Acts 28:23-28 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God… I. ITS SUBJECTS. 1. The kingdom of God — the fulfilment of the Old Testament theocratic hopes. This kingdom — (1) Is spiritual, and must be distinguished from its external manifestations. It would still exist were its buildings, rites, etc., to perish. (2) Rests on the Messiah, who is its sole sovereign, and is invested with all legislative and administrative power. (3) Has conditions which it enforces on all its subjects. The external condition under the Old Testament was circumcision, under the New baptism; but under both the spiritual condition is faith. 2. Jesus. Note that while Paul expounded and testified concerning the kingdom, he persuaded concerning the King. Christ was not merely proposed doctrinally, but urged on their heartfelt acceptance as Saviour and Lord. This persuasion is necessary in view of the — (1) Sceptical. (2) The indifferent. (3) The worldly. (4) The young. (5) The despondent. 3. Both as resting on the law and the prophets. He reasoned this out that their faith might rest, not on the wisdom of man, but on the Word of God. The Scriptures are the only rule of faith and conduct. II. ITS EFFECTS. 1. Believing, some entered into the enjoyment of the privileges of the gospel; and others, not believing, continued in the guilt of their sin. 2. Believing, some admitted the truth and grace of God, and passed into a regenerate state; others, not believing, continued under the dominion of carnal passions. 3. Believing, some possessed the power of obedience; others, not believing, continued in a state of moral incapacity. 4. Believing, some attached themselves to the kingdom of Christ and shared its glories; some, not believing, continued attached to those things that were waning away and perished with them. (J. Dixon, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. |
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