Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

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

What does Acts 28:28 mean?

Acts 28:28 means that God’s offer of salvation is now being sent to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), and they will listen to it. Paul is declaring that the message about Jesus is not limited to the Jewish people but is open to everyone who is willing to hear.

Paul is speaking to Jewish leaders in Rome after many of them rejected his message about Jesus. In this moment, Paul announces that since many Jews have not accepted the message, God’s salvation will now go to the Gentiles, who will be receptive. This marks a turning point in the book of Acts, showing the spread of the gospel beyond the Jewish community.

The Greek behind Acts 28:28

  • "Gentiles" (ἔθνεσιν, ethnēsin): This word refers to nations or peoples outside of Israel, meaning all non-Jews. Its use here highlights the widening scope of God’s salvation.
  • "Salvation" (σωτηρία, sōtēria): This word means rescue, deliverance, or being made safe. Paul is saying that this deliverance from God is now being offered to everyone, not just one group.
  • "Hear" (ἀκούσονται, akousontai): This verb means to listen or pay attention. Paul is expressing confidence that the Gentiles will be open and responsive to the message, in contrast to the rejection he faced from many of his own people.

Why Acts 28:28 matters

  • Acts 28:28 clarifies that the message of Jesus is not exclusive to one ethnicity or nation but is intended for all people, which was a major shift in early Christian thinking.
  • The verse highlights a pattern in Acts: when the message is rejected by some, it moves outward to new audiences, showing God’s desire for everyone to have the chance to hear.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of Acts, where the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, fulfilling Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8.

Where else these words appear

“salvation” Greek G4992 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
  • Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
  • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

“known” Greek G1110 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
  • Acts 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
  • Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

“it” Greek G2077 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
  • Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

“sent” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.