Acts 28:25 – “They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: ‘The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet…’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse captures a moment of division among the Jewish leaders in Rome after hearing Paul’s message. Some had been convinced (Acts 28:24), while others refused to believe. Their disagreement shows that the gospel always forces a response—either acceptance or rejection.

Paul, seeing their hardened hearts, closes with a strong statement. He reminds them that the Holy Spirit, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, had already warned about Israel’s spiritual blindness. He quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 in the following verses (Acts 28:26-27), showing that their rejection of the gospel is nothing new—it is the same pattern that their ancestors followed when they ignored God’s prophets.

This verse marks the turning point in Paul’s final recorded message in Acts. Since many of the Jewish leaders reject Jesus, Paul will now focus on preaching to the Gentiles (Acts 28:28).

Historical Context

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and sent to Rome for trial. While under house arrest, he invited the Jewish leaders in Rome to hear the gospel. After explaining from the Scriptures that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises, some believed, but others rejected the message.

The Jewish leaders’ disagreement reflects a pattern seen throughout Paul’s ministry. Everywhere he went, his message caused division. Some embraced Jesus as the Messiah, while others rejected Him, often leading to persecution against Paul (Acts 13:45, Acts 17:5).

The quote from Isaiah 6:9-10 that Paul refers to had originally been given when Israel was turning away from God. The same spiritual blindness that affected their ancestors was now affecting these Jewish leaders in Rome.

Paul’s shift toward the Gentiles was not new. In many cities, when the Jewish people rejected the gospel, Paul turned to non-Jews who were more receptive (Acts 13:46-48). This pattern is now playing out in Rome as well.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the hardness of the human heart. Even when presented with the truth, people can still reject it. This is not because the gospel lacks power, but because people refuse to see and hear (2 Corinthians 4:4).

It also reinforces the idea that God’s plan cannot be stopped. Even when some reject the gospel, it will still spread. In this case, the rejection by the Jewish leaders leads to Paul’s greater focus on reaching the Gentiles, which fulfills God’s promise that salvation would extend beyond Israel (Isaiah 49:6).

Additionally, this verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the one who speaks through Scripture. Paul’s reference to Isaiah shows that the words of the prophets were not just human opinions—they were the very words of God, spoken by the Holy Spirit. This reinforces the authority of the Bible as God’s truth.

Literary Analysis

This verse has a progression of conflict. The Jewish leaders start with disagreement, then begin leaving, and Paul delivers a final, piercing statement. The tension builds until Paul’s words expose the deeper issue—their spiritual blindness.

Paul’s reference to the Holy Spirit speaking through Isaiah is significant. It shows that Scripture is not just a historical document but a living message from God. Paul does not say, “Isaiah said…” but “the Holy Spirit spoke…” This highlights the divine nature of the Bible.

The phrase “they disagreed among themselves” shows that even among those who rejected Jesus, there was no unity. This is a pattern in Scripture—when people reject God’s truth, division often follows (Genesis 11:7-8, Luke 12:51).

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 6:9-10 – The prophecy that Paul quotes, about people hearing but not understanding.
• Matthew 13:14-15 – Jesus also quotes Isaiah, explaining why many people reject His teaching.
• John 12:37-40 – John connects the Jewish rejection of Jesus to Isaiah’s prophecy.
• Acts 13:46-48 – Paul and Barnabas tell the Jews in Antioch that since they reject the gospel, they will turn to the Gentiles.
• Romans 11:25 – Paul explains that Israel’s rejection of Jesus is part of God’s larger plan to bring salvation to the Gentiles.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that not everyone will accept the gospel, no matter how clearly it is explained. Some people are open to the truth, while others resist it. As Christians, we should not be discouraged when people reject Jesus—we are called to share the message, but the response is between them and God.

It also challenges believers to listen to God’s Word with open hearts. The Jewish leaders in Rome were knowledgeable about Scripture, but they still rejected Jesus. This shows that having religious knowledge does not guarantee faith. People must respond with humility and obedience.

Finally, this verse encourages Christians to trust in the power of the gospel. Even when some reject it, God’s Word continues to spread. Paul’s mission to the Gentiles reminds us that God’s plan is bigger than any one group of people—it is for the whole world.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in how He continues to offer salvation, even when people reject it. The fact that Paul preached to the Jewish leaders, knowing that some would refuse to believe, shows God’s patience and mercy (2 Peter 3:9).

Even when people turn away, God does not immediately abandon them. The Jewish people had a long history of rejecting God’s messengers, yet He continued to pursue them, ultimately sending Jesus as their Messiah.

God’s love is also seen in His plan for the Gentiles. Even though many in Israel rejected Jesus, God’s mission did not stop. He extended His salvation to all who would believe, fulfilling His promise to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus Himself experienced the same rejection that Paul encountered. Many of His own people refused to believe in Him, even though He fulfilled the prophecies they had studied for generations (John 1:11).

• Luke 4:24-30 – Jesus teaches in the synagogue in His hometown, and the people reject Him.
• John 10:25-26 – Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that they do not believe because they are not His sheep.
• Mark 6:6 – Jesus is amazed at the unbelief of the people in His hometown.

Paul’s experience in Rome mirrors Jesus’ ministry—some believed, but others hardened their hearts. This shows that the gospel message will always bring division, just as Jesus said (Luke 12:51).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever witnessed people rejecting the gospel, even when presented with clear evidence? How did that impact you?
2. How can Paul’s response in this passage encourage you to keep sharing your faith, even when people don’t believe?
3. What does this verse teach about the authority of Scripture and the role of the Holy Spirit in speaking through it?
4. How can you guard your heart against spiritual blindness and make sure you are always open to God’s truth?
5. What does this passage teach about God’s plan to bring salvation to all people, not just one nation or group?

This verse is a powerful reminder that the gospel calls for a response. Some will believe, others will reject it, but God’s mission continues. As Christians, we are called to faithfully share the truth and trust that God will work in people’s hearts.