Thoughts on the book of Acts (199) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came showed or spake any harm of thee. 22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
Acts 28:17-22

Thoughts on the book of Acts (199)
Paul took up the service of evangelization after only three days. As usual, he turned first to the Jews. And he also availed himself of the chance to receive visitors in his rented rooms.
The elders of the Jewish synagogues in the capital accepted the apostle's invitation and heard his report in which Paul stressed particularly the common hope he had with all Jews, namely the coming of the Messiah and the resurrection of the dead. For Paul, the fulfilment of this hope had begun with the coming of Jesus and His resurrection.
The Jews in Rome were clearly dependent on the religious leadership in Jerusalem. They had as yet not received any news of Paul. They knew of the controversy concerning the group, however, but were ready to visit Paul again to enable him to explain his convictions in more detail.
(to be continued next Sunday)
Today's reading: Acts 15:1-21