What does Acts 28:21 mean?
Though it has taken a long time to work out, Paul's strategy (Acts 28:19) has succeeded. He is in Rome, waiting for his trial to come before Caesar. He's completely innocent of all charges, but Judaean politics have made him a prisoner. If he were free, he would visit the synagogue and wait to be invited to speak. He would then show how Jesus of Nazareth fulfills the Messianic prophecies. In this case, he can't leave his apartment, but he can have visitors. So, within three days of his arrival, he invites the Jews he would normally meet in the synagogue (Acts 28:17).Paul needs to establish his authority. The first thing he does is explain why he is a prisoner despite the charges against him being false. Fortunately, the Roman Jews have not heard anything of the rumors flying around Jerusalem. That they have had no letters is interesting. Paul was first charged two years prior. He left Jerusalem several months ago, got caught in a ferocious storm, and had to stay on the island of Malta for three months before finally making it to Rome. The Sanhedrin had plenty of time to send word about Paul, but apparently didn't think it worth their effort.
Even so, the Roman Jews probably heard of Paul. Priscilla and Aquila have since returned to Rome after their eviction (Acts 18:2), and Paul knows several Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome (Romans 16).
The Jews have heard about the sect Paul is a part of, and they're curious but dubious. They agree to meet with Paul again so he can explain. Paul is desperate for all Jews to recognize Jesus as their Messiah (Romans 9:1–5) and gladly shows how Jesus fits within the Law and the Prophets. Jews are a communal people, and Paul hopes the community in Rome will accept Christ. Only some do, and Paul sees no difference between a partial rejection and a whole rejection. He scolds them with references to the prophet Isaiah and recommits his ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 28:22–31).
