Bible Study Acts 28: 1-31

 

Commentary of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Acts 28: 1-31

Text:

On the Island of Malta

28 And when they had been brought safely through to shore, then we learned that the island was called [a]Malta. 2 And the [b]natives showed us extraordinary affection; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out [c]because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 And when the [d]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, [e]Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were waiting for him to soon swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, changing their minds, they began to say that he was a god.

7 Now in the areas around that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying afflicted with fever and dysentery; and Paul, going to see him and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 And after this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being healed. 10 They also bestowed on us many honors of respect; and when we were setting sail, they [f]supplied us with [g]all we needed.

Paul Arrives in Rome

11 Now at the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had [h]the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put into Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and after a day when a south wind sprang up, on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 [i]There we found some brothers, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the [j]Market of Appius and [k]Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16 And when we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Paul’s Ministry in Rome

17 And it happened that after three days [l]Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our [m]fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground [n]for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews [o]objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I [p]requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 And they said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”

23 And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,

‘Go to this people and say,
“[q]You will keep on hearing, [r]but will not understand;
And [s]you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;

27 

For the heart of this people has become dull,
And with their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Lest they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I heal them.”’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.” 29 [t][When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

30 And he stayed two full years [u]in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 [v]preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “And when they had been brought safely through to shore, then we learned that the island was called Malta.”

Malta, historically known as Melita ("a place of refuge"), is an island measuring 8 by 18 miles. It is situated 60 miles south of Sicily and 180 miles northeast of Cyrene, North Africa. 

Verse 2: “And the natives showed us extraordinary affection; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.”

The term "natives" literally translates to "barbarians," signifying those who did not speak Greek, rather than implying tribal savagery. This passage again highlights the kindness and courtesy displayed by pagans. It's noteworthy that 276 individuals, many of whom are criminals en route to Rome for punishment, have disembarked on this small island. Despite this, these pagan people demonstrate remarkable compassion and helpfulness.

Verse 3: ”But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand.”

Snakes are cold-blooded, and thus become stiff and motionless in cold weather. It is likely that Paul picked up the serpent along with the brush.

Verse 4: “And 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 has not allowed him to live.’”

While some have suggested the snake was nonpoisonous, the Greek word for "creature" in this verse is typically used for dangerous animals and poisonous snakes. Therefore, there is little reason to doubt the islanders' belief that the snake was venomous.

Verse 5: “However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm.”

Paul's experience fulfilled God's promise in Mark 16:18, as he suffered no ill effects from the venom. However, when people today intentionally handle snakes and claim this promise as protection, they are misinterpreting God's original intent.

Verse 6: “But they were waiting for him to soon swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, changing their minds, they began to say that he was a god.”

The islanders ironically shifted their view of Paul, initially seeing him as a murderer deserving of death, then as a god. This mirrors the events in Lystra, where the people first hailed Paul and Barnabas as gods, only to later nearly stone Paul to death.

Verse 7: “Now in the areas around that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days.”

In Greek, the term "leading man" identifies Publius as the Roman governor of Malta.

Verse 8: “And it happened that the father of Publius was lying afflicted with fever and dysentery; and Paul, going to see him and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.”

On Malta, gastric fever, caused by a microbe in goat's milk, was common. Dysentery, often a result of poor sanitation, was widespread in the ancient world. Both were prevalent illnesses.

Verse 9: “And after this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being healed.”

It has been questioned whether Paul preached the gospel in Melita, with some believing he did not. However, common sense, guided by the Holy Spirit, suggests otherwise. Given that this incident is presented concisely at the book's conclusion, Luke likely presumed the reader would understand Paul's actions. Of course, he preached the gospel.

Verse 10: “They also bestowed on us many honors of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.”

The generosity of the people was remarkable; they even provided for the travelers' necessities upon their departure three months later.

Verse 11: “Now at the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead.”

During this era, sea voyages were dangerous. The Alexandrian ship, likely part of the imperial grain fleet, bore the emblem of the "Twin Brothers," Castor and Pollux. These figures from Greek mythology, sons of Zeus, were believed to safeguard sailors.

Verse 12: “After we put into Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.”

Syracuse, a significant city located on the island of Sicily, is believed by tradition to be the site where Paul founded a church during his ship's three-day stopover.

Verse 13: “From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and after a day when a south wind sprang up, on the second day we came to Puteoli.”

Rhegium was a port city on the southern tip of the Italian mainland where the ship paused for a day, awaiting favorable winds to navigate the Straits of Messina (which separate Sicily from the Italian mainland). Puteoli is known today as Pozzuoli, this city is situated on the Bay of Naples, close to Pompeii. It served as Rome's primary port and Italy's most significant, also functioning as the main hub for the Egyptian grain fleet.

Verse 14: “There we found some brothers, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome.”

Luke concisely notes the group's arrival in Rome, the imperial capital, a destination Paul had long sought. There was little fanfare recorded by Luke.

Verse 15: “And the brothers, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.”

“Market of Appius” was a market town located 43 miles south of Rome on the Appian Way.

“Three Inns” was a rest stop situated approximately 30 miles south of Rome, also on the Appian Way.

Verse 16: “And when we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.”

Even while under house arrest, Paul resided in his own rented dwelling, where he was able to host friends and minister to various groups, including the Roman Jews.

Verse 17: “And it happened that after three days [a]Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our [b]fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.”

Paul initiated his address by refuting any accusations of transgressing Jewish customs or traditions, speaking before the most influential figures from Rome's synagogues, who were the leaders of the Jews.

Verse 18: “And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground [a]for putting me to death.”

The book of Acts meticulously chronicles the missionary journeys and ministry of the Apostle Paul. A significant recurring theme throughout his account is Paul’s repeated defenses of himself and the Gospel message before various authorities. His sixth and final defense, as recorded in Acts, marks a pivotal moment in his narrative, culminating in his eventual arrival in Rome. This defense, spanning chapters 27 and 28, details his perilous voyage and his initial interactions upon reaching the island of Malta, followed by his journey to Rome and his ministry there under house arrest. It serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the Kingdom of God, even in the face of immense adversity and imprisonment.

Verse 19: “But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation.”

Paul, maintaining his established evangelistic approach, consistently sought out the Jewish communities in each new location. In Rome, upon his arrival, he immediately set about explaining the circumstances that led to his presence in the city. This proactive engagement allowed him to clarify any misconceptions and directly address the Jewish leaders and community members before rumors or distorted information could spread. His intention was to present his case, not as a criminal, but as a messenger of the Gospel, demonstrating that his imprisonment was a consequence of his faith rather than any wrongdoing against Roman law or Jewish custom. This familiar pattern underscores Paul's deep-rooted commitment to the Jewish people and his belief that the message of Christ was first and foremost for them.

Verse 20: “ For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.”

He bore the marks of his imprisonment, likely chained to his guard. This was due to two main points in his preaching:

1. He proclaimed the Messiah had arrived, the very hope of Israel. He argued, "Don't all Jews agree that the Messiah will be the glory of his people Israel? He is to be hoped for, and I preach and prove that this Messiah has come. They would cling to a hope of a Messiah yet to come that would lead to despair; I preach a hope in a Messiah already present that brings joy."

2. He preached about the resurrection of the dead. This, too, he referred to as the hope of Israel.

Verse 21: “And they said to him, ‘We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you.’”

Upon questioning, they stated they had no specific accusations against him. They had received no instructions, either written or verbal, to prosecute him before the emperor. Furthermore, none of their Jewish brethren who had recently arrived in Rome—drawn there by various circumstances, as Judea was now a Roman province—had "reported or spoken anything bad" of him. This was surprising, given the persistent and deep-seated animosity of the Jews, which had pursued Paul relentlessly wherever he went, yet inexplicably failed to follow him to Rome to secure his condemnation.

Verse 22: “But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”

They wished to comprehend the doctrine Paul preached and the religion he tirelessly propagated despite significant opposition. Their statement, "we desire to hear from you what you think”—ha phroneis," sought to understand his opinions, sentiments, and the wisdom, passion, and zeal he held for these matters. They admitted their limited knowledge of Christianity, knowing only that "it is spoken against everywhere."

This scornful remark about Christianity came from the leading Jews in Rome, who, despite boasting of their knowledge, understood Christianity only as a widely condemned "sect." They mislabeled it to discredit it. Firstly, their classification of Christianity as a "sect" was inaccurate. True Christianity addresses universal human concerns, unlike sects, which typically arise from narrow opinions and private interests. It seeks no worldly gain, focusing instead on spiritual and eternal benefits. Furthermore, its essence is to unite humanity, not to divide and cause discord, as sects often do. Secondly, their claim that it was "it is spoken against everywhere" was, unfortunately, true. Their social circles condemned it, leading them to assume widespread opposition, which largely was the case. It has always been, and continues to be, the fate of Christ's holy religion to face universal criticism.

Verse 23: “And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.”

Paul’s consistent method of Jewish evangelism throughout the book of Acts was to meticulously prove from the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah. He would enter synagogues in various cities, engage in dialogue with Jewish leaders and devout Gentiles, and systematically present passages from the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, demonstrating how their prophecies, types, and shadows found their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. This approach wasn't merely intellectual; it was deeply rooted in the conviction that the Old Testament itself testified to Christ, thereby providing a compelling and irrefutable case for His messianic identity and divine authority.

Verse 24: “And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing.”

As expected, the message elicited a dual reaction: some embraced it, while others remained unconvinced and rejected the truth. That is why it is the effective call that leads to salvation, not the general call.

Verse 25: “And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, ‘The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,’”

Despite Paul's skillful advocacy for Christianity, the discourse did not achieve universal acceptance. Just as the Lord Jesus Christ is a cornerstone for some and a stumbling block for others, the audience's reception was mixed. They disagreed among themselves; some found Paul's arguments convincing, while others remained unconvinced.

Verse 26: “saying,

‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, but will not understand;
And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;’”

This passage quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, emphasizing that hardening one's heart, as Pharaoh did, aligns with prophecy. The text urges readers to seriously consider this scripture and fear that the described spiritual judgment—fulfilled in those who do not believe—could be their own. Just as the Old Testament contains gospel promises for believers, it also includes threatenings of spiritual judgments for non-believers. This specific prophecy, given to Isaiah, details a commission to worsen those who refuse to repent and believe the Gospel.

Verse 27: “For the heart of this people has become dull,

And with their ears they scarcely hear,

And they have closed their eyes;

Lest they might see with their eyes,

And hear with their ears,

And understand with their heart and return,

And I heal them.”’

Their deliberate rejection of God's grace and resistance to spiritual truth, combined with God's subsequent withdrawal of that grace and truth, has led to a hardened state. Because they refused to embrace the truth, God allowed them to fall prey to powerful deceptions, believing falsehoods. This willful and divinely ordained hardness has resulted in a dullness of heart and ears, rendering them insensitive and unresponsive to any message.

Verse 28: “‘Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.’”

Originally, salvation and God's covenant blessings were believed exclusive to Israel, chosen to receive divine revelation. However, God's redemptive plan broadened this. Through divine grace, this gift now extends to Gentiles. This pivotal shift reveals God's boundless love and salvation are universally available to all believers, regardless of background, emphasizing His expansive mercy and desire for all humanity to enter a saving relationship with Him.

Verse 29: “When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.”

Although some early manuscripts do not include this verse, its principle is consistent with several other verses in Acts. Therefore, there is no issue in considering it part of the Word of God.

Verse 30: “And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him,”

From A.D. 60–62, Paul was under house arrest, where he preached and taught about the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ to all who would listen. The book of Acts concludes before Paul's trial before Nero, which the Lord had foretold.

Verse 31: “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered.”

Paul, Luke, and their followers continued to spread the message of the Lord Jesus Christ and the glorious kingdom of God, ensuring its triumphant advance.