ACTS  28

1 Once safely on the shore, we found that the island was called Malta.

2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.

4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other. This man must be a murderer, for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.

 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.

6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

7 There was a estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us into his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.

 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and healed him.

 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.

10 They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was a Alexanderian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.

12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days and stayed there three days.

13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day a south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli.

14 There we found some brothers who invited us to stay a week with them. And so we came to Rome.

15 The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.

16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to gaurd him.

 17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

18 they examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.

 19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar not that I had any charge to bring against my own  people.

20 For this reason I have  asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.

21 They replied, We have not recieved any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.

22 But we want to hear what your views are for we know that  people everywhere are talking against this sect.

23 They arranged to meet on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying.  From morning  till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement. The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when He said through Isaiah the prophet: Go to this people and say, 

 26 You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

27 For this peoples heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.

28 Therefore I want you to know that Gods salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.

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

30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.

 31 Boldly and without hinderance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, This man must be a murdered for though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live. But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. Acts 28:4,5

And out of the smoke locust came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Revelation 9: 3,4

THE HOPE OF ISRAEL

 Thomas J. Grace

The shipwreck journey is over and all two hundred and seventy six men have arrived without injury on the island of Malta where they will remain for three months. The power of God will be great among these people and Paul will not face any opposition maybe for the first time. 

       1 When all the men had arrived on the shore and it was certain that everyone was present , safe and healthy they discovered they were on the island called Malta. 2 The islanders that discovered them welcomed them all and were very kind, because it was still raining and cold they built a fire so we would become warm and dry. These people must have seen the ship and the problems they had when it was aground on the sandbar and watched to learn their intentions as they came ashore. This was a large group of visitors in distress to suddenly care for and they helped each of them soldiers and prisoners alike.

     3 Paul gathers some brushwood to place on the fire and a viper fastens itself to his hand. 4 The islanders watched and as they discussed this they decided this man must be a murderer because he did escape the sea  but justice has not allowed him to live. They had a understanding of crime and punishment and justice according to whatever legal system they established and whatever god they believed in. They would know this viper and the results that would occur when they attack a man and seemed certain that Paul would die quickly. They did not offer any treatment or remedy for this viper bite it could have been because there was no way to prevent death from this viper poison.  Paul will be the first man to survive without even becoming sick from this  viper bite which must have been deep in the skin of the hand because the viper did fasten itself to the hand for a brief time that could be clearly seen.  5 Paul shook the snake off his own hand and watched it fall into the fire and suffered no ill effects. Paul did not ask for any advice about which type of snake this was and the men from the ship did not offer any treatment. Paul and everyone there may have recognized this snake and knew that it contained a deadly poison that would soon kill any man. Paul would wait and see what God would do to demonstrate His power to these people, and what may also become another test of how faithful Paul will be when his own life is in danger. 6 Everyone watched Paul and expected first to see him swell up and then fall down dead. As the men on the ship watched they must have thought of how Paul said to them not a hair on their heads will be lost and now Paul is about to die. This would cause serious doubt in any man that had come to believe in God because of what Paul had taught them. Not even Luke who was a doctor did not seem to offer any treatment or prayer for his friend. 

      Paul and Luke who by now have both read and spoken to Mark about the gospel he wrote would remember some of Jesus last words that Mark wrote Mark 16:17,18 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My Name they will drive out demons: they will speak in new tongues: they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poisons, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on  sick people, and they will get well.  After several hours when they did not see any sickness at all  the people changed their minds and decided that Paul must be a god. By this time they must have known that Paul was a Roman prisoner being sent to Rome for trial, would they expect their god to be a prisoner. We do not read of Pauls denial of being a god as he and Barnabas had done in Lystra. Acts 14:15 Men why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you,. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. Paul was stoned and did almost die there he certainly would deny being a god but learned to do this more carefully and now have the opportunity to explain who God was as creator of the world and His Son Jesus Christ as the Savior of all mankind.

     Paul could have been tempted by this idea of remaining in Malta as a god instead of going to Rome and remaining in prison for two more years.  Paul was told that he would testify before Caesar in Rome but was not told the outcome of that testimony.  Like James who was executed by Herod it was possible that Caesar could decide to execute Paul.  Like Stephen, Paul was there when Stephen was stoned to death.  As a god the islanders would be able to overpower the soldiers and prevent them from taking Paul with them. As the only survivor of a snake bite from this type of snake he could declare and show the true power of Jesus Christ as healer and Savior. 7 This matter must have been explained and understood and they were welcomed by a chief official of the island Publius and for three days he allowed them  to rest eat and be entertained. The people of Malta were willing to provide for the needs of the men and the soldiers did not need to use any force against the people to supply their needs.

     8 The father of Publius had been sick with a fever and dysentery, Paul went to the man and prayed, then placed his hands on him and he was healed. They had seen Paul save his own life from death when the snake bite him , now they have seen this man get well from his sickness. Within these three days while some were being entertained Paul must have made it clear that it was the power of God that heals and saves and that he was only a messenger of Jesus Christ. Now there would be no more confusion about Paul and how God would heal many of these people.

     9 This message about the man who was healed spread quickly across the island and many people came or were brought to visit Paul and have him pray to Jesus Christ and ask God to heal them of many sicknesses and diseases. Certainly there would be preaching about Jesus Christ and of how God made man and the world. The return of Christ and the judgement of all men would be told. We learn that Gods power becomes greater in our lives when man becomes tested and challenged and remains faithful to God a island of sick people many who would not have recovered are made well and now have eternal life because they believe in their Savior Jesus Christ.

     As Paul faced danger and challenges in Corinth and Ephesus when he went forward he saw God do even greater healings and miracles. Acts 18:9,10 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision; Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you because I have many people in this city. So Paul reamined for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.   In Ephesus, Acts 19:11,12 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 

      By this time with many sick people in need Paul would have the assistance of many of the men from the ship and the people from Malta working together to assist in bringing  the sick to him.  Before he leaves Malta he must be certain that the believers there are taught and organized into a church with a pastor and elders. Some of the men from the ship may have remained on Malta for this work and many of the people of Malta must have been ready to lead this new church. 10  The people of Malta honored them in many ways and furnished all the supplies they would need when they were ready to sail.  We are not told of their temple or any form of worship that did exist in Malta before Paul arrived only that they thought Paul was a god. There did not seem to be any opposition by the Malta people to Paul or the gospel of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the leader of the worship that did exist were among the very first to believe in Jesus Christ which may have been the chief official Publius this could have been why his father was sick when Paul stayed in his home for three days. 

     11 They remained on Malta for three months for winter to end and the hurricane season to come to a end. We can be certain there was a prayer meeting on the beach before Paul boarded the new ship and many tears as they seperated from many new friends and fellow believers.  There was another ship that spent the winter on the island it must have arrived before Pauls ship and was not in the storm. It was a Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of  the twin gods Castor and Pollux who were the sons of Zeus the guardians of sailors. We are not told of any of these men being with Paul for any healing or other service but since they are willing to welcome two hundred and seventy six new men on their ship we must believe this could only be the work of God. 12 We sailed to Syracuse and stayed there for three days.

     13 The ship sails on to Rhegium, the next day a south wind came and we came to Puteoli where we found some brothers and we stayed there for one week. They would meet and may have met with whoever began this church or heard the story of who was there and spread the story of Jesus Christ. Still there are no prophets with any message for Paul about him going to Rome as there were several that warned him before he went to Jerusalem about the danger he would face there. And so we came to Rome.

     15 Fellow Christians who were aware that Paul was about to arrive came to greet him  these are believers that may have already read the book of Romans.  Many of these people would have been waiting several years to meet Paul who had often promised that he would soon be coming to Rome. They also would have heard many stories about Paul from other Christians who had been with him in other cities and later came to Rome. Paul was encouraged when he met these men and thanked God for their time of fellowship and prayer. This was certainly much better than being met by Roman soldiers eager to bring him to prison or by some Jews that would persecute him. 16 In Rome Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him who may have been chained to  Paul. Philippians 1:13 As a result it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I  am in chains for Christ.  Colosians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we  may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. As each guard became chained to Paul many of them must have learned about Jesus Christ and became believers. 

      17 After only three days in Rome Paul now in a home that he has rented probably from one of the believers who met him  he calls the leaders of the Jews to meet with him. Paul has never lost his love for his own people even those who may have never been to Israel, he would  insist that he first preach to his fellow Jews.  If it were possible Paul would have gone to the synagogue if one existed to meet with them as he did in many cities. we do not read of him being invited to a synagogue at this time. Paul addresses the group telling them that he has done nothing to harm his people or the customs of our ancestors, He tells how he was arrested in Jerusalem at the temple courts Acts 21.  18 He would include how he was charged falsely. He may have told about the hearings before the Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus and King Agrippa who found no cause for death or imprisonment in his case.  19 Because the Jews in Jerusalem would protest my release during the hearing before Govenor Festus I was compelled to appeal to Caesar in hope of a verdict and decision that would release me. I do not have any charges or complaints to bring against my own people. After my appeal to Caesar I was also able to testify before King Agrippa about our Lord Jesus Christ, the king also stated Acts 26:31 This man has done nothing that deserves death or imprisonment.

     20 I have asked to speak to you so you will understand it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.  Paul speaks of the hope of Israel before King Agrippa Acts 26:6 ,7 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today.  This is the promise  are twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me.  The hope has become the hope of all who now believe in Christ, the hope of His return and our eternal life with Him. Jesus spoke of how many have had this hope and longed to see the things the apostles saw with him. Luke 10:23,24 Then He turned to His disciples and said, Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear and did not hear it. We also must wait for the appearing of our Lord Titus 2:13 While we are waiting for the blessed hope the glorous appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. 

      21 The leaders of the Jews state how they have  heard no news about Paul from Jerusalem and have not heard any bad reports about him from any of the visitors. 22 They came to hear Paul speak because they have heard many reports about problems that have happened in many places where people have spoke against this sect. It would seem that they heard from many non believers about Christ but this is the first time they will hear the message of Christ.  23 As the meeting ended they decided they shall come together once again at the home of Paul.

     They arrived with a larger group than the first as word spread there were more and more people ready to hear  Pauls message.  Paul would have spent several days praying  with the believers in Rome in order to prepare for this meeting. From early in the morning  until evening Paul declared the kingdom of God and proved that Moses along with all the prophets were speaking of Jesus as their Savior.  Paul knew all the scripture and would explain each prophecy about the life of Christ and if they were careful and willing to study with him as the people of Berea they would soon know that Christ was their  Savior.   Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they recieved the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.   As Jesus once said to the apostles after His resurrection Luke 24:44,45 He said to them, This is what I told you while I was  still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. Then He opened their minds so they could understand the scripture. Paul knew that he could only tell all of the truth about Christ and it was the work of God to open their minds with the Holy Spirit and allow them to believe.

     24 Some were convinced others would not believe  it does seem to imply they could not refute the things Paul told them by any scripture but would not believe what they could not deny. 25 They began to dispute among themselves those who believed and those who refused to believe. This disagreement may have been about how those who believe will worship together with those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Paul is ready to make a statement before the group departs and links the Holy Spirit to the words of the prophet Isaiah. Paul does not state that Jesus also spoke these words Matthew 13:13 Because they have not yet believed in Christ but do know the words of Isaiah 6:9,10. We learn that Isaiah, Jesus and Paul all struggled at different times even centuries apart with many people who would not believe in God.   26 You will hear and not understand, you will see and not percieve. 27 Your heart is calloused and you can hardly hear, and have closed your eyes. You must hear and understand with your heart and Christ will heal them. Jesus could not overcome these problems as he spoke to many Pharisees who rejected Him as their Savior.

     Paul faced this problem many times in other synagogues and often resulted in violent attacks and persecution that did not take place in Rome.  They needed what God had promised in order to believe and understand Christ. They would need a new way of thinking and learning with their hearts. Ezekiel 11:19,20 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new Spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws. They will be My people and I will be their God. 28 Paul closes his statement by telling them that Gods salvation has been sent to the Gentiles and they will listen. This statement may have caused more arguments than all the others because of the Law of Moses and all the customs of the Jews and how would they be obeyed by the Gentiles. 

      This is the mission that the Lord gave to Paul Acts 26:17,18 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to then to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may recieve forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. 29 KJV And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. Did Pauls final words to them solve or create more debate among the Jews. Some will return to hear more of Pauls message about Jesus Christ and believe. Paul knows he has discharged his duty to his own fellow Jews and is aware that his service now is to bring the gospel to the Gentiles in Rome.  30 Paul for two years will remain in the house he has rented and has visitors to hear about Christ for the first time and others who will desire to be trained by Paul for service. 31 Boldly Paul preraches and teaches the message of Jesus Christ without any hinderance or persecution from Romans or Jews. Rome  is in the most important city of the world where visitors will come from every nation. People will learn about Christ from Paul in Rome and bring the gospel home with them to every country of the world. In Rome Paul did write the  book of Philippians and stated Philippians 2:24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

CHRIST LOVES YOU. AMEN. COME LORD JESUS