Articles
Paul IN Rome - Acts 28
Paul IN Rome - Acts 28
The church had already been established in Rome. Paul wrote his letter to the saints in Rome about A.D. 57 from Corinth during his third journey. It would seem that, after the Jews were expelled from Rome, there became a separation between the believers and the unbelieving Jews. Now, the arrival of Paul has caused the Jewish people to come and discover what this whole business of 'Christians' is about.
When the Jews remarked: "This sect is everywhere spoken against”; it gives us an interesting insight into the spread of the gospel message. The message simply is of such a nature that it causes division. Such was not new, for Jesus had said that he came to cause division (cp. Matt. 10:34-39). The people DID divide over Jesus (John 7:43, 9:16; 10:19). As the apostles preached, the result was that SOME believed and SOME did not (Acts 14:4; 17:4, 32-34; 19:9; etc.). The dividing point is belief in Jesus as Lord and Christ.
When believers attempt to be popular in the world they begin by watering down the message. It is not about offending the hearers, but about preaching the truth in love.
Paul sets an example in such in that he FIRST had a lengthy discussion with the people of Rome. The listeners here had come with a negative concept of ‘the Way’. Paul responds in a controlled and honorable manner (vs. 23).
He explained. Here the word means "to convey information by careful elaboration, explain, expound” (BDAG Logos edition). He explained the kingdom of God and Jesus’ role / position in it. He based his teaching firmly on the revelation of God through Moses and the prophets.
He solemnly testified (ESV). This is an interesting word that is defined 1) to make a solemn declaration about the truth of someth. testify of, bear witness to; 2) to exhort with authority in matters of extraordinary importance, freq. w. ref. to higher powers and/or suggestion of peril, solemnly urge, exhort, warn (BDAG, Logos edition). Such teaching recognizes the seriousness and greatness of the subject. Such speech not only is careful to hold to the truth of the subject, but to warn of the dangers of rejecting the message.
He also persuaded them. He wasn’t just presenting his opinion or facts. He intended to convince them of the truth. He was attempting to "cause them to come to a particular point of view or course of action” (BDAG Logos edition).
He warned them. Only after laying out the gospel message in clear and understandable ways does he proceed to such harsh warning. Some WERE persuaded, but others WOULD NOT believe. The message CAN be rejected, and here it was rejected.
We need to learn how to set forth our cause as did Paul. We need to learn to not be quick to condemn. Yet, we must not shrink from warning the unbelievers of the eternal consequences of such rejection. Maintaining a godly balance has proven difficult for most of us.
In our sharing of this glorious message, we need wisdom to know how we ought to speak. We need to discern when to explain and persuade, but we also need to know when to warn. In all things, let us conduct ourselves to the glory of God.
Hugh DeLong
