Acts 28: The End of the Beginning

Notes: Acts 28: the End of the Beginning

Pastor John Collins

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Valor

Are we asked to do something great? In Acts we are.

In these chapters we met challenges, perseverance and commitment.

Most commentators believe that Paul was released from his house arrest at the end of Acts, around the age of 60.

This would have been at the time when the Roman Empire would have been beginning to crumble.

Here is where Paul wrote many of the Epistles that we learn from today in the Bible.

Acts 28 is the end of the beginning, we are all living out Acts 29 now.

We see cycles, proclaiming the Gospel, accepting it, denying it and the Apostles being chased out of town.

Acts 28:1-10 NKJV

[1] Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. [2] And 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. [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. [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. [7] In 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. [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. [9] So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. [10] They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

Paul was received by happy people, they showed him unusual kindness.

Many received healing from Paul, so it would be safe to assume that they heard and received the Gospel willingly.

Acts 28:11-16 NKJV

[11] After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. [12] And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. [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. [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.

Puteoli is modern day Naples.

Acts 23:11 NKJV

[11] But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

Jesus was teaching His disciples all throughout Acts that even though He was not in the flesh, He was always there. Paul understood this throughout his ministry.

Acts 27:24 NKJV

[24] saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

Paul could move with confidence and continue to encourage those around him. All the men with Paul were on this crazy adventure of faith.

Paul was moving with a bold, crazy, leap of faith.

Acts 28:14 NKJV

[14] ... And so we went toward Rome.

After all the amazing things that have happened to these men they were finally headed to Rome.

God used the boards of the broken ships to bring His people to shore.

God uses old used parts to accomplish His purposes.

God has a mission for all of us in our Christian walk.

God draws straight lines with crooked sticks.

All of the events and tragedies in Acts were used by God to accomplish His purposes.

Acts 28:17-29 NKJV

[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." [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."' [28] "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" [29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

Paul has faced this story many times. Some believed and some rejected.

It is the law itself that pointed to their freedom in Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:30-31 NKJV

[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.

Being in his own rented house was significant because he was free from the influence of the government.

Paul's primary objective was preaching and teaching.

Our mission at Harvest is knowing God and making God known.