²⁵They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: ²⁶" 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." ²⁷For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' Acts 28:25-27

Paul’ statement that referred to what the Holy Spirit had indicated was a bold one indeed. The reference was to a word of prophecy that indicated that people would hear the word of God and still not understand it. It is easy to see how some who heard Paul speak those words could have taken the statement personally. Especially those who had disagreed with the presentation of Paul would take the statement as directed at them.

Paul used words that would not be recommended in pastoral care classes or in the corridors of diplomacy. On the other hand Paul was quoting scripture and he decided not to compromise on what the word of God was saying. Paul spoke of peoples’ hearts that had become calloused so they hardly heard with their ears and their eyes were closed. Those were difficult words to hear from a messenger of God who was in chains.

What Paul spoke of was not something of the past but a reality that is still with us. When God’s word is spoken the power of the Holy Spirit accompanies the word. That word convicts people of sin and of righteousness (A right relation with God). The choice is left to the hearers of the gospel message to respond. They may elect to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and enter into a relationship with God or they may prefer to reject the good news. 

Paul indicated that healing and forgiveness were available to all those who would respond to the message of Jesus Christ. In our “post Christian society” people do not want to hear the truth about the consequences of rejecting the offer of God. But God has always been in the rescuing business. It has been the desire of God to redeem humans from their predicament of sin. That was the freedom that Paul was offering and announcing. Paul also made it clear that refusing to heed the offer was not new and it had consequences.

The offer is healing that comes from God. God offers wholeness to all those who will accept the gift of grace through the person of Jesus Christ. 

Stay blessed

Brother Seth