After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
I don’t like hard words – except when they result in a change for the better. Think a doctor telling you, “If you don’t…you’ll die.” Or, “Unless you take a different route, you’ll be stuck in traffic for 2 hours.” And what about Jesus’ words to the Jews of his day, “Unless you, too, repent, you will likewise perish” (Luke 13:3-5).
I can recall two times when I’ve delivered such hard words. On one occasion, a man was hospitalized, likely near death from lung cancer. I had visited him on several occasions, and he always seemed more concerned about getting over his cough than hearing anything about God. I finally told him, “You seem more worried about your cough than you do about your eternal wellbeing.” He immediately choked up. I discovered that he believed he had done things for which he could never be forgiven. What a joy to be able to share the gospel with him, and see the Holy Spirit work in his heart. I assured him that Jesus died for all our sins. It calmed his heart.
The second time was similar. When I was visiting a man who was near death, he was relying on his good deeds to save him. I asked him, “Are you sure that’s enough?” He started crying. I shared Bible passages about sin and grace, the uselessness of our works and the completeness of God’s grace – as many as I could remember. I officiated at his funeral a few days later, with the confidence of God’s mercy and the Holy Spirit’s work in his heart. He repented and confessed his faith before he died.
This situation, however, seems far worse when Paul quotes from Isaiah 6 with the hard edge of condemnation for their unbelief. Paul wasn’t the first to quote this passage from Isaiah. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples when they asked him why he spoke to the people in parables. He explained that the parables served to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy that people would hear but not hear, and would not repent and believe in him.
Stubborn unyielding willful people, refusing to acknowledge their failure to understand, and their need for God, will be eternally flummoxed. Worst than that, they will be eternally condemned.
I love to teach people the Lutheran answer to difficult questions: I don’t know. In other words, there are things we just do not know. There are things we cannot cram into our puny minds. That God took on human flesh. That Jesus died to save us from death and hell. That Jesus rose from the dead. How does that work??? How is that possible? I don’t know.
Paul has written about hope was that his people (the Jews) would come to faith (Romans 9-10). Apart from the first Jewish converts that was not the case. But God used this rejection to launch of the mission fully to the gentiles. I’m happy to admit that I don’t know everything. But I do know that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout the Old Testament, and I believe in him.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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