Acts28
New International Version
1Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.
3Paul 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.
4When 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, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.”
5But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
6The 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.
7There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.
8His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
9When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.
10They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
11After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.
12We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.
13From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli.
14There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.
15The brothers and sisters 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 people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.
16When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
17Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. 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.
18They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.
19The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people.
20For 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.”
21They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.
22But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”
23They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.
24Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.
25They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
26“‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27For this people’s 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 God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”
29
30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.
31He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
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