Truth makes it possible

Acts 28: 25 “They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet …”

We are coming to the end of Luke’s account of Paul’s life and ministry.

Would it end with revival? No it didn’t even end with unity. The Jewish leaders were arguing so much that it was wise for them to leave. Paul’s gospel had divided the camp. We will find out what Paul says in the next few verses but he chooses to quote Isaiah 6 where the prophet speaks judgment on God’s people. Paul says this is that. The Holy Spirit was right back then, but it was for now. “We are the generation experiencing what He said to Isaiah all those years ago.”

The gospel is not acceptable if it calls out the wrongdoing of people.

The gospel divides if it doesn’t stay in the middle of the road accommodating everyone’s views.

The gospel is received if it is a message of love but not if it is a message of instruction.

So people disagree and people leave and the results for Paul on that day are poor, only some believe. No revival. No big harvest. No outpouring.

So why did Paul speak the way he spoke if he knew this may happen?

What do you want?

Do you want to please as many people as you can? Is that success for you?

If you stick with what you know is truth people may disagree with you and it may well be the best thing for them to leave you but you will survive the losses, the truth sets you free from the pressures of pleasing everyone. There are times in your life when you will find truth is indeed your best friend.