Acts 28:17-22
The gospel stands in continuity with Israel’s hope, even when misunderstood and opposed.
17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.
19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
21 They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.
22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”
The gospel stands in continuity with Israel’s hope, even when misunderstood and opposed.
To record Paul’s initial address to the Jewish leaders in Rome and to clarify the reason for his imprisonment.
This scene initiates Paul’s final recorded ministry phase in Rome. Luke frames the gospel’s arrival in the imperial capital through Jewish dialogue first, maintaining the pattern of offering the message to Israel before broader Gentile proclamation.
Rome had an established Jewish population, though disturbances in earlier years led to expulsions under Claudius. Paul follows his consistent practice of first addressing Jewish leaders in each city. The term "sect" reflects how Christianity was perceived within Judaism. The appeal to Caesar placed Paul under imperial legal process.
Paul in Rome: The Kingdom Proclaimed Without Hindrance
Acts 28 shows that the word of God cannot be chained: Paul reaches Rome, proclaims the kingdom, teaches the Lord Jesus Christ, and the gospel continues unhindered despite imprisonment, unbelief, and opposition.