A little boy was in a heated argument with his sister about who was going to get the last brownie. His mother overheard the loud discussion in their kitchen and came in to resolve the conflict. Her two children were obviously very distraught about getting that final treat. Sensing the need to teach a deeper truth, the mom asked her children that ever-relevant question: “What would Jesus do?” The older sibling immediately answered, “That’s easy, Jesus would just break the brownie and make five thousand more!” Source: Unknown

How do we handle conflict with those who oppose the gospel? What is the most important element in a gospel conflict? Is it proving the other person is wrong? Is it to make sure I do not offend them or that I share relevant experiences? Is the most important element in a gospel opposition debate making sure I get the last word?

Paul found lifting up Jesus to be the most important element.

However, for this to be most important for Paul, there had to be something different about his heart and mind. This would not be a natural outcome for anyone. This had to be a supernatural work as Paul chose to discipline his mind and guard his heart. We must guard our hearts and discipline our minds as we depend on the HS to lift the name of Jesus. Let’s observe 3 reminders for gospel opportunities:

28:17-20 – Face Conflict with Truth

Paul meets with the Jews. A few lessons from this meeting:

1. Paul took the initiative to meet with the opposition.

2. 1st hand info is necessary. Insist on the source of information.

3. Paul keeps his account brief without embellishment

4. Paul’s motive was the “hope of Israel” (meaning the Messiah, 28:20)

Harriet Frye watched as her four-year-old granddaughter handed a small Easter basket of candy eggs to her grandfather. Crystal then climbed up into her grandpa’s lap, looked into his eyes, and very seriously said, “Friends share.” Source: The Best of Grandparents' Brag Board, Pregel and Riley

Little Crystal wanted to share with Grandpa because she her grandpa and her candy eggs.

28:21-24 – Share What You Value

If you value acceptance more than truth, then there will be times you will not share. If you value peace more than truth, then there will be times you will not share. What you value is revealed in what you say and what you do! Do you value Jesus and truth more than anything else? Then share Jesus… even with those you think may oppose you.

The Jews in Rome had not heard of Paul’s particular case. They did not even receive a letter from the chief priests in Jerusalem. This means there are no predetermined opinions. The gospel door is wide open!

Many came to his house (28:21, 30). People typically only come to things for which they have received an invitation. We have probably all experienced it. A friend is visiting with you and mentions how excited they are for your mutual friend’s birthday and then asks if you are going. However, you haven’t been invited. An awkward “I’m sure the invite just got lost in the mail” is exchanged and the conversation ends prematurely. In the end you do not attend the party because you were not invited. The gospel is offered to all; however, many still need to be told they are on the guest list!
Paul used the OT to reveal the gospel. The New Testament was not yet fully written. The canon of scripture has not yet been closed. So, the Old Testament is widely accepted as the holy scriptures. The Jews accepted the Old Testament as from God. In fact, they would read them at the synagogue each sabbath! The Old Testament is the common ground Paul has with his audience! Find the “common ground” with your audience.
Paul didn’t rush the opportunity. This was an all-day event (28:23)! Sometimes our fast-paced lifestyles get in the way of gospel living and then the gospel turns into a high-pressure sales call so we can move on. Not too long ago I got involved in a telemarketing call. I politely turned them down. I could hear the caller turn the page for “script B” as they acknowledged things are tight these days but even just a $100 would help so much. I replied, “No thank you.” The page turned again. Script C was now in play. They next lowered the amount to just $25 to help their cause. I remained steadfast, “No thank you.” They made their move to script D and I stopped them. Still trying to be polite, I calmly told them I have already said no 3 times. I am sorry, but I will not be able to help you today. The caller responded with, “Even $10 makes a difference!” The average person hears the gospel 40 times before accepting the gift of salvation! Depend on God’s perfect timing and leading to guide your gospel opportunity. We have something far better than a high-pressure sales call! Jesus is the attraction…and He is more than enough!
Some believed, and some did NOT believe. Some will say no…but some will say yes! Do not give up simply because someone said no to you. Keep praying for gospel opportunities. Keep sharing the gospel. Keep living the gospel.
Paul warns those who didn’t believe (vv. 25-27). Some will reject the gospel. This is a horrifying outcome – for them! This ought to grieve the depth of our soul as we know some of what their eternity will look like. They have rejected God’s gracious offer of eternal deliverance and His merciful offer of a genuine relationship with the one true God! So, it is with a grieving heart and genuine love for those who reject Jesus that we warn them using scripture. Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 in these verses. We could also quote verses like, James 4:14 or John 3:36.

28:28-29 – Speak Boldly …and filled with the Spirit

Paul told them that God sent salvation to the Gentiles and that they would hear the gospel. The Jews left with no small discussion among themselves (“much reasoning among themselves” – v. 29)

Paul kept the door open for more witnessing and he was able to freely share Jesus with all who came to him for the next 2 years. Paul had an initial gospel opportunity in which he didn’t burn bridges and that led to 2 years of gospel opportunities…and this is all in the context of hardship!

Paul was sharing the gospel with a people group that had spent years persecuting him. What is your natural response to those unsaved people who have hurt you, think differently than you, and those who have rebelled against God’s declared way? What’s your response to:

1. The Homosexual, Transgender, Bi-Sexual

2. The Pro-Choice Activist

3. The Profane, The Drunkard

4. The addicts

The truth is – they all need the same thing from you. They don’t need your judgment (that is God’s responsibility). They need the gospel! But have we guarded our hearts and disciplined our minds to see their need? Or do we only see their condition?