Acts 28:24
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
some
G3303
μὲν
some
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἐπείθοντο
believed
G3982
ἐπείθοντο
believed
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
4 of 9
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγομένοις
the things which were spoken
G3004
λεγομένοις
the things which were spoken
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
The Roman Jewish community's split response mirrored every previous audience in Acts. This pattern—believing remnant amid broader rejection—characterized the church's relationship to Judaism throughout Acts' narrative, showing continuity with Israel's history of prophetic response.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the divided response to Paul's message prepare you for similar results in your witness?
- What does this teach about the Holy Spirit's necessary work in conversion beyond human eloquence or evidence?
Analysis & Commentary
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not (οἱ μὲν ἐπείθοντο... οἱ δὲ ἠπίστουν)—This divided response typifies gospel preaching's inevitable result. The Greek contrasts 'epeithonto' (were persuaded/believed) with 'epistoun' (disbelieved/rejected). Same message, same evidence, opposite responses—demonstrating that conversion requires more than intellectual persuasion; it requires divine illumination (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). This split response fulfills Simeon's prophecy that Christ would be 'set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel' (Luke 2:34). Acts ends as it began: some embrace the word, others reject it.