17Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: "My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—not that I had any charge to bring against my own people. 20For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."
21They replied, "We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect."
23They
arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers
to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he
explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince
them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25They
disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this
final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers
when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
26" 'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
27For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'[a]
28"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"[b]
30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
*Headline from The Kingdom Proclaimer
They heard with no understanding, like many to day.
They saw with out seeing, like many to day.
Hard hearted more callous to day more then ever.
They plug there ears, put blinders on there eyes.
They could see and hear even know with there hearts.
They would be healed by the one who loves them unconditionally.
Could this be the church today?
Posted by: Wm [Bill] Whiting | August 15, 2009 at 06:55 AM