We’ve reached the end of Acts. Paul has reached Rome. Safe and preaching unhindered and unrestrained. It has been quite the journey through this book. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. The next study will begin soon, but at this point I don’t know what it will be. In the mean time, Isaiah is still updated each Thursday. Before we begin, let’s pray.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the words we have in this book and this chapter. Thank You for Your constant presence with us. Thank You for leading and guiding me through this book. I ask, Lord, one more time, please lead. Give me the words and the vision to really study this and learn it. Thank You, Lord.
Please read Acts 28:1-6
Safe at Malta
1 After we were safe [on land], we found out that the island was called [a]Malta. 2 And the [b]natives showed us extraordinary kindness and hospitality; for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, since it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a [c]viper crawled out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, Justice [the avenging goddess] has not permitted him to live.” 5 Then Paul [simply] shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 But they stood watching and expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began saying that he was a god.
Not a god, but a man with a close relationship to God. Jesus in Luke 10:19 says this, “Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.”
I don’t know if that is only a power the apostle’s had or if those close to Him today have that power too. I wouldn’t want to test it. Yet to this day no lasting or lethal harm has ever happened to me. And I am confident that my eternal future is completely and eternally safe. And that is why I know I am always safe with Jesus.
Healing
Please read Acts 28:7-10
7 In the vicinity of that place there were estates belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was sick [in bed] with recurring attacks of fever and dysentery; and Paul went to him, and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 After this occurred, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being healed. 10 They also gave us many honors [gifts and courtesies expressing respect]; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all the things we needed.
More gifts given to the apostles and often to prophets too, but whether we have that as close followers I couldn’t say. Yet He is more than capable of healing anything we pray for. Whether He will or not is the answer because sometimes the answer is no. Whichever way, He is due all the glory.
It’s really something to hear Luke describe how they respected and provided them with all they needed for the journey. God is so good.
Please read Acts 28:11-16
Paul Arrives at Rome
11 At the end of three months we set sail on a ship which had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the [d]Twin Brothers [Castor and Pollux] as its figurehead. 12 We landed at Syracuse [on Sicily] and stayed there three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium [on Italy’s southern tip]; and a day later a south wind came up, and on the second day we arrived at [e]Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers and sisters, having heard news about us, came from as far away as the [f]Forum of Appius and [g]Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself [in rented quarters] with the soldier who was guarding him.
I think it’s really something that there were believers who would come from miles around to greet them and encourage them. There is something wonderful about a faith community. All unhindered and unrestrained.
Please read Acts 28:17-22
17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Kinsmen, though I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our fathers, yet I was turned over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 After they had interrogated me, they were ready to release me because I was not guilty of any offense deserving death. 19 But when the Jews objected [to my release], I was forced to appeal to Caesar (Emperor Nero), not because I had any charge to make against my nation. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel (the Messiah, the resurrection) that I am bound with this chain.” 21 They said to him, “We have not received [any] letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the [Jewish] brothers come here and reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we would like to hear from you what your views are [that is, exactly what you believe]; for in regard to this sect (Christianity), we are fully aware that it is denounced everywhere.”
Praise be to God who has made it so that not everywhere and not all the time, Christianity is no longer a sect or denounced.
Please read Acts 28:23-27
Unhindered and Unrestrained
23 When they had set a day for Paul, they came to his lodging in large numbers. And he carefully explained [Christianity] to them from morning until evening, solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, both from the Law of Moses and from the [writings of the] Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and they began to leave after Paul had made one last statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, saying, 26 ‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, but will not understand,
You will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
27 “For the heart (the understanding, the soul) of this people has become dull (calloused),
And with their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have shut their eyes [to the truth];
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return [to Me],
And I would heal them.”’
Unhindered and Unrestrained is Us Too
The Law and the Prophets testify to the fact of Christ. He is the Word, it is all about Him. The words, “but others would not believe” are also facts. Sometimes belief is a choice. It’s also a gift once the choice is made. Believe.
Please read Acts 28:28-31
28 Therefore let it be known to you that [this message of] the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they indeed will listen!” 29 [h][And when he had said these things, the Jews left, arguing among themselves.]
30 And Paul lived there for two full years [at his own expense] in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 31 preaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness and boldness, unhindered and unrestrained.
What a gift it was that Jesus sent him to the Gentiles. And what gifts these books are to read. Those words there, that Paul lived there preaching, proclaiming and ‘teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness and boldness, unhindered and unrestrained’ are such good news after all he’s been through. Can you imagine being there for this, to hear it yourself? Oh my. But thank You Lord for being with me and teaching me yourself. I ask that whomever has read these also learn all that You have taught me through them.
Footnotes
[a] Acts 28:1 Gr Melita, located about 60 miles south of Sicily and 600 miles west of Fair Havens, Crete.
[b] Acts 28:2 Gr barbaroi, referring to people who did not speak Greek.
[c] Acts 28:3 Probably a sand viper (vipera ammodytes), whose venom is deadly and fast-acting.
[d] Acts 28:11 I.e. sons of Zeus in Greek mythology.
[e] Acts 28:13 Located about 150 miles from Rome in the Bay of Naples, near Pompeii, this was Rome’s main seaport.
[f] Acts 28:15 About 43 miles from Rome.
[g] Acts 28:15 About 33 miles from Rome.
[h] Acts 28:29 Early mss do not contain this v.