King James Version

What Does Acts 28:29 Mean?

Acts 28:29 in the King James Version says “And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.”

Acts 28:29 · KJV

Context

27

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

28

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

29

And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

31

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Read Acts 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves—This verse appears in the Textus Receptus but is absent from most early manuscripts (Alexandrian text type), leading many modern translations to omit it or bracket it. The KJV includes it: after Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 about Israel's hardness (28:26-27), the Jewish community exits with πολλὴν συζήτησιν (pollēn syzētēsin, 'much debate, discussion') ἐν ἑαυτοῖς (en heautois, 'among themselves').

If original, the verse emphasizes division within the Jewish community over Paul's message—some convicted, others hardened. It parallels earlier scenes where Paul's preaching split Jewish audiences (13:45, 14:4, 17:4-5, 18:6). The great reasoning suggests intense theological debate about whether Jesus is Messiah and whether judgment has come upon Israel for rejecting Him. Even if textually uncertain, the verse reflects the historical reality: Paul's message created crisis within Judaism, forcing decision about Jesus's identity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's two-year Roman house arrest (c. AD 60-62) allowed him to receive visitors freely. Jewish leaders in Rome, unfamiliar with Paul personally, came to hear him (28:17-22). Paul's message that the Messiah had come, been rejected by Jewish leaders, and offered salvation to Gentiles, challenged core Jewish identity. The departure 'with great reasoning' reflects the painful division Christianity caused in synagogues throughout the empire—families split, friendships broken, communities fractured over the question: Is Jesus the Messiah? This pattern continues; the gospel remains divisive (Matthew 10:34-36, Luke 12:51-53).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'great reasoning' among the Jews illustrate that the gospel forces decision—neutrality is impossible when confronted with Jesus's claims?
  2. What does this verse teach about the cost of gospel proclamation—even necessary truth can fracture communities and relationships?
  3. In what ways have you experienced division or debate when sharing the gospel, and how do you balance truth-telling with maintaining relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ταῦτα2 of 12

“these words”

G5023

these things

αὐτοῦ3 of 12
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰπόντος,4 of 12

“when he had said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἀπῆλθον5 of 12

“departed”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

οἱ6 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαῖοι,7 of 12

“the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

πολλὴν8 of 12

“great”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἔχοντες9 of 12

“and had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐν10 of 12

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτοῖς11 of 12

“themselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

συζήτησιν12 of 12

“reasoning”

G4803

mutual questioning, i.e., discussion

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 28:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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