28:22 We desire to hear from thee what thou thinkest. His fame was such that they desire to hear what he thinks, or holds; to hear him explain the gospel.
For as concerning this sect, we know that it is every where spoken against. Everywhere the Jews spoke against the Christians with malignant hatred. Paul's treatment illustrates this. The Jews of Rome had known but little of the Christians, but they knew the odium of the church elsewhere. The Pagans also were beginning to regard the Christian religion as a detestable superstition (Tacitus), and matters were shaping for the bitter persecution of Nero, which came a few years later.
28:22 This sect we know is every where spoken against - This is no proof at all of a bad cause, but a very probable mark of a good one.
28:17-22 It was for the honour of Paul that those who examined his case, acquitted him. In his appeal he sought not to accuse his nation, but only to clear himself. True Christianity settles what is of common concern to all mankind, and is not built upon narrow opinions and private interests. It aims at no worldly benefit or advantage, but all its gains are spiritual and eternal. It is, and always has been, the lot of Christ's holy religion, to be every where spoken against. Look through every town and village where Christ is exalted as the only Saviour of mankind, and where the people are called to follow him in newness of life, and we see those who give themselves up to Christ, still called a sect, a party, and reproached. And this is the treatment they are sure to receive, so long as there shall continue an ungodly man upon earth.
