What does Acts 28:24 mean?

Paul finally has the chance to explain to Jews in Rome who Jesus is. We don't have his exact words, just that he tries "to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets" (Acts 28:23). The "Law of Moses" is the Pentateuch, or the first five books of the Old Testament. The "Prophets" include Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and the books Christians consider prophets except for Daniel and Lamentations.

Typically, when Paul reaches a new town, he goes to the synagogue and waits for the synagogue leader to ask him to speak. In this case, he is under house arrest in an apartment. Still, Jewish leaders have agreed to meet with him (Acts 28:17–23). Luke includes very few details about Paul's messages. The sermon given in Acts 13:16–41 is probably representative of the message Paul gives to new audiences including this one. He starts with a brief review of history, including God's promises to Abraham and David. He then covers John the Baptist's ministry and the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus. He speaks of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Finally, he ties Jesus to the Messianic prophecies in David's psalms and warnings found in the prophets.

As in most places Paul serves, some of the Jews in Rome accept his words while others don't (Acts 14:4; 17:4–5). And, as in most places, Paul is disappointed and frustrated by the rejection. Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews as a nation. God's promises to Abraham, Moses, and David were given for the Jews as a people. If the Jews as a people would accept Jesus as their Messiah, they would be blessed as a nation. If only a few do, those few receive God's blessing as Christians, but Israel is lost.