Acts28
New King James Version
1Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
2And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.
3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.”
5But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
6However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.
8And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
9So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
10They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
11After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
12And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.
13From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli,
14where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome.
15And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
17And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
18who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death.
19But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation.
20For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
21Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you.
22But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
23So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
24And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
25So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,
26saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
27For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’
28“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”
29And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.
30Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him,
31preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one 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