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,

ACTS 28:25KJV
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Acts 28:25 (KJV)

What does Acts 28:25 mean?

Acts 28:25 describes how, after a disagreement among the Jewish leaders listening to Paul in Rome, they left following Paul’s final statement. Paul points out that the Holy Spirit had spoken rightly through the prophet Isaiah to their ancestors, setting up a quotation from Isaiah about spiritual blindness.

Paul is speaking to a group of Jewish leaders who have come to hear his message while he is under house arrest in Rome. The group cannot reach agreement about Paul’s teaching about Jesus, so they begin to leave. Before they go, Paul reminds them that their reaction fulfills what the Holy Spirit said long ago through Isaiah, showing that their unwillingness to accept his message is not new.

The Greek behind Acts 28:25

  • "Well" (καλῶς, kalōs): This word means "rightly" or "well," emphasizing that what Isaiah said was completely accurate. Paul is stressing that the ancient prophecy fits their current response.
  • "Holy Ghost" (τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον, to pneuma to hagion): This phrase means "the Holy Spirit." Paul attributes Isaiah’s words not just to the prophet, but to God’s Spirit speaking through him, giving the prophecy divine authority.
  • "Esaias" (Ἠσαΐας, Ēsaias): This is the Greek form of "Isaiah." Paul specifically names the prophet to connect his listeners to their own Scriptures and heritage.

Why Acts 28:25 matters

  • Acts 28:25 clarifies that the division among the listeners is not just about Paul’s arguments, but about a deeper spiritual issue that has been present throughout Israel’s history.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s view that the Holy Spirit was actively speaking through the prophets, which gives weight and authority to the message he is about to quote.
  • This moment marks a turning point in Acts, showing that Paul’s message to the Jewish leaders in Rome is being met with the same resistance as elsewhere, setting the stage for the gospel’s spread to the Gentiles.

Where else these words appear

“Esaias” Greek G2268 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • Acts 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

“Well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

“departed” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

“word” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;