Acts 28
Summary. In this chapter, the apostle Paul is on the island of Melita. He then journeys to Rome and ultimately arrives in the city. While on his travels and while in Rome, the Lord God Almighty empowers him to proclaim the good news of the Lord Jesus. Acts 28:1-10. The apostle Paul on Melita. The word of the Lord God Almighty has been fulfilled, as He revealed it to His apostle: everyone reached the land safely on the island of Melita. The Lord God Almighty lifted up the apostle in front of all the people of the island, and He performed great miracles through him. Although the apostle’s stay with the people on the island was short, many miracles were performed, and the name of the Lord God Almighty was proclaimed. Acts 28:11-16. The apostle Paul arrives in Rome. The Lord God Almighty put favor in the hearts of people of Melita to help the apostle’s journey to Rome and provide for his needs for the journey. On the journey, whenever they had a chance to stop, the apostle would seek out believers with whom he could worship the Lord together. Acts 28:17-31. The apostle Paul in Rome. In Rome, the apostle stayed in his own rented place, guarded by a soldier. He invited the brothers and Jewish leaders from the surrounding area to meet with him. He declared that he had committed no crime against the country and had been unjustly handed over to Rome for judgment. Additionally, he wanted the brothers to understand that he was experiencing this persecution because of his faith in the Lord God Almighty. The Lord stirred their curiosity, prompting them to learn more about his beliefs. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the apostle testified about salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ; some believed, while others did not. During his time in Rome, the apostle welcomed everyone who came to him and proclaimed the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, through His suffering and love. He shared the complete story of the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice for all humanity.
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And having been saved, then we knew that the island is called Melita.
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And the barbarians showed us no ordinary kindness; for having kindled a fire, they received us all, because the rain was present, and because of the cold.
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Now Paul, having gathered a bundle of sticks and having laid them on the fire, a viper having come out for the heat, fastened upon his hand.
Comments Acts 28:1-3
The word of the Lord God Almighty has been fulfilled as He gave it to His apostle: everyone reached the shore safely. Now, the Lord God Almighty showed kindness to the barbarian people, allowing them to see and experience the miracle. Let the believers notice the action of the apostle. After reaching the shore, he did not stay and wait to help people; the apostle himself did not stay idle but went and gathered sticks to make a fire for those who were wet to receive heat. At this time, the mighty power of the Lord God Almighty was shown to all when a viper bit the apostle’s hand. Everyone saw the viper hanging from the apostle’s hand, and now everyone had the same thought: the apostle may have been saved from the water, but nature did not want him to live, and he had been bitten by the viper instead.
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Then, when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, Surely this man is a murderer, whom, having been saved from the sea, Justice has not permitted to live.
Comments Acts 28:4
“Then, when the barbarians saw ...” In the barbarian mind, regardless of whether smart or not, when a person has escaped from drowning, even on land, the evil deed the person committed still follows and seeks revenge to prevent him from having a long life.
“Whom, having been saved from the sea ...” Being barbarians, they believed in the power of their god, which would not let the wrongdoing pass without punishment, and here the apostle escaped death from drowning, but still faced another death from a creature.
“Whom, having been saved from the sea ...” Being barbarians, they believed in the power of their god, which would not let the wrongdoing pass without punishment, and here the apostle escaped death from drowning, but still faced another death from a creature.
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Then, he, indeed, having shaken off the creature into the fire, he suffered no harm.
Comments Acts 28:5
The apostle, when he saw the viper hanging on his hand, without fear, shook it over the fire, and the viper fell into the fire.
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But they were expecting him to be about to swell or to fall down dead suddenly; however, they expecting it a long time, and seeing nothing uncommon happening to him, having changed their opinion, they spoke of him being a god.
Comments Acts 28:6
“But they were expecting him ...” Everyone noticed what kind of viper had bitten the apostle, and all thought one thing only: death would befall the apostle. This viper had a strong venom that could kill instantly.
“However, they expecting it a long time ...” Everyone was waiting and expecting to see the dead fall, but a long while passed, and nothing happened. The human mind changed suddenly and took this as a sign that the apostle was their god in disguise, so this viper could not do him any harm.
“However, they expecting it a long time ...” Everyone was waiting and expecting to see the dead fall, but a long while passed, and nothing happened. The human mind changed suddenly and took this as a sign that the apostle was their god in disguise, so this viper could not do him any harm.
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Now, in around that place were lands belonging to the chief of the island, named Publius, who having received us, lodged us kindly three days.
Comments Acts 28:7
By the mercy of the Lord God Almighty, the chief leader of the people received the apostle to stay at their place. The Lord God Almighty had a purpose for His apostle to stay with the leader of the people. This way, the apostle will have a chance to speak more with people.
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Then it happened, the father of Publius, afflicted with fevers and dysentery, was lying; toward whom Paul, having entered in, and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him.
Comments Acts 28:8
“Then it happened, the father of Publius ...” Having been invited to stay with the leader, the apostle entered the place. The Lord God Almighty guided His apostle to be with the right people and at the right place. In this place, the Lord God Almighty will use His apostle to perform miracle work, and the witnesses of this miracle will be the ones who help spread the mighty work of God.
“And having prayed, having laid his hands ...” The apostle, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, began by praying to glorify the Lord God Almighty. Let all readers give attention; first, we must glorify the Lord, because everything is in the Lord God Almighty’s will and power to do the work. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the apostle laid hands upon the sick, and the miracle happened. The magnificent power of the Lord God Almighty healed the sick and made the person whole. The leader of the people witnessed the miracle work of the Lord God Almighty, and this event made the leader’s heart accept and submit to the Lord God Almighty; the old belief was wiped from the leader’s head, and the new belief in the miracle power of the Lord God Almighty replaced it, keeping the heart firm.
“And having prayed, having laid his hands ...” The apostle, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, began by praying to glorify the Lord God Almighty. Let all readers give attention; first, we must glorify the Lord, because everything is in the Lord God Almighty’s will and power to do the work. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the apostle laid hands upon the sick, and the miracle happened. The magnificent power of the Lord God Almighty healed the sick and made the person whole. The leader of the people witnessed the miracle work of the Lord God Almighty, and this event made the leader’s heart accept and submit to the Lord God Almighty; the old belief was wiped from the leader’s head, and the new belief in the miracle power of the Lord God Almighty replaced it, keeping the heart firm.
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And this having been done, the rest also in the island having sicknesses were coming, and were healed,
Comments Acts 28:9
“And this having been done.” When the result was positive, the witnesses also experienced the mighty power; now, not only by hearing, but also by seeing with their eyes, the sickness disappeared, and the person received healing. This was the beginning of miracle work, which led people’s hearts to search for and ask the apostle more about this; the urge to know more about the Lord God Almighty entered people’s hearts.
“The rest also in the island having sicknesses ...” When the people saw the miracle, all those with problems and illnesses came to the apostle to receive healing.
“The rest also in the island having sicknesses ...” When the people saw the miracle, all those with problems and illnesses came to the apostle to receive healing.
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who also honored us with many honors; and on setting sail, they put upon us the things for the needs.
Comments Acts 28:10
The length of time the apostle stayed with the people on the island was not long, but many miracle works had been performed, and the name of the Lord God Almighty was proclaimed. When the time came for the apostle to leave them, all in one accord gave everything that the apostle needed for the journey. The Lord God Almighty put favor in people’s hearts to help the apostle’s journey.
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Then, after three months, we sailed in a ship of Alexandria, having wintered on the island, with a figurehead of Dioscuri.
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And touching at Syracuse, we remained three days.
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From there, taking off, we arrived at Rhegium; and after one day, a south wind having come on, on the second day we came to Puteoli;
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where, having found brothers, we were encouraged to remain with them seven days; and so, we came to Rome.
Comments Acts 28:14
On the travels, whenever the apostle had a chance to stop, the first thing he would do was seek out believers with whom he could stay and glorify the Lord together. Because all his life, in the apostle’s heart, he wanted to spread the good news and bring more people to glorify the Lord God Almighty.
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And from there the brothers, having heard the things concerning us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns; whom Paul, having seen, having given thanks to God , took courage.
Comments Acts 28:15
The Holy Spirit guided the believers to come and meet the apostle. The hearts that had faith in the Lord God Almighty obeyed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and longed to hear more about the Lord God Almighty; these hearts came to meet the apostle to hear and worship the Lord God Almighty together.
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And when we entered into Rome, [the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard]. Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.
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Then, it came to pass, after three days, he called together those being leaders of the Jews; then they, having come together, he said to them, I, men, brothers, having done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans;
Comments Acts 28:17
“Then, it came to pass, after three days ...” The apostle had been delivered to prison, but he had some freedom, as he was not a common prisoner; being a citizen of an important country, he had privileges. The Holy Spirit guided the apostle to gather the people who had faith and belief in the Lord God Almighty to talk and share with them the faith that he had. The work for the apostle in teaching about the beloved Son of God began at this time in Rome.
“Then they, having come together ...” The apostle told all the brothers in faith that he had committed no crime against the country but had been unjustly delivered to Rome to be judged. But he also wanted to let the brothers know that, because of his faith in the Lord God Almighty, he had received this persecution. And he also wanted the brothers in faith to know that, even facing trouble, do not be afraid. If you are spreading the good news to the people to save their souls, the Lord God Almighty will help you to succeed.
“Then they, having come together ...” The apostle told all the brothers in faith that he had committed no crime against the country but had been unjustly delivered to Rome to be judged. But he also wanted to let the brothers know that, because of his faith in the Lord God Almighty, he had received this persecution. And he also wanted the brothers in faith to know that, even facing trouble, do not be afraid. If you are spreading the good news to the people to save their souls, the Lord God Almighty will help you to succeed.
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who, having examined me, wished to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.
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However, of the Jews speaking against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not as having anything to accuse my nation of.
Comments Acts 28:19
The apostle spoke out under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He explained the situation to everyone, and with confidence, he could tell all that he had done nothing wrong and that he would not even accuse his own nation. But because some of his own people could not accept the truth of the good news that he brought, that without truly repenting and returning to the Lord God Almighty, their sins will never be forgiven, he is a prisoner.
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For this cause, therefore, I have called you to see and to speak to you; for because of the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.
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And they said to him, We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers, having arrived, report or say anything bad concerning you.
Comments Acts 28:20-21
The apostle explained to all the brothers that he did nothing and reported nothing negatively against anyone regarding his doing in spreading the good news of the resurrection of the beloved Son of God. The Lord God Almighty will forgive them all if they repent and come back to worship Him.
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However, we deem it worthy to hear from you what you think, for truly concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.
Comments Acts 28:22
The Lord’s children heard the good news, but not straight from the apostle, so this raised questions and wonder about the true story the apostle was telling people. The Lord God Almighty worked in their hearts to be curious and wanting to know more, but the minds of people still need to receive more good news to convince the heart to be open to listening and thinking; they need strong encouragement in the heart to be open.
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Then, having appointed a day to him, they came to him to the lodging many; to whom he explained, testifying the kingdom of God , and persuading them concerning Jesus , from both the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening.
Comments Acts 28:23
“Then, having appointed a day to him.” The people gave orders to the apostle about the day they wanted to come to hear him speak.
“They came to him to the lodging many ...” Now, the Lord God Almighty stirred up the apostle’s heart about what to speak and how to speak. The opportunity for the apostle to speak happened, and the Holy Spirit was guiding the apostle’s mouth in what to speak.
“Persuading them concerning Jesus ...” With great learning, the apostle had knowledge, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, the apostle could link the Old Testament to salvation by grace. And the people, when their ears heard the word about the Lord God Almighty, the open hearts received the good news, and the Holy Spirit worked with those hearts to accept the good news of salvation.
“They came to him to the lodging many ...” Now, the Lord God Almighty stirred up the apostle’s heart about what to speak and how to speak. The opportunity for the apostle to speak happened, and the Holy Spirit was guiding the apostle’s mouth in what to speak.
“Persuading them concerning Jesus ...” With great learning, the apostle had knowledge, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, the apostle could link the Old Testament to salvation by grace. And the people, when their ears heard the word about the Lord God Almighty, the open hearts received the good news, and the Holy Spirit worked with those hearts to accept the good news of salvation.
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And some, indeed, were persuaded of the things he spoke, and some disbelieved.
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Then, disagreeing with one another, they departed, Paul, having spoken one word: Rightly spoke the Holy Spirit through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,
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saying, Go to these people, and say, Hearing you will hear, and will not understand; And seeing you will see, and will not see;
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For this people's heart is waxed gross, And they barely hear with the ears, And their eyes they have closed; Lest ever they should see with the eyes, And they should hear with the ears, And they should understand with the heart, And should turn, And I will heal them.
Comments Acts 28:25-27
See Comments John 12:40.
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Therefore, be it known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; then, they will listen.
Comments Acts 28:25-28
The apostle spoke the word that the Holy Spirit gave to him. Also, the Holy Spirit linked the situation back to the prophecy told by the prophet Isaiah to the Lord’s children regarding their actions.
“Then, they will listen.” When the good news of salvation is told to the world, people who are called will listen to that good news.
“Then, they will listen.” When the good news of salvation is told to the world, people who are called will listen to that good news.
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[And having said these things, the Jews departed, having much disputing among themselves.]
Comments Acts 28:29
It is believed that this verse was not part of the original writings of the Book of Acts.
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And he remained two whole years in his own rent, and he accepted all coming unto him,
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proclaiming the kingdom of God , and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
Comments Acts 28:30-31
“... proclaiming the kingdom of God.” The apostle spent some time in this place with people, but also with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he received everyone with joy, regardless of who they were. In the apostle’s heart, the purpose of being there alive was to proclaim the good news and to point the way for souls to be saved, because the apostle knew that the only way to be saved is through the Lord God Almighty’s mercy. The mercy of the Lord God Almighty through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, is the only true way for souls to be saved.
“Teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ ...” The apostle proclaimed the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ through His suffering and love. The apostle told everyone the whole story regarding the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice for all humans.
“Teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ ...” The apostle proclaimed the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ through His suffering and love. The apostle told everyone the whole story regarding the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice for all humans.
Life and faith applications. 1) Trust in the Lord God Almighty in all situations by praying in the name of the Lord Jesus. 2) Do not test the Lord by intentionally handling venomous snakes and expecting to be protected from their poison; the apostle Paul did not catch the snake on purpose; the viper, having come out for the heat, bit his hand unexpectedly; however, the Lord God Almighty miraculously protected Paul as a miraculous sign of His power and mercy to the people on the island. 3) Pray with faith for those who are ill when the Holy Spirit leads you to do so. 4) When traveling, it is beneficial to seek out fellow believers and worship with them. 5) Proclaim the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ through His suffering and love. Let us tell everyone the whole story regarding the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice for all humans.