THE RESPONSE TO PAUL’S MESSAGE

23 After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he expounded and testified about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.f 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.g

25 Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement:A “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to yourB ancestors through the prophet Isaiah 26 when he said,

Go to these people and say:

You will always be listening,

but never understanding;

and you will always be looking,

but never perceiving.

27 For the hearts of these people

have grown callous,

their ears are hard of hearing,

and they have shut their eyes;

otherwise they might see with their eyes

and hear with their ears,

understand with their heart

and turn,

and I would heal them.C,h

28 Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”*

PAUL’S MINISTRY UNHINDERED

30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him,