Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
Paul Preaches in Rome
23 After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter 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. 24 Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. 25 So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah,
26 ‘Go to this people and say,
You will indeed listen, but never understand,
and you will indeed look, but never perceive.
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have shut their eyes;
so that they might not look with their eyes,
and listen with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn—
and I would heal them.’
28 Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Reflect
The weight of this passage carries deeper than first meets the eye. As Paul speaks to the Jews and only a few listen, the words of Isaiah come to fruition. Christ is not accepted by the Jewish community at large and the opportunity to know Christ advances. We see this in the great commission when Christ sends the Apostles out into the world and again we see Paul go beyond the Jewish community and spread the good news to the Gentiles.
Now it is pretty obvious why this passage carries deeper but it does especially to me and I would argue, to you as well. We are the outcome of this prophecy. Because of the Jewish leaders denying what Paul said, you and I have the opportunity to hear the word of God and become children of God. So when Paul says and teaches about Christ without hinderance, it could directly lead to our salvation. One act almost 2000 years ago changed the world as we know it and through the faith of believers like Paul, we know about it to this day. What a glorious moment in history that we get to read about hear in Acts 28.
Pray
Father we thank you for sending your word beyond just the Jewish community and into the lives of the Gentiles. We would be lost without you and are blessed beyond recognition because you let us become a part of your family. We love you Father and thank you for your salvation through Christ Jesus. We pray that your will would be done and we pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
