And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

ACTS 28:23KJV
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Acts 28:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 28:23 mean?

Acts 28:23 describes how a group of people came to visit Paul at his lodging, where he spent an entire day explaining and giving evidence about the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus, using the writings of Moses and the prophets. Paul’s teaching session lasted from morning until evening, showing his dedication to helping them understand.

In this scene, Paul is under house arrest in Rome, speaking mainly to local Jewish leaders who are curious about his message. He patiently and thoroughly explains how the story of Jesus fits with the Hebrew Scriptures (the Law of Moses and the prophets), aiming to show continuity between their traditions and the message about Jesus.

The Greek behind Acts 28:23

  • ἐξετίθετο (exetitheto, "expounded"): This word means to explain or set forth in detail. It suggests Paul was not just making brief statements but was carefully laying out his reasoning, likely addressing questions and objections.
  • διεμαρτύρετο (diemartyreto, "testified"): This carries the sense of giving solemn witness or strong testimony. Paul’s approach was not only educational but also earnest and heartfelt, emphasizing the seriousness of his message.
  • πείθων (peithōn, "persuading"): This word means to convince or seek to win over. Paul was actively trying to lead his listeners to a new understanding, not just presenting information but urging them to accept it.

Why Acts 28:23 matters

  • Acts 28:23 shows Paul’s method of teaching: he uses the Hebrew Scriptures as the foundation for his message about Jesus, which would have been especially important to his Jewish audience.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s patience and commitment, as he spends an entire day in discussion, showing that understanding and faith can require time and careful explanation.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Acts, where the message about Jesus is shown as a fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures, aiming to bridge the gap between old and new understandings.

Where else these words appear

“lodging” Greek G3578 · used in 2 verses

  • Philemon 1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

“evening” Greek G2073 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
  • Acts 4:3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

“expounded” Greek G1620 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 7:21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
  • Acts 11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
  • Acts 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

“appointed” Greek G5021 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
  • Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
  • Acts 22:10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.