Acts 28: Paul’s Ministry on Malta
1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives (barbarians) 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. 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 on his hand.
“Malta… lies about 60 miles south of the island of Sicily. It is about 18 miles long and 8 miles wide. It is also about 500 miles west of Crete... People of Phoenician origin inhabited it in Paul’s day. Luke called them ‘barbarians’ (Gr. barbaroi) meaning people whose culture was not Greek. These people were not savages or uncultured, however, as is clear from their hospitable treatment of the shipwreck victims.
Paul made himself useful by gathering firewood… Evidently he unknowingly picked up a small snake with his wood. It would have been sluggish because of the cold weather, but the heat of the fire woke it up. This snake is a ‘viper’ in Greek…. a specific variety of poisonous snake. The fact that there are no vipers on Malta now, which has been a stumbling block to some, simply shows that this variety of snake became extinct there after Paul’s visit... Vipers do not normally fasten on what they bite; they strike and then retreat. However in this case the snake was evidently still somewhat lethargic and did not behave normally. Perhaps it got hung up on Paul’s hand by its fangs.” (Dr. Thomas Constable) This enlarged their initial judgment of Paul.
4 So 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.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, 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.
He is a murdrer. “The superstitious islanders believed he must truly have been guilty since a snake bit him after he had survived the sea.” (Gary Hampton) We are quick to judge these islanders for their superstition but their thinking exists today even among Christians. “Vengeance suffereth not to live; that divine vengeance which even heathen persons believe to follow evil-doers. The sentiment that murderers deserve themselves to die, and that justice requires them to be put to death, is not only a dictate of revelation, but seems to be graven upon the hearts of all men.” (Justin Edwards) In fact, we are in danger of judgment when we hate our brother. (Matthew 5:21-22) And we must hope and pray for grace and not justice.
Jesus told the story of the tower of Siloam falling on eighteen people to expell such theology (Luke 13:5) concluding, “unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” “They changed their minds, and said he was a god - Such is the stability of human reason! A little before he was a murderer; and presently he is a god: (just as the people of Lystra; one hour sacrificing, and the next stoning:) nay, but there is a medium. He is neither a murderer nor a god, but a man of God. But natural men never run into greater mistakes, than in judging of the children of God.” (Wesley's Notes)
Let the spiritual man “not judge by appearance, but righteously… Let us also shake off temptation. We cannot prevent its attacking us, but we need not take the viper into our heart…” (F.B. Meyer) affecting words and deeds.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading (first) citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And 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.
An estate of the first citizen of the island, whose name was Publius… "Two ancient coins have been discovered at Civita Vecchia on which the very phrase ‘First and patron of the Miletans’ is inscribed. This remarkable fact is quoted as illustrating Luke’s accuracy in designating the title of the (Roman) governor of this obscure island. But it appears, in fact, that the term primus, or first, did not designate the title of the governor, but something still more peculiar. It seems to have been an honorary title like patron or prince in some Italian towns.” (Whedon's Commentary) I think he was of the oldest native family and the patriarch was ill.
“This is a beautiful and profitable lesson for us all. [We do not need to teach or preach first in order to pray for and lay hand on the sick.] When we find sick people we should go in and pray for them, with the simultaneous imposition of hands, committing them to God for healing.” (William Godbey's Commentary) The natives showed them kindness and the apostle merely reciprocated. Whatever you do in word or deed do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
“The fame of this cure, wrought so suddenly, perfectly, and only with the laying on of Paul’s hands, could not but spread far and near… So that their diseases were blessed occasions to bring them to the knowledge of God in Christ, whom Paul preached; and they might have perished eternally if they had not perished (or been thus near unto perishing) temporally.” (Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible)
They had received strangers, even a prophet of Yahweh, and were rewarded for their acts. And we discover that “although Paul was a captive, yet the power of God was not captive.” (Geneva Study Bible) Kindnesses flowed on both sides, "and hence their forwardness and freeheartedness....” (Trapp) Surely the Christians shared the Good News and the Kingdom of God was enlarged from the calamity of a shipwreck.
Acts 28:Arrival at Rome
11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
"Paul and his companions spent the winter on the island of Malta. Ships began to sail again toward the middle of February. The centurion was able to secure passage on another Alexandrian ship, perhaps another grain ship, that had wintered in one of the Maltese ports. Valetta was the largest of these ports. Paul still had about 210 miles to go before he reached Rome. Luke's reference to the figurehead of this ship, from which it took its name, is unusual. This is the only ship's name that he recorded in Acts. The twin brothers were Castor and Pollux who were two gods thought to guard the safety of sailors. They were the sons of Zeus and Leda, queen of Sparta, whom Zeus transformed into gods, according to Greek mythology. The constellation Gemini represents them, and anyone who saw it during a storm supposedly would have good luck. [Note: Toussaint, 'Acts ,' p429.] Perhaps Luke mentioned them to contrast God's real protection, as illustrated in the previous chapter and this one, with the protection the pagans superstitiously thought these gods provided. I can imagine Paul saying to Luke as they got ready to board this ship, 'We have a better Protector than the twin brothers!'" (Constable's Expository Notes)
12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.
"Syracuse was the great seaport of Sicily, and by far the most renowned of the cities founded by Greek emigrants on the western coasts of Europe. It occupied an important position in the struggles between the Greek republics, and also in the quarrel between Rome and Carthage. Perhaps no ancient city was so often besieged. There is a tradition that its Church was founded by Paul, and it is possible that Julius permitted him to go ashore and preach." (W. Arnot, D)
13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And 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.
They passed through Rhegium and then, by way of a south wind, they discovered brethren at Puteoli who invited them to stay for seven days. "The finding of good men where least expected. Little did the apostle expect to find Christians at Puteoli... There is more goodness in the world than even charity will venture to believe. Elijah once thought he was alone, but God showed him there were seven thousand more." (The Biblical Illustrator)
These brethren must have informed the church in Rome and the mixed multitude of the Alexandrian ship— guard, criminal and merchants— was greeted by an entourage from the Roman church. "Forty-three miles from Rome, at Appii Forum, a body of Christians awaited the Apostle with greetings, and ten miles farther on, at the Three Taverns, was another group. If Paul had entertained fears about his reception, they were immediately dispelled." (Meyer's Commentary)
"Surely the Lord sent them, and Paul considered it so, for he found increasing confidence from the sight of them." (Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary) This the apostle thanked God and took courage. "The presence of Christian friends, especially in time of trouble, is delightful. Their countenance and support afford encouragement in duty, and the blessings which come through them should awaken new gratitude, and cause the offering of new thanksgiving to God." (Family Bible New Testament)
16 Now 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.
"And then they reached Rome at last. What joy must have filled his heart and the hearts of the believers in Rome! How often they must have read his words, in the beginning of his letter [three years earlier]: 'I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now, I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that ofttimes I proposed to come unto you (but was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as the rest of the Gentiles' (Romans 1:11-13). He had never been in Rome. The Roman assembly was not founded by Paul and certainly not by Peter. The origin of that church is obscure, and the Holy Spirit has not given us a history of the beginning of the church of Rome..." (Gaebelein) "Probably some inhabitants of that city were at Jerusalem on the day of pentecost, Acts 2:10 ; and being then converted themselves, carried the Gospel thither at their return." (Wesley's Notes)
At Rome, Paul "is permitted to select his quarters and preach the gospel ad libitum to all who saw proper to attend his Bible school. This continues two years daily, and was then discontinued by the untimely death of Marius, the commander-in-chief of the praetorian army, which guarded the royal palace and the emperor’s person. Of course, the emperor was too great a man to give personal attention to a prisoner. Hence Marius received Paul, and gave him perfect liberty as long as he lived. This was owing to the excellent and even wonderful report given him by Julius, the centurion, who told about the storm and thrice miraculous deliverance through this paradoxical man, and the letter of Festus, simply stating that there was nothing against him criminal in Roman law, but simply complicated matters connected with the Jews’ religion."
(Godbey's NT Commentary)
Acts 28- The End of the Book of Acts- Paul’s Ministry at Rome
17 And 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, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 For 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.” 21 Then 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. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
We never hear of the account of Paul’s appeal to Caesar. Paul's first order of business is the Jews. "For 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." "For the hope of Israel- that is, for the resurrection of the dead and that eternal life that Israel hopes and looks for. Hallucinantur philosophi, qui sapientem non metu solum sed et spe vacare vellent. Spes in terrenis incerti nomen boni, spes in divinis nomen est certissimi, Hebrews 11:1. Hope in God, saith every David to himself, Psalms 43:5.
I am bound with this chain- at Rome, such prisoners as had liberty to go abroad, had a long chain, the one end whereof was fastened to their right hand, and the other end was tied to a soldier’s left hand, who was to be his keeper. Thus was St Paul bound, likely."(Trapp's Commentary)
It would have been natural for Paul to conclude that the Jews in Rome were of one mind with his accusers in Jerusalem, but he acted "according to his own motto in his epistle to the Romans, 'to the Jew first and also to the Gentile,' Paul first makes his appeal to the Jews at Rome. Unable to go to them, he invites them to himself." (Whedon) And they agree to hear Paul, strangely not having heard any other other reports of him.
23 So 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. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 So 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, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; 27 For 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.’ [Isaiah 6:9, 10] 28 Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”
"The same divine truths, presented by the same speaker, are treated by different men in a totally different manner. Some receive and treat them as truths; others reject, and treat them as errors. It is not enough, therefore, that men hear these truths, and the evidences which support them; they must also, by the Holy Spirit, be led to believe, or they will reject them. Hence ministers, while they preach to men, should also pray to God that his truth may be attended with his power, and be not only heard and understood, but also believed and obeyed, and thus be the means of eternal life." (Justin Edward's Family Bible New Testament)
Some Jews believed, but the majority did not. According to the wisdom of God spoken by Isaiah the prophet: "They made as though they did not see that which they saw against their desires: yea, they did see, but they would not ... The unbelief of the reprobate and castaways cannot cause the truth of God to be of no effect." (Geneva Study Bible) The economy of the Jewish religion headed by priests was soon to be made of none effect by the destruction of the Jewish temple. Any future Jews interested in the hope of Israel would have to come to Paul and the other apostles, as these did, but they would have to come by their writings.
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel (NU text reads “them”) is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:1-4)
30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
"We are very incompetent judges as to the time, place, and condition in which we may be most useful. If Paul, during the two years of his confinement as a prisoner at Rome, not only preached the gospel to all who came to him, but as has been supposed, also wrote the epistles to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, to Timothy and Philemon, and to the Hebrews, he may thus already have done more good than he could have done by being at liberty, and preaching the gospel to all who would hear him during his whole life."(Justin Edward's Family Bible New Testament)