Exposition of Acts: Fantastic Story
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A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. MEETING OF THE MINDS
A. REPORT
>>1. HEARING OF THE JEWS
Acts 28:17 After three days Paul called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
(Acts 2:10; 18:2; 19:21; 22:3; Rom 1:16)
>>2. HELD WITHOUT CAUSE
Acts 28:18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
B. REASONS
>>1. HELP FROM ROME
Acts 28:19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
(Acts 2:14; 10:39; 14:1-2)
>>2. HOPE OF ISRAEL
Acts 28:20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”
(Job 19:25-27; Is 26:19; Dan 12:3)
C. REPLY
>>1. HOPELESS CASE AGAINST PAUL
Acts 28:21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
>>2. HONEST DESIRE
Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
II. MESSAGE OF THE MESSIAH
A. REHASHING
>>1. HOLDING FORTH THE WORD
Acts 28:23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God, and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Torah of Moses and from the Prophets.
(Mt 6:10; Lk 24:27)
>>2. HASHING IT OVER
Acts 28:24-25a Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe, disagreeing among themselves.
B. RESPONSE
>>1. HAMMER AWAY
Acts 28:25b-26 For Paul had made this statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
(Isaiah 6:9-10; Mt 13:14-15; Mk 4:12; Lk 8:10; Jn 12:39-40; Rom 11:25)
>>2. HEARTS & HEARING
Acts 28:27 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.’
>>3. HIT THE POINT
Acts 28:28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
(Ps 67:2; II Cor 2:16)
C. RESULT
>>1. HOSTILE AUDIENCE
Acts 28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed with continued debate among themselves.
(II Cor 3:14; 4:3-6)
>>2. HEARTFELT WELCOME
Acts 28:30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
(Philemon 10; Mt 22:1-14)
>>3. HINDRANCES AVOIDED
Acts 28:31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
(Rom 1:16; Acts 20:24)