchedActs 28:16-31
Rome as Seen by PaulDean Howson.Acts 28:16-31
St. Paul At RomeJ. Hampton Gurney, M. A.Acts 28:16-31
The Arrival of Paul At Rome in its Decisive ImportanceK. Gerok.Acts 28:16-31
The New SphereW. M. Taylor, D. D.Acts 28:16-31
The Christian and the JewW. Clarkson Acts 28:17-28
Christian EarnestnessH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 28:23-28
Paul's Address to the Jews At RomeD. Fraser, D. D.Acts 28:23-28
Paul's Second Conference with the JewsD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 28:23-28
The Apostolic MinistryJ. Dixon, D. D.Acts 28:23-28
The Gospel At RomeDean Vaughan.Acts 28:23-28
The Minister's Stock TakingC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 28:23-28
The Necessity of FaithH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 28:23-28
People
Esaias, Isaiah, Paul, Publius
Places
Alexandria, Forum of Appius, Jerusalem, Judea, Malta, Puteoli, Rhegium, Rome, Syracuse, Three Taverns
Topics
Agree, Agreed, Departed, Didn't, Disagreed, Division, Esaias, Fathers, Final, Forefathers, Ghost, Holy, Isaiah, Leave, Leaving, Parting, Paul, Prophet, Rightly, Saying, Spake, Speak, Spirit, Spoke, Spoken, Statement, Themselves, Truth, Unable
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 28:25

     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration

Acts 28:17-31

     7703   apologetics

Acts 28:24-28

     7135   Israel, people of God

Acts 28:25-27

     3236   Holy Spirit, and Scripture
     5534   sleep, spiritual
     6178   hardness of heart
     6734   repentance, importance

Acts 28:25-28

     4824   famine, spiritual
     5048   opportunities, and salvation

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
'And it came to pass, that, after three days, Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans; 18. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Paul in Rome
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.' --ACTS xxviii. 30, 31. So ends this book. It stops rather than ends. Many reasons might be suggested for closing here. Probably the simplest is the best, that nothing more is said for nothing more had yet been done. Probably the book was written during these two years.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

On Faith
"Without faith it is impossible to please him." Heb. 11:6. 1. But what is Faith? It is a divine "evidence and conviction of things not seen;" of things which are not seen now, whether they are visible or invisible in their own nature. Particularly, it is a divine evidence and conviction of God, and of the things of God. This is the most comprehensive definition of faith that ever was or can be given; as including every species of faith, from the lowest to the highest. And yet I do not remember any
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Pastoral and Personal
FOURTH GROUP OF EPISTLES FIRST TIMOTHY. TITUS. SECOND TIMOTHY. THE PLACE OF THE EPISTLES +When Written.+--It is generally agreed among scholars that no place can be found for the writing of First Timothy, Titus, and Second Timothy in the period covered by Luke in his narrative in Acts. Agreeing with the tradition of the church, however, the opinion of many eminent scholars is that Paul was released from the first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:16, 30), that he again took up his missionary work, and
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Supremacy of Christ
THIRD GROUP OF EPISTLES COLOSSIANS. PHILEMON. EPHESIANS. PHILIPPIANS. THE QUESTION AT ISSUE +The Supremacy of Christ.+--These Epistles mark a new stage in the writings of Paul. The great question discussed in the second group of Epistles was in regard to the terms of salvation. The question now at issue (in Colossians, Ephesians, Philippian+The Reason for the Raising of this Question+ was the development of certain false religious beliefs among which were, "asceticism, the worship of angels,
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Apostle's Position and Circumstances
PHILIPPIANS i. 12-20 Disloyal "brethren"--Interest of the paragraph--The victory of patience--The Praetorian sentinel--Separatism, and how it was met--St Paul's secret--His "earnest expectation"--"Christ magnified"--"In my body" St Paul has spoken his affectionate greeting to the Philippians, and has opened to them the warm depths of his friendship with them in the Lord. What he feels towards them "in the heart of Christ Jesus," what he prays for them in regard of the growth and fruit of their
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

The New Name of Methodism
Sunday, 9.--I declared to about ten thousand, in Moorfields, what they must do to be saved. My mother went with us, about five, to Kennington, where were supposed to be twenty thousand people. I again insisted on that foundation of all our hope, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved." From Kennington I went to a society at Lambeth. The house being filled, the rest stood in the garden. The deep attention they showed gave me a good hope that they will not all be forgetful hearers. Sunday,
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

Wesley in Wales
Monday, 15.--Upon a pressing invitation, some time since received, I set out for Wales. About four in the afternoon I preached on a little green at the foot of the Devauden (a high hill, two or three miles beyond Chepstow) to three or four hundred plain people on "Christ our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." After sermon, one who I trust is an old disciple of Christ, willingly received us into his house: whither many following, I showed them their need of a Saviour from these
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Theme of Acts
'The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. 2. Until the day in which He was taken up.'--ACTS i. 1, 2. 'And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.' --ACTS xxviii. 30, 31. So begins and so ends this Book. I connect the commencement and the close, because I think
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Lix. What was Learned in God's House. Isaiah vi.
NOT SEEN BY EVERYONE THERE.--Isaiah had his eyes opened. The same awful Person had been present before, but had not been seen, and He is still there, but how few of us are conscious of His presence. How differently the church and chapel-goers would look next Sunday morning as they come home, if only they realised what had been going on in the place where they had spent the last hour. I. A LESSON FROM HISTORY.--"In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord." The King of Judah was dead, but
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

The Church of Jerusalem and the Labors of Peter.
Su hei Petros, kai epi taute petra oikodomeso mou ten ekklesian, kai pulai hadou ou katischusousin autes.--Matt. 16:18. Literature. I. Genuine sources: Acts 2 to 12; Gal. 2; and two Epistles of Peter. Comp. the Commentaries on Acts, and the Petrine Epistles. Among the commentators of Peter's Epp. I mention Archbishop Leighton (in many editions, not critical, but devout and spiritual), Steiger (1832, translated by Fairbairn, 1836), John Brown (1849, 2 vols.), Wiesinger (1856 and 1862, in Olshausen's
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Quotations from the Old Testament in the New.
1. As it respects inspiration, and consequent infallible authority, the quotations of the New Testament stand on a level with the rest of the apostolic writings. The Saviour's promise was: "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth;" literally, "into all the truth," that is, as immediately explained, all the truth pertaining to the Redeemer's person and work. When, therefore, after the fulfilment of this promise, Peter and the other apostles expounded to their brethren
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Chronology of the Apostolic Age.
See the works quoted in § 20 p. 193, 194, especially Wieseler. Comp. also, Hackett on Acts, pp. 22 to 30 (third ed.). The chronology of the apostolic age is partly certain, at least within a few years, partly conjectural: certain as to the principal events from a.d. 30 to 70, conjectural as to intervening points and the last thirty years of the first century. The sources are the New Testament (especially the Acts and the Pauline Epistles), Josephus, and the Roman historians. Josephus ( b. 37,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Mission and Return of the Seventy.
(Probably in Judæa, October, a.d. 29.) ^C Luke X. 1-24. ^c 1 Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others [i. e., other messengers in addition to the twelve apostles], and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come. [Luke has told us of the journey through Samaria to Jerusalem, and John has told us what occurred at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. We learn from John also that Jesus was at the Feast of Dedication (John
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ancient Versions of the Old Testament.
In the present chapter only those versions of the Old Testament are noticed which were made independently of the New. Versions of the whole Bible, made in the interest of Christianity, are considered in the following part. I. THE GREEK VERSION CALLED THE SEPTUAGINT. 1. This is worthy of special notice as the oldest existing version of the holy Scriptures, or any part of them, in any language; and also as the version which exerted a very large influence on the language and style of the New Testament;
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Preaching (iii. ).
Eternal Fulness, overflow to me Till I, Thy vessel, overflow for Thee; For sure the streams that make Thy garden grow Are never fed but by an overflow: Not till Thy prophets with Thyself run o'er Are Israel's watercourses full once more. Again I treat of the sermon. We have looked, my younger Brother and I, at some main secrets and prescriptions for attractive preaching. What shall I more say on the subject of the pulpit? In the first place I will offer a few miscellaneous suggestions, and then
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

Divine Healing.
The thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah is a prophecy beautifully extolling the glories and virtues of Christ's redemptive works. "The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." "It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.... Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles.
The work of the Holy Spirit in apostles and prophets is an entirely distinctive work. He imparts to apostles and prophets an especial gift for an especial purpose. We read in 1 Cor. xii. 4, 8-11, 28, 29, R. V., "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.... For to one is given through the Spirit wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; and to another workings
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

First Missionary Journey Scripture
STUDY III FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 13:1-14:26 INTRODUCTION TO THE THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS Before taking up the study of the first missionary journey, attention is called to certain points which should be considered in regard to all three of them (Acts 13:1-21:17). We have now arrived at what we might call the watershed of the Acts of the Apostles. Hitherto we have had various scenes, characters, personages to consider. Henceforth Paul, his labors, his disputes, his speeches, occupy
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus.
God Spelling Himself out in Jesus: change in the original language--bother in spelling Jesus out--sticklers for the old forms--Jesus' new spelling of old words. Jesus is God following us up: God heart-broken--man's native air--bad choice affected man's will--the wrong lane--God following us up. The Early Eden Picture, Genesis 1:26-31. 2:7-25: unfallen man--like God--the breath of God in man--a spirit, infinite, eternal--love--holy--wise--sovereign over creation, Psalm 8:5-8--in his own will--summary--God's
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end.
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Epistles of Paul.
1. The apostolic epistles are a natural sequence of the office and work committed by the Saviour to the apostles. They were the primitive preachers of the gospel, and, under Christ, the founders of the Christian church. From the necessity of the case they had a general supervision of all the local churches, and their authority in them was supreme in matters of both faith and practice. It was to be expected, therefore, that they should teach by writing, as well as by oral instruction. It does not
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

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