The Bible Chronicle

19 Cheshvan • Apostolic Era, c. 60-62 AD

Paul Laments Jewish Unbelief, Declares Salvation For Gentiles

Paul continued his discourse with the Jewish leaders in Rome, a prolonged engagement that stretched from morning till evening. Though some were persuaded by his testimony of the Kingdom of God and Jesus from the Law and the Prophets, others remained obstinate in their disbelief. Witnessing this division and hardness of heart, Paul, filled with grief yet compelled by the Spirit, quoted the prophet Isaiah concerning the spiritual blindness of Israel.

Paul's lament underscored the profound tragedy of a people who, having every advantage to recognize their Messiah, had closed their eyes and ears. He then declared with resolute conviction that God's salvation had now been sent to the Gentiles, who would indeed listen. For the next two full years, Paul remained in Rome, living in his own hired dwelling, freely and boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ to all who came to him, without hindrance, awaiting his trial before Caesar.

And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one more word: 'The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, saying, "Go to this people and say, 'You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; and you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull, and with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I should heal them.'" Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.'... And he was staying two full years in his own rented quarters and was receiving all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
— Acts 28:25-28, 30-31 LSB
Timeline Box: After his arrival in Rome, Paul ministers for two years, beginning c. 60 AD.

Featured In Daily Editions:

19 Cheshvan • Apostolic Era, c. 60-62 AD

Comments (0)

Comments posted here also appear whenever this article is featured in a Daily Edition, and comments on this article from any Daily Edition appear below.

✎ Join the Chronicle Reader Correspondence Sign in with your BeliefProfile.com account or complete the quick Belief Profile questions on our login page to post letters, like dispatches, and save favorites.
🔑 Login 📜 Setup Belief Profile
No comments have been posted on this article yet. Start the conversation above!