Acts 28:17-28 - Homilies By W. Clarkson

The Christian and the Jew.

Here we have the Christian and the Jew brought into close contact; and there seems to have been as fair an opportunity for the latter to understand and appreciate the former as could ever have been granted. With calmness, with the wisdom and fullness of long study and mature experience, the most enlightened Christian apologist presented the case of Christianity to these men of the Jewish faith. We may look at—

I. THE INTRODUCTION . Paul felt that his position was one which was open to misunderstanding on the part of his fellow-countrymen, and he resolved on a free and full explanation. In this we recognize

In their reply ( Acts 28:21 , Acts 28:22 ) we recognize

II. THE CONFERENCE . ( Acts 28:23-28 .) We have:

1. Christian earnestness confronting Jewish curiosity. Paul "expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them," etc., evidently with characteristic zeal. They listened, curious and wondering what he had to say. "We desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest." Christian fervor on the one side, Jewish eagerness on the other.

2. Christian truth striving with Jewish prejudice. Paul marshaled his facts and his arguments, we cannot doubt, to the full height of his fervor and his practiced ability, maintaining his plea at great length ( Acts 28:23 ). But he spoke to men whose minds were occupied with prejudice. The "sect was everywhere spoken against," they said to him. They probably used much stronger language in speaking to one another.

3. Christian truth prevailing over Jewish prejudice. But seldom do we read of men being "convinced against their will;" but we are glad to read here that "some believed," etc. ( Acts 28:24 ).

4. But we have the old sad story of Jewish prejudice prevailing over Christian truth. "Some believed not."

5. Finally we have Christian indignation uttering itself freely ( Acts 28:25-27 ). We turn to—

III. THE LESSORS WE GAIN FROM IT .

1. That it is right for us to invite and address the curious as well as the devout. We should summon to the sanctuary not only those who are wishful to worship God, but those also who are solicitous to learn what we have to say on any subject with which we deal.

2. That we should exert ourselves to present truth in all its phases and with all our force. As Paul made his appeal to the Law and to the prophets, and developed and illustrated his argument at full length, so we should present the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, in all its fullness and in all its force; not being satisfied until we have "declared the whole counsel of God."

3. That we may reasonably hope for some measure of success. We have to contend, not indeed with Jewish prejudice, but with human obduracy. Yet armed with Divine truth and aided by the Divine Spirit, we should look for success.

4. That we need not be surprised at partial failure. Where apostles were baffled we may be beaten.

5. That the hour of rebuke sometimes comes in the ministry of Christ.

6. That one sphere failing, another will open to the earnest worker ( Acts 28:28 ). The salvation of God is sent to all men, and there are those who "will hear it," if there are many who will not.—C.