So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. Acts 28:22-24 NLT
When the Word is preached, two messages are heard. To those who respond to the Gospel with faith, the message brings life. But to those who reject Jesus, the message adds to their condemnation. Two messages. To one it brings life, to another condemnation (Paraphrased, Charles H. Spurgeon (1834 – 1892 ), a noted expositor and preacher).
And so the meeting ended with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, ‘Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes, so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them’.” Acts 28:25-27, Isaiah 6:10 NLT
Thus saith The Lord. And, lo, it came to pass.