Acts 28:28 – “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse marks a powerful moment in Paul’s ministry. After spending time explaining the gospel to the Jewish leaders in Rome, Paul sees that many of them are rejecting the message, just as their ancestors had rejected the prophets before them (Acts 28:23-27).

Paul’s statement here is both a declaration and a shift in mission focus. He declares that God’s salvation—through Jesus Christ—is now being taken to the Gentiles (non-Jews). While many Jewish leaders rejected Jesus, the Gentiles were showing great openness to the message.

His phrase “they will listen!” shows confidence. Unlike the hardened hearts of many Jewish leaders, the Gentiles were responding in faith. This does not mean God had abandoned Israel, but it does mean that the gospel was now spreading beyond them, just as God had always planned.

Historical Context

From the beginning, God had chosen Israel to be His people, but He also promised that salvation would extend to all nations (Genesis 12:3, Isaiah 49:6). When Jesus came, He first preached to the Jews, but many of their religious leaders rejected Him.

This pattern continued in Paul’s ministry. Everywhere he went, he started by preaching in Jewish synagogues. Some Jews believed, but many did not. When they rejected the message, Paul turned to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-47).

Now, in Rome—the heart of the Roman Empire—Paul makes it clear: the gospel is for everyone. This moment fulfills what Jesus had commanded before He ascended:

• Acts 1:8 – The gospel would start in Jerusalem and spread to the ends of the earth.
• Matthew 28:19 – Jesus told His followers to make disciples of all nations.

Paul’s declaration in Acts 28:28 is the climax of the book of Acts, showing that God’s plan of salvation is now reaching the whole world.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key truths:

1. God’s salvation is for all people. The gospel is not limited to one nation or ethnic group. Jesus died for everyone who believes in Him (John 3:16).
2. People are responsible for their response to the gospel. Many Jewish leaders refused to believe, even though they had all the prophecies and evidence. But the Gentiles were responding in faith.
3. God’s plan cannot be stopped. Even when some reject the gospel, God’s mission continues. The good news of Jesus will always find people who are willing to listen.
4. Rejection leads to missed opportunities. The Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus were missing out on the very salvation they had been waiting for. This is a warning to all who hear the gospel but refuse to accept it.

Literary Analysis

This verse serves as the climax of Paul’s final speech in Acts. The word “therefore” connects it to everything Paul just said about Israel’s spiritual hardness (Acts 28:25-27).

The phrase “God’s salvation has been sent” emphasizes that this was not Paul’s decision—it was God’s plan. The gospel was always meant to reach the Gentiles.

The contrast between “they will listen” and the earlier rejection by the Jewish leaders highlights the openness of the Gentiles compared to the resistance of many Jews. This contrast is seen throughout the book of Acts.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 49:6 – God promises that His salvation will reach the ends of the earth.
• Luke 2:30-32 – Simeon, a devout Jew, recognizes Jesus as a light for the Gentiles.
• Acts 13:46-47 – Paul tells the Jews in Antioch that since they reject the gospel, he will turn to the Gentiles.
• Romans 11:11-12 – Paul explains that Israel’s rejection of Jesus led to the gospel going to the Gentiles, which in turn will eventually bring Israel back to God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that the gospel is for everyone. It does not matter what your background is, what mistakes you have made, or where you come from—Jesus came to save you.

It also challenges Christians to share the gospel with all people. Just as Paul did not give up when he faced rejection, we should continue spreading the good news, knowing that some will listen and believe.

Additionally, this verse is a warning to not harden our hearts to God’s truth. The Jewish leaders had knowledge but refused to accept Jesus. We must be careful not to let pride, tradition, or resistance keep us from fully embracing Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He opens salvation to the whole world. He did not keep His promises only for Israel but extended them to all people. This shows that God desires for everyone to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

Even though many rejected Jesus, God did not stop His mission. He continued to offer salvation, reaching those who were willing to listen. This shows His patience and grace.

Even when people reject Him, God keeps calling. He does not give up on anyone, and He is always ready to welcome those who turn to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus Himself foretold this moment. He often warned that many of His own people would reject Him, but the message would go to the nations:

• Matthew 8:10-12 – Jesus praises a Roman centurion’s faith and warns that many Jews will miss out on God’s kingdom.
• Luke 14:15-24 – The parable of the great banquet, where those who were invited rejected the invitation, so others were brought in.
• John 10:16 – Jesus says He has other sheep (Gentiles) who will listen to His voice.

Paul’s declaration in Acts 28:28 shows that Jesus’ prophecy was coming true. The gospel had begun with Israel, but now it was spreading to the whole world.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach about God’s heart for all people?
2. How does Paul’s persistence in preaching encourage you to keep sharing the gospel, even when people reject it?
3. Are there any areas in your life where you are resisting God’s truth? What steps can you take to be more open to Him?
4. How can you personally help spread the gospel to those who have never heard it?
5. How does this verse challenge you to view people of different backgrounds as equally valuable in God’s eyes?

This verse is a powerful reminder that the gospel is unstoppable. No matter who rejects it, God’s plan continues, and He is always calling people to Himself. The question is, will we listen?