Acts 28:25
What does Acts 28:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 28:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 28:25 means
As they disagree and begin to leave, Paul adds a solemn word, affirming that the Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah to their fathers. By invoking the Spirit’s authority, Paul shows that Scripture’s diagnosis of Israel’s hardness is not a human insult but God’s own assessment. The reference to “your fathers” places the problem in a long-standing pattern, not merely a present misunderstanding. This frames the rejection of Jesus as part of a tragic continuum of resisting God’s Word. Yet the same Scripture, rightly heard, also calls for repentance and renewal. Paul’s citation prepares his hearers to receive the prophetic verdict that follows.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they went away, for there was a division among them after Paul had said this one thing: Well did the Holy Spirit say by the prophet Isaiah to your fathers,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And not being agreed with one another, they were going away, Paul having spoken one word--`Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, Paul speaking this one word: Well did the Holy Ghost speak to our fathers by Isaias the prophet,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And being disagreed among themselves they left; Paul having spoken one word, Well spoke the Holy Spirit through Esaias the prophet to our fathers,
Context
The audience’s division (v. 24) prompts their departure and Paul’s appeal to Scripture (v. 25). He introduces a quotation from Isaiah that explains their failure to understand and perceive (vv. 26–27). The citation functions as both diagnosis and warning. After presenting this, Paul will declare in verse 28 that God’s salvation is sent to the Gentiles, highlighting the widening scope of the gospel in response to persistent unbelief.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:21
For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
- Matthew 15:7
Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
- Mark 7:6
And he said unto them, Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, But their heart is far from me.
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