Acts 28:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 28:25
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Chapter Context
Acts 28 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, obedience, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 28:25
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Analysis
When they agreed not among themselves (ἀσύμφωνοι ὄντες πρὸς ἀλλήλους)—The Greek 'asymphonoi' (un-harmonious) describes discord among Paul's Jewish hearers after his gospel presentation. As throughout Acts, Jewish response to Jesus divides audiences. Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias—Paul attributes Isaiah's prophecy (6:9-10) directly to the Holy Spirit (τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον), affirming Scripture's divine authorship. The adverb 'well' (καλῶς) means rightly, accurately, fittingly.
This concludes Acts' repeated pattern: Paul preaches in synagogues, some believe, others reject, he turns to Gentiles (13:46, 18:6, 28:28). The Isaiah quotation Jesus himself used (Matthew 13:14-15) explains Israel's unbelief as fulfillment of prophecy, not divine failure. God predicted through Isaiah that many would hear without understanding—judicial hardening following persistent rejection.
Historical Context
Rome, AD 60-62, during Paul's house arrest awaiting trial before Nero. Jewish leaders came to Paul's rented quarters (28:23) where he testified about Jesus from morning till evening. Their divided response fulfills the pattern throughout Acts: the gospel divides hearers, causing either saving faith or hardened rejection.
Reflection
- How does Paul's use of Isaiah 6 explain continuing Jewish unbelief without denying God's sovereignty or covenant faithfulness?
- When have you witnessed the gospel creating sharp division rather than neutral indifference among hearers?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G4487 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Matthew 15:7
- Holy: 2 Peter 1:21
- Parallel theme: Mark 7:6