Today's Reading: Acts 28
Not the droids we are looking for-
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Acts 28:1–2 (ESV)
28 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
Note that Paul focuses on celebrating that they were brought safely through just as plainly as I promised him. He gives not focus to the wreck of the troubles, but he celebrates my faithfulness. See also that my promise to deliver them unto this island (recall that I told him they would land upon an island) was specific and part of my sovereign plan. This unusual treatment they received is yet again evidence of my sovereignty over all people and things under my authority. Think of it as this "these are not the droids you are looking for".
From the Matthew Henry Commentary-
The kind reception which the inhabitants of this island gave to the distressed strangers that were shipwrecked on their coast (v. 2): The barbarous people showed us no little kindness. God had promised that there should be no loss of any man’s life; and, as for God, his work is perfect. If they had escaped the sea, and when they came ashore had perished for cold or want, it had been all one; therefore Providence continues its care of them, and what benefits we receive by the hand of man must be acknowledged to come from the hand of God; for every creature is that to us, and no more, that he makes it to be, and when he pleases, as he can make enemies to be at peace, so he can make strangers to be friends, friends in need, and those are friends indeed-friends in adversity, and that is the time that a brother is born for. Observe, 1. The general notice taken of the kindness which the natives of Malta showed to Paul and his company. They are called barbarous people, because they did not, in language and customs, conform either to the Greeks or Romans, who looked (superciliously enough) upon all but themselves as barbarians, though otherwise civilized enough, and perhaps in some cases more civil than they. These barbarous people, however they were called so, were full of humanity: They showed us not little kindness. So far were they from making a prey of this shipwreck, as many, I fear, who are called Christian people, would have done, that they laid hold of it as an opportunity of showing mercy. The Samaritan is a better neighbour to the poor wounded man than the priest or Levite. And verily we have not found greater humanity among Greeks, or Romans, or Christians, than among these barbarous people; and it is written for our imitation, that we may hence learn to be compassionate to those that are in distress and misery, and to relieve and succour them to the utmost of our ability, as those that know we ourselves are also in the body. We should be ready to entertain strangers, as Abraham, who sat at his tent door to invite passengers in (Heb. 13:2), but especially strangers in distress, as these were.
Henry, M. (1996). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Ac 28:1–10). Peabody: Hendrickson.
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What is he gonna do?-
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Acts 28:4–6 (ESV)
4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
See here Jeff that others will watch you life and take note of how you respond and how you react to adversity. Do you have trust in me and "shake it off" or do you sink into despair and fear what your loving Father is in full control of? Let those around you see a trust in me exude from you that all you do might glorify my Son.
Surely, in this case, it involved how God was to protect Paul in spite of the circumstance and the lesson involves the fact that God did not disallow this snake bite just as he did not disallow the shipwreck- but his sovereign grace sustains Paul. See to it that you rely on my grace Jeff and do not presume that I will steer you from all difficult circumstances.
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They trusted Paul-
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Acts 28:8–10 (ESV)
8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
See Jeff that Paul's attitude, compassion, trust in the Lord, and the entire witness of Paul won them over and they trusted him. This personal relationship that quickly formed allowed Paul the right to be taken to this man's home and gave opportunity for Paul to perform this miracle. See too that you are always mindful of the opportunities that can be created due to your subjection to my will and your willing surrender to the circumstances I put before you. Your attitude and faith in me will win the hearts of others more than your high talking words or your brain.
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I will grant liberty according to my plan-
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Acts 28:16 (ESV)
16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
See Jeff that I gave Paul certain liberty at times while at other times I did not. Be content as Paul was in liberty or in chains. In either circumstance you are to seek first my Kingdom...
From the Wiersbe Commentary-
Paul was not in a prison, but rather in his own rented house, chained to a Roman soldier, but with liberty to have visitors. When the Jewish leaders arrived, Paul explained the OT Scriptures and presented to them Jesus as the Christ. Compare v. 23 with Luke 24:13–35, where Christ used Moses and the Prophets to open the hearts and minds of those two dejected men. There is a contrast in results, however: the Emmaus disciples believed the Word and became missionaries, while the Roman Jews for the most part rejected the Word and would not believe. The phrase “from morning to evening” (v. 23) aptly describes the history of Israel—from the light of God’s revelation into the darkness of unbelief (2 Cor. 4).
See that you will likely always have earthly limitations Jeff. I will not simply give you all things but you will quite regularly need to serve under adversity. Do not wait for all things to be perfect for you to serve me. Do not wait foe freedom from all difficulty to serve my kingdom. Know that you are called to serve in the midst of whatever liberty or trouble I may allow for you.
Let us Reason-
Acts 28:20 (ESV)
20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”
Acts 28:23 (ESV)
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
From the Bible Knowledge Commentary-
His primary objective in calling the leaders was to talk with them about the hope of Israel. This term and concept was used by Paul a number of times in the last part of Acts (cf. 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7). The hope of Israel was more than a resurrection; it meant fulfillment of the Old Testament promises to Israel (cf. 26:6-7). Paul firmly believed Jesus is the Messiah of Israel who will return someday and establish Himself as the King of Israel and Lord of the nations (cf. 1:6).
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Ac 28:17–20). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
See Jeff that Paul reasons with the Jews there in Rome based on what they know and believe already. He works to evidence to them that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything they have always believed and that this is not a new message at all. So you too should consider whom you are evangelizing and start from their presuppositions if there is any truth to be had in it. Perhaps they believe in God but not one that would judge or punish sin. Here you can begin with this definition of God that they have and enforce the truth of my love and grace and mercy but move on to expose the remainder of my attributes that are part of the whole understanding of me.
Moving on-
Acts 28:25–26 (ESV)
25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “ ‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
Acts 28:30–31 (ESV)
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
So Paul again sees the Jews reject the gospel in Rome as he found in Jerusalem and elsewhere. Paul remained for a couple years here in Rome and so we see that he is not discouraged by the lack of results. Paul is faithful to his calling but is not owning the results as his own. He believes in the sovereignty of God and understands that the fruit comes by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of the listeners. So you too Jeff, never take credit for any outcomes (good or bad) but merely be faithful to your calling. Rejoice in the fact that I will accomplish my purposes in spite of your lack of skill or your meddling. Therefore do not be afraid to jump in and serve!
Application and Prayer:
Thank you for Paul's crazy travels Lord. Thank you that you teach so much from your servants in the first century. Please let me learn the lessons you have for me in the remainder of the new testament as I leave Acts to dive back into the gospels again. Use me today according to your will and let me apply the lessons from today. I ask this in Jesus name, amen.
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