Tag: Acts 28:23-28
Convinced or disbelieving?
Scripture reading for May 23rd: 2nd Samuel 13-14, Acts 28
Acts 28: 23-26 “When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning to evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: ‘God to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
Paul made it to Rome, through many trials and time passing. He was invited to stay with some Jewish brothers and Paul explained what had happened to him in Jerusalem and how he had gotten to Rome as a prisoner. He then shared, from morning until evening, the Gospel of the kingdom from the Jewish Scriptures. Some believed and received eternal life, but others refused to believe and Paul quoted Isaiah the Prophet to them. They had hardened their hearts and closed their eyes and ears, refusing to listen and receive God’s Good News. God would now send Paul to the Gentiles and they would listen!
Acts 28:27-28 “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
Prayer: Father God, help me to always keep a teachable heart, eyes opened to see You and ears that will listen to Your Word of truth. Empower me to be bold like Paul to share honestly about my past testimony and my present relationship with Jesus Christ. Grant me standing before my King and Lord, in humble gratitude for Your amazing grace and love for me and all lost sinners.
2nd Samuel 14:33 “Then Joab went to the king and told him, and he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.”