Why does Acts 28 mark a change in Paul's writings to the Church?
In Acts 28, Paul, imprisoned in Rome, declares salvation sent to Gentiles finally, after Israel's repeated rejection. This final turning point ends his appeals to Israel and initiates the Gospel of Grace written to the Church, a point of departure in his writings.
Les explains that Paul is in Rome in prison when he tells the Jews that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles. Paul had told them earlier in his ministry that if they would not believe, he would go to the Gentiles, but he always came back and appealed to the nation of Israel. Now, however, it is final. This final declaration marks a point of departure in Paul's writings—the Gospels to the Church, or the Gospel of Grace written to the Church. Les notes that Israel had been covered with a veneer of blindness since Isaiah's day, and Paul says he is in the same situation: he tried to get them to see the truth, but they would not. The Jews departed, reasoning among themselves, and Paul's message now goes to Gentiles, who will hear it.
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 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 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 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.