The Book of Acts is an exciting read!

With each chapter, I become more and more engaged with the text.  What an incredible account of the miraculous events that took place after the ascension of Christ! It ends with a great showdown between Paul and the Jewish leaders.

Chapter 28 (the last in Acts) gives a unique account of Paul trying to convince a group of Jews that the Gospel is true. Verse 23 states that Paul spoke to them from morning until evening. Paul explained to them that the Gospel is not anti-law of Moses or anti-prophetic, but that Christ fulfilled all divine literary works given to the Jews.

By verse 25, we find out that the Jews were split on the matter.

Some believed Paul and some denied it to be the truth. All of a sudden, Paul makes his final statement, using prophetic words that the Jews would be familiar with.

“The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.  Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’” Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” (Acts 28:25-29)

Paul says something quite offensive here! He states that the Gentiles (unclean, non-Jewish people) would listen if God’s chosen people wouldn’t. Then we find out throughout the Epistles (Letters to the Church), His statements hold true.

Aside from this, as I read verses 26 and 27, I am convicted that these words could be used in our churches today. Here, give them a read again.

‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.  Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’” (Acts 28:26-27)

How many of us are trying to warm a church pew with cold, dead souls?

We choose certain topics to push personal agendas. We tune out when a challenge is given, to turn from a particular area of sin or stumbling. Have our “people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes“?

Maybe our Western church could use a strong rebuke like this? What do you think? (Leave a comment below.)