What was different about Paul's final statement that salvation was sent to the Gentiles compared to his earlier ones?
Paul’s earlier statements were not final: after warning Israel, he still returned and appealed to the nation. His last declaration in Rome was final. He announced that God’s salvation was sent to the Gentiles, and they would hear it, marking a departure in Paul’s writings—the Gospel of Grace to the Church.
Les explains that this was not the first time Paul said he would go to the Gentiles. Earlier in his ministry he told Israel that if they would not believe, he would go to the Gentiles, and he did; yet he would still come back and appeal to the nation of Israel. But now, while in Rome in prison, it was final. Paul declared that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles, and they would hear it—not that all would believe, but that they would hear. After he said these words, the Jews departed, reasoning greatly among themselves. Les says this marks another point of departure in Paul’s writings, the Gospel of Grace written to the Church.
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
More Questions
What makes Paul's statement in Acts 28 different from his earlier warnings about going to the Gentiles?
Paul had warned earlier in his ministry that if Israel would not believe he would go to the Gentiles, and he always did, but he would still come back and appeal to the nation of Israel; this Acts 28 declaration is the final one, with no return to Israel afterward.
What was different about Paul's turn to the Gentiles in Acts 28?
Paul's declaration to the Gentiles in Acts 28 was not the first time, but unlike earlier times when he still returned to appeal to Israel, it was final.
What did Paul declare to the Jews in Acts 28 about salvation going to the Gentiles?
In Acts 28 Paul declares that the salvation of God is now sent to the Gentiles, and they are going to hear it.