Acts 28:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 28:27
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Chapter Context
Acts 28 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, holiness, grace. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 28:27
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Analysis
For the heart of this people is waxed gross (ἐπαχύνθη, epachynthē, 'has become dull/thickened')—Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, Jesus' most-cited Old Testament text explaining Jewish rejection. The triple problem—gross hearts, dull ears, closed eyes—depicts willful spiritual insensitivity, not divine causation. Lest they should see... and hear... and understand... and should be converted, and I should heal them.
This 'lest' (μήποτε, mēpote) is tragic irony: they avoid healing by rejecting the means of healing. The Greek ἐπιστρέψωσιν (epistrepsōsin, 'be converted') means 'turn back'—they refused the very repentance that would bring God's healing. Paul's final word to Roman Jews diagnosed their fatal pattern: the veil remains when Christ is rejected (2 Corinthians 3:14-16).
Historical Context
Acts concludes (AD 61-62) with Paul under house arrest, teaching all who came (28:30-31). His final statement to Roman Jewish leaders explained why Gentiles predominantly filled the church. Isaiah's prophecy provided biblical framework for understanding Israel's rejection and Gentile inclusion in God's purposes.
Reflection
- What spiritual 'dullness' might you be cultivating by avoiding uncomfortable biblical truth?
- How does understanding judicial hardening inform your evangelism to those who persistently reject the gospel?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 6:10