Acts 28

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

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.

And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

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.

Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

What does Acts 28:24 mean?

Explanation

[Acts 28:24] reads as follows: "And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not." This verse details the response of an audience hearing the teachings of the Apostle Paul.

The literal meaning of this verse indicates that his listeners were divided in their response; some were convinced by Paul’s words and accepted the message about Jesus and the kingdom of God, while others were not persuaded and thus did not believe.

On a deeper level, this verse highlights a recurring theme in the Book of Acts and throughout the Bible: that of divergent responses to the gospel message.

It underscores the reality of human agency in matters of faith and belief and reflects the varying outcomes of evangelistic outreach.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse appears at the end of the Book of Acts, which is the fifth book of the New Testament and details the history and spread of the early Christian church after Jesus' ascension.

At this point in the narrative, Paul is under house arrest in Rome and has called together the local Jewish leaders to explain why he had been arrested and to share the gospel with them.

Acts 28:23 states that he testified about the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets from morning till evening.

The verse in focus is a summary of the outcomes of that day's discussions.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, this verse demonstrates the concept of free will with respect to human response to God's revelation.

It also touches upon the doctrine of election; differing interpretations could either point to a predestined plan for those who believe or stress the responsibility of individual choice in the process of salvation.

Calvinists might argue that the belief of some is attributable to irresistible grace, while Arminians would contend that human free will plays a crucial role in accepting the gospel.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to persevere in sharing the gospel, even in the face of mixed reactions.

The message is not to be discouraged when some do not believe, as this has been a common occurrence throughout apostolic and church history.

It also invites individuals to consider their personal stance towards the message of Christianity and challenges them to be open to exploring the reasons behind their belief or unbelief.

Cross-References

Mark 4:3-8: The Parable of the Sower, which also discusses varied responses to the word of God.
John 12:37-40: These verses address the disbelief of some people even after Jesus performed many signs.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4: Paul writes about the gospel being veiled to those who are perishing, because they are blinded by the god of this age.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24: Paul speaks of Jews demanding signs and Greeks seeking wisdom, but only some accepting Christ.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "some believed" translates to "τινες ἐπείθοντο" ("tines epeithonto") with "tines" meaning "some" and "epeithonto" stemming from the verb "πείθω" (peitho), which means "to persuade or be persuaded".

The phrase "some believed not" uses "ἠπίστουν" ("ēpistoun") from "ἀπιστέω" (apisteo), meaning "to disbelieve or to be unfaithful."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Across various ancient cultural and religious contexts, the presentation of a new religious message often elicited mixed responses, as seen in Greek and Roman polytheism where new cults sometimes faced resistance.

In Judaism, the concept of "Shema Yisrael" commands a response of obedience and belief in one God, contrasting the divided responses seen in this verse.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself does not directly intersect with scientific understandings.

However, from a psychological standpoint, cognitive dissonance theory can offer insight into the reasons why individuals may resist new beliefs that conflict with their existing worldviews, which could account for the disbelief of some.

Commentaries

Various scholars and theologians have commented on this verse within the scope of their works.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that people have different dispositions which contribute to different responses to the gospel.

The Pulpit Commentary suggests that the unbelief of some was not due to lack of evidence but rather to a moral or spiritual deficiency.

John Calvin, in his writings, would emphasize God’s sovereignty in the salvation of individuals reflecting the diversity of responses noted in this passage.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 28:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?