ACTS 28 16-31

 Universalism in the New Testament

       BooK of Acts of the First Believers

                             (Paraphrased)

1 - And when we came into Rome itself, Paul was allowed to stay in his own house, with a soldier to guard him. 17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jewish faith, and when they had gathered, he said, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had questioned me, they would have set me at liberty, because there was no good reason for a death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge I wanted to bring against my nation. 20 But for this reason, I have asked to see you and speak to you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am in these chains.” 21 And they said, “We’ve not received any letters from Judea about you. And none of the brothers coming here has reported anything or spoken any evil of you. 22 But we would like to hear what your views are, in regard to this sect, which everywhere is spoken against.”

     23 On another day they came to him at the house in larger numbers, and from morning until evening he talked, testifying about 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 weren’t. 25 After disagreeing among theirselves, but not before Paul said, “The Holy Spirit was right in saying through Isaiah the prophet, 26 ‘Go to this people, and say - You will hear but not understand, and you will see but not understand or perceive.’” (Human condition.) 27 “‘For this people's heart has grown dull, with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 28 Therefore (for this reason) this salvation of God will be sent to the Gentiles (the nations) and they will listen.” (And thus begins the “time of the nations”.)

     30 Then Paul 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 with all boldness with no one bothering him.

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An ‘Enter the Story’ Reading & Study