Devine Scripture

Acts 28:24

What does Acts 28:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 28:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 28:24 means

The results are divided: some believe what Paul says; others disbelieve. This is the common pattern when the gospel is preached clearly. Faith is not produced by force but by the Spirit working through the Word. Unbelief, too, is not due to lack of evidence alone but often to hardened hearts. Luke records both outcomes without embellishment. The division underscores human responsibility and the searching nature of the message about Jesus. The same Scriptures that convince some leave others unmoved or resistant. This tension prepares for Paul’s sobering use of Isaiah, explaining why many hear and yet do not understand, see and yet do not perceive.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And some were in agreement with what he said, but some had doubts.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and, some, indeed, were believing the things spoken, and some were not believing.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And some believed the things that were said: but some believed not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And some were persuaded of the things which were said, but some disbelieved.

Context

After a full day of teaching from Scripture (v. 23), the audience is split (v. 24). Their disagreement leads them to depart (v. 25), at which point Paul issues a final, Spirit-inspired word by citing Isaiah. Verses 26–27 contain the quotation diagnosing dull hearts and closed eyes. This paves the way for verse 28, where Paul declares that salvation is being sent to the Gentiles, who will hear.

v.23And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded the matter, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.

v.24This passage

v.25And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Spirit through Isaiah the prophet unto your fathers,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 11:4

    But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have left for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.

  • Romans 3:3

    For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God?

  • Acts 14:4

    But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

  • Acts 18:6

    And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook out his raiment and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

  • Acts 19:8

    And he entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God.

  • Acts 13:48

    And as the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

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