Acts 28:23-31 | "Unhindered Power" [Live Stream Edition]

The Reading

Acts 28:23–31 ESV

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 Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 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: 26 “ ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 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.’ 28 Therefore let it be known to you 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.

Introduction to Theme

The Apostle Paul has finally made it to Rome. A place he has desired to go. A place that represents the “end of the earth.”

This is the end of the book of Acts, but it is not the end of God’s Acts.

The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, in which Luke deals with “all that Jesus began to do and teach.”

And Jesus is still working in the earth. He is working through the Holy Spirit, empowering HIs followers, together known as His Church.

Acts ends without closure. After following the apostles and disciples all this time, we aren’t told what happened to Peter, Phillip or Paul.

Perhaps this is a way of reminding us that the Bible is not about God’s people — or about us — the Bible is about God !

Acts ends by telling us everything we need to know to continue on in the power of the Holy Spirit, in obedience to the commands of Christ!

I’ve entitled this last sermon from Acts: “Unhindered Power.”

And this title comes from the very last word of Acts, in verse 31 of this chapter. Look at it with me. It is a word found only here in the Bible — but I am thankful it is placed here in the Bible!

It is the word “without hindrance.”

Acts 28:30–31 ESV

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.

Could it be, that this is the last word of Acts to encourage us to likewise be bold in Jesus? And to continue on? Knowing that, as Romans 8 asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Introduction to Text

At this point in time, Paul has some freedom in Rome, but he remains chained, under guard of a Roman soldier, awaiting his appeal to Caesar.

He calls together the local leaders of the Jews and speaks to them about the hope of Israel. He speaks to them about the way of Christ.

I. Acts 28:23

And the Jews initially desire to hear from Paul and —

Acts 28:23 ESV

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 Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

That word “testifying” has at its root the same word for “witness.” Paul is doing what Jesus had said his followers would do — they would be witnesses for Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

Notice what Paul is testifying about?

First, “the kingdom of God.”

And in testifying about God’s kingdom, he verse 23 goes on to say that Paul attempted to convince them about Jesus.

The kingdom of God means nothing without the King of that kingdom!

And Jesus is the king of God’s kingdom!

And Paul attempts to convince them from their own Scriptures! The Law of Moses and the Prophets!

Here is a challenge for us all — could we prove Jesus is the Christ using the Old Testament Scriptures alone? At the end of Luke, Jesus opened up the eyes of the disciples to see Himself in all the Scriptures! And Acts ends in the same way - with Paul showing Jesus in all the Scriptures.

II. Acts 28:24-27

Acts 28:24 ESV

24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

That word “disbelieved” is a strong word. It means they “refused to believe.”

And here at the end of Acts, we have presented two directions we may take concerning Jesus. To believe Jesus is the Christ or to refuse to believe.

Acts 28:25–27 ESV

25 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: 26 “ ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 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.’

Notice in verse 25 that it was the “Holy Spirit” that spoke through Isaiah.

Here is affirmation that all scripture is breathed out by God. Isaiah was not speaking for Isaiah. Isaiah was speaking the words of God.

And this is a quotation from Isaiah 6. And it is a word of judgment for those who refuse to believe.

They hear, but they do not understand. They see but they do not perceive. They have hearts that have grown dull, ears that can barely hear, and eyes that have closed.

This is a description of someone who is aged. With many years, the body starts to fail.

And the warning here, is that God is patient! But the longer the truth is before you, yet you refuse to believe, the less likely you will believe.

Paul is speaking to the Jews, God’s chosen people. They have the Scriptures! Yet they refuse to see Jesus as the fulfillment of them. They refuse to see the cross of Christ, his death for sin, burial and resurrection as God’s salvation for them!

Yet, in spite of their disbelief, God stands ready to heal them. If they would turn.

III. Acts 28:28-31

Acts 28:28 ESV

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

And here we find Paul, for two years in Rome, welcoming all who come to him, and proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

And here is the application for us.

Let us likewise:

Acts 28:31 ESV

31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Without worry about tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or sword.

For again we ask: If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Proposition

The Holy Spirit empowers the Church of Jesus Christ to fulfill the mission of God in the world — unhindered.