Preparation for Testimony About God’s Kingdom (Acts 28:21-23)

Scripture: Acts 28:21-23

Today’s Word

They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. (Acts 28:21-23, NIV)

Background

Key Terms Made Simple

• Sect: A group within a religion with slightly different beliefs or practices. The Jewish people understood Christianity as a branch of Judaism at that time.
• Kingdom of God: The realm where God rules as King. It began through Jesus, is being realized now in our hearts and the church, and will be completed when Jesus returns.
• Law of Moses and the Prophets: An expression referring to the entire Old Testament. Moses represents the Torah (Genesis-Deuteronomy), and the prophets represent the prophetic books of the Old Testament.

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “But we want to hear what your views are”
2. “He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God”
3. “From the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus”

Main Points of the Text

1. Recognize Prepared Opportunities: The Roman Jews had no preconceptions about Paul and were actually curious. God had prepared the perfect environment for sharing the gospel. Sometimes God opens doors in places we don’t expect.
2. Testify with Thorough Preparation: Paul explained God’s kingdom from morning until evening. This wasn’t impromptu speaking but testimony mobilizing his lifetime of biblical knowledge and experience with Jesus. Effectively sharing the gospel requires deep understanding of the Word.
3. Testify to Jesus Through Scripture: Paul used the entire Pentateuch and prophetic books to prove Jesus as the Messiah. He showed how Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus. The entire Bible points to Jesus.

Applying to My Life

1. Develop Eyes to Discern Opportunities: Paul recognized the open hearts of the Roman Jews and did his best to share the gospel. There are people around us interested in the gospel too. Don’t miss that friend who asks “I’m curious about what you think,” or that colleague who questions about church. They might be people God has prepared.
2. Arm Yourself with the Word: Paul could testify about Jesus all day through Scripture because he had studied and meditated on the Word his entire life. We too need to know the Bible deeply to effectively share the gospel. Maintain consistent quiet times, participate in Bible studies, and memorize Scripture. Prepared people can seize opportunities.
3. Share with Perseverance: Paul shared the gospel without rest from morning to evening. Sharing the gospel sometimes requires long time and patience. People’s hearts may not change through one or two conversations. Don’t give up; continue praying and lovingly share truth whenever opportunities come.

Think About It

1. Is there someone around you showing interest in the gospel? Have you had deep conversations about faith with them?
2. If someone asked “Please explain the Jesus you believe in,” how convincingly could you answer based on Scripture?
3. Do you have the dedication to offer an entire day for sharing the gospel like Paul? What is holding you back?