Acts28
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1And when we were escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita.
2And the barbarians showed us no common kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out by reason of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped from the sea, yet Justice hath not suffered to live.
5Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm.
6But they expected that he would have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but when they were long in expectation and beheld nothing amiss came to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius; who received us, and entertained us three days courteously.
8And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him.
9And when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came, and were cured:
10who also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board such things as we needed.
11And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers.
12And touching at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13And from thence we made a circuit, and arrived at Rhegium: and after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli;
14where we found brethren, and were entreated to tarry with them seven days: and so we came to Rome.
15And from thence the brethren, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns; whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16And when we entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him.
17And it came to pass, that after three days he called together those that were the chief of the Jews: and when they were come together, he said unto them, I, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans:
18who, when they had examined me, desired to set me at liberty, because there was no cause of death in me.
19But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had aught whereof to accuse my nation.
20For this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judaea concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee.
22But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.
23And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded the matter, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.
24And some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
25And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Spirit through Isaiah the prophet unto your fathers,
26saying, Go thou unto this people, and say, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive:
27For this people’s heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them.
28Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear.
29
30And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him,
31preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 28.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Paul kindly received at Melita. (1–10). He arrives at Rome. (11–16). His conference with the Jews. (17–22). Paul preaches to the Jews, and abides at Rome a prisoner. (23–31).
vv1-10
God can make strangers to be friends; friends in distress. Those who are despised for homely manners, are often more friendly than the more polished; and the conduct of heathens, or persons called barbarians, condemns many in civilized nations, professing to be Christians. The people thought that Paul was a murderer, and that the viper was sent by Divine justice, to be the avenger of blood. They knew that there is a God who governs the world, so that things do not come to pass by chance, no, not the smallest event, but all by Divine direction; and that evil pursues sinners; that there are good works which God will reward, and wicked works which he will punish. Also, that murder is a dreadful crime, one which shall not long go unpunished. But they thought all wicked people were punished in this life. Though some are made examples in this world, to prove that there is a God and a Providence, yet many are left unpunished, to prove that there is a judgment to come. They also thought all who were remarkably afflicted in this life were wicked people. Divine revelation sets this matter in a true light. Good men often are greatly afflicted in this life, for the trial and increase of their faith and patience. Observe Paul's deliverance from the danger. And thus in the strength of the grace of Christ, believers shake off the temptations of Satan, with holy resolution. When we despise the censures and reproaches of men, and look upon them with holy contempt, having the testimony of our consciences for us, then, like Paul, we shake off the viper into the fire. It does us no harm, except we are kept by it from our duty. God hereby made Paul remarkable among these people, and so made way for the receiving of the gospel. The Lord raises up friends for his people in every place whither he leads them, and makes them blessings to those in affliction.
vv11-16
The common events of travelling are seldom worthy of being told; but the comfort of communion with the saints, and kindness shown by friends, deserve particular mention. The Christians at Rome were so far from being ashamed of Paul, or afraid of owning him, because he was a prisoner, that they were the more careful to show him respect. He had great comfort in this. And if our friends are kind to us, God puts it into their hearts, and we must give him the glory. When we see those even in strange places, who bear Christ's name, fear God, and serve him, we should lift up our hearts to heaven in thanksgiving. How many great men have made their entry into Rome, crowned and in triumph, who really were plagues to the world! But here a good man makes his entry into Rome, chained as a poor captive, who was a greater blessing to the world than any other merely a man. Is not this enough to put us for ever out of conceit with worldly favour? This may encourage God's prisoners, that he can give them favour in the eyes of those that carry them captives. When God does not soon deliver his people out of bondage, yet makes it easy to them, or them easy under it, they have reason to be thankful.
vv17-22
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.
Key Words
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διασώζω (diasṓzō): to save thoroughly, i.e. (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc.
τότε (tóte): the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginṓskō): to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
ὅτι (hóti): demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
νῆσος (nēsos): an island
καλέω (kaléō): to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
Μελίτη (Melítē): Melita, an island in the Mediterranean
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
βάρβαρος (bárbaros): a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek)
Cross References
Acts 28Direct quotation from Isaiah 6:9-10 regarding judicial blindness and spiritual hardness of Israel.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Fulfillment of Christ's promise that believers would take up serpents and not be harmed.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Fulfillment of authority to tread on serpents and scorpions without suffering hurt.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels Lycaonians similarly changing their minds to view Paul as a pagan god.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Fulfillment of the Lord's promise that Paul must testify in Rome.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Refers back to Paul's arrival in Rome and his initial custody arrangement.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Parallels the common error of Job's friends, assuming calamity always implies hidden guilt.
Supported by John Calvin
Elaborates on 'the hope of Israel' for which Paul was bound.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Paul's parallel description of himself as 'an ambassador in bonds' or chains in Rome.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Fulfillment of Paul's prophecy that they must be cast upon a certain island.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Illuminates the term 'barbarian' used of those not speaking Greek or Latin.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels Paul's practice of turning to the Gentiles after Jewish rejection of the Gospel.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB