Jul 26, 2015
Acts 28:1-31


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Before we pick things up where we left them last week, I’d like to take a moment and share one more thought about the first two verses of Acts 28… 


Acts 28:1-2, “Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 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.” 




If, in the grand scheme of things, this storm presents an allegory for life (that all men share the same journey through this storm), then there is an interesting picture we can’t overlook… As Acts 27 ends we have a group of men (with nothing in common but the storm they all shared) at the mercy of events outside of their control; and yet, in the midst of this storm, when all hope was seemingly lost, God led them to this little island called “Malta.” 


What makes this so fascinating as far as the allegory is concerned is that the word “Malta” literally means “refuge!” To me the imagery is amazing! In the midst of their storm God was actively providing them (shipmen, soldiers, and prisoners alike) a place of refuge! 


Really… Can you think of a better picture for what the church (specifically Calvary316) is called to provide a world full of people suffering through their own storms? 


Sure… While we’ve seen in this “blueprint for the church as presented in Acts” that the fundamental role of a church is to equip believers to fulfill their ministry and calling by teaching God’s Word and in a lesser extent to provide a place for Christian community, I do believe (as presented in this incredible picture) the church has also been commissioned by God to be a place where people can take refuge in the midst of their storms! 


I don’t know about you, but I want Calvary316 to be such a place! I want our church to be a refuge where people can come in from their storm, be ministered to, filled anew with the Spirit, and encounter Jesus. I want our church to be a safe place (a sanctuary) where people from all walks of life can find a temporary reprieve from their storm. 


That said… In order for us to be this place of refuge (a place of protection from “the rain and the cold”) there are three things required of the natives: 


1. “The natives made us all welcome…” In the Greek this word translated “welcome” is “proslambanô” meaning “to receive into one's home.” What’s interesting is that this word is always used in the middle voice signifying “a special interest on the part of the receiver.” 


Basically, Luke is telling us the natives assumed the responsibility of making sure these men who’d washed up upon their shore immediately felt welcomed and at home. Knowing the traumatic experience they’d just endured the natives are proactive by…


2. “The natives showed unusual kindness…” This phrase “showed unusual kindness” is used by Luke to describes an “abnormal level of kindness or love.” Understand… Our “special interest” should be making sure people feel welcomed when they walk through the doors of our church by demonstrating and representing the love Jesus! 


Billy Graham once said, “It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and my job to love.” And keep in mind… Going out of your way to make someone feel welcomed does not demand you accept their behavior. The two things are not codependent. 


Making someone feel welcomed by showing them the love of Christ has nothing to do with that person and everything to do with representing the heart of Jesus. In Romans 15:7 Paul explains what the motivation should be for this type of Godly behavior. He wrote, “Therefore receive one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”


Once again… There is a difference between someone “feeling accepted” and someone “being welcomed and loved.” I am so glad Jesus doesn’t require we have our acts together in order to be welcomed at the foot of the cross! 1 John 4:10-11, “This is love… That He loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”


Before we get to the third thing required of the natives I’d like to point out that the first two we’ve mentioned are actions. Luke is clear the natives “made us all welcome” and “showed us unusual kindness.” The crew felt welcomed and experienced kindness not by what these natives said, but rather by what they did! Let me explain why this is a very important point…


In the Greek the word “natives” is “barbaros” which is used to describe a person who “spoke a foreign or strange language not understood by another.” In reality these natives spoke a local language which wasn’t comprehensible to the men who washed ashore. 


Why do I bring this up? More often than not when someone washes up upon our shore they don’t understand our language. Aside from the fact Christians are notorious for having our own verbiage and lingo (On Fire, Born Again, Backslidden, Blessed, Afterglow, Daily Devotion, Spirit-filled) someone still residing in the darkness will have a difficult time making sense of spiritual things. This is why our actions speak so much louder than our words! 


3. “The natives kindled a fire…” This word “kindled” or “anaptô” is an interesting choice by Luke because the only other place he uses this word is in his Gospel when he records Jesus telling the disciples (Luke 12:49-50), “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!”


It would seem the “fire” Jesus “wished was already kindled” and “sent on the earth” was the power and presence of the Holy Spirit working in and through His followers… A power we know could only come after He had accomplished His work on the cross (in context this would be the “baptism He had to be baptized with” - the baptism of His death). 


For a church to be an effective place of refuge (if we’re to model the love of God by receiving all those that walk into our church just as He’s received us) the fire of the Holy Spirit must be kindled and burning brightly through our lives. The presence of the Spirit in us needs to be something others can tangibly experience.


Isn’t it true how cold a church becomes when the flame of the Spirit burns dimly!? As the famed preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing… Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are ships without wind. We are useless.” 


A.W. Tozer had this sad indictment of today’s church, “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95% of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95% of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.”




Acts 28:11-15, “After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 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.”




Motion of the Text: Luke tells us that “after three months” in Malta and following an incredible and unexpected season of ministry, when it was now safe to sail again for the first signs of spring had appeared, they boarded “an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers” and set sail for the city of “Syracuse” (western side of the island of Sicily)


After “three days” in the city of Syracuse they continue onto “Rhegium” (southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula) staying for only “one day” before making the last leg of their journey by sea porting in the coastal town of “Puteoli.” Luke say that during their “seven days” in Puteoli Paul was allowed to enjoy the company of his “brethren” before they “went forward to Rome.” 


It would seem as Paul now makes his way along the main southern road into Rome known as the Appian Way (through “Appii Forum” - 43 miles, and “Three Inns” - 33 miles outside Rome respectively) word spread throughout the Christian community in Rome that the Apostle Paul was coming their way. Note: Paul has already written his letter to the Romans.


I love this line especially when placed in context to everything Paul had gone through to reach this moment… “When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage!” At long last the promises of God have come to fruition as he finally reaches his destination.




Acts 28:16, “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.”




Though Paul is a prisoner of the Roman Empire, because he (as a citizen) was appealing his case to Caesar and had yet to be charged with any specific crime Luke tells us he “was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.” 


While Paul had been reprimanded to house-arrest which afforded him the freedom to write and entertain guests, unlike his time in Caesarea, Paul was now chained to a rotation of “soldiers” charged to “guard him.” And yet, I don’t think Paul minded this in the slightest.


During his two years in Roman custody Paul will write four letters that are included in our Bible: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. What is interesting about these letters is that Paul will over and over again reference the incredible opportunity “his chains” afforded him to share the Gospel. For example… In Philippians 4:22 Paul would go so far as to write, “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.”




Acts 28:17, “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…” 




For starters, it’s important to point out Paul “called the leaders of the Jews together.” For context keep in mind that Paul is not speaking to Jewish Christians, but instead he’ll be addressing the leaders of the Jewish community residing in Rome. 


Obviously we can imagine Paul’s desire behind this sit-down was to set the record straight concerning the events that had prompted his case to be presented before Caesar.




Acts 28:17-20, “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, who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 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. 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.”




Paul is direct and to the point… He emphatically declares that he had “done nothing against their people or the custom of their fathers” that warranted his incarceration. He even declares that when “the Romans examined him” they “wanted to let him go” finding “no cause for putting him to death.” 


And yet, Paul explains that the reason he was “compelled to appeal” his case “to Caesar” was because the Jewish leaders still insisted on his execution in spite of the evidence.


Paul concludes by insuring these men that he had no intention of “accusing his nation” before Caesar, but that “he was bound with these chains” because of “the hope of Israel.”




Acts 28:21-22, “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. But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” 




What a twist!? The leaders of the Jewish community in Rome had not “received letters from Judea” nor had they been given a verbal report of Paul’s activities. Basically, they’re telling Paul, “We appreciate the curtesy, but we have no idea what you’re talking about!” 


It would seem, knowing they didn’t have a case against Paul to present before Caesar, the Jews back in Jerusalem decided it simply wasn’t worth sending representatives to Rome. 


Isn’t it rather incredible that Paul (in Rome no less) is now being presented with an open door to share the Gospel with Jews? We’re told for the first time in maybe his entire ministry a group of Jewish leaders “desired to hear what he thought concerning this sect!”




Acts 28:23, “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.” 




Notice Paul used “both the Law of Moses and the Prophets” to “explain… testify… and persuade” them to accept Jesus as their Savior. Threefold evangelical strategy:


1. Paul “explained” or literally “set forth” from the Scriptures the case for Christ. 


2. Paul “solemnly testified” of his own experiences encountering the resurrected Jesus.


3. Paul “persuaded them” or “peithô” meaning “to induce one by words to believe.” 


Basically, Paul presented Scriptural and experiential evidence before challenging them to receive Christ! May we be bold enough to challenge people to make a decision for Christ!




Acts 28:24-28, “And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 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, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; 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.’ Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 




“And some were persuaded… and some disbelieved.” You know you’d be hard pressed to find a better verse that summarizes the plight of all humanity! When it comes to Jesus and the evidence put forth to substantiate His claims some people will respond with saving faith while others will respond in disbelief. 


The sad reality is that from many “disbelief” is not a result of a lack of compelling evidence, but simply the result of a person’s inability to accept the implications of that belief!


As a witness to the world of Jesus Christ I hope you understand it is your job to share the Gospel (When was the last time you did this?), but always remember it’s the job of the Holy Spirit to convict men of sin and ultimately God’s job to do the saving. 


And yet, the reality of this passage is that even when we fill our role as perfectly as God desired, salvation still requires individual people to respond in faith. 




Acts 28:29-31, “And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”




For the next two years while Paul awaited his trial before Caesar Luke tells us the Apostle spent his time “receiving all who came to him… preaching the Kingdom of God… and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence.” 


So… What happens? It’s true Acts ends with a bit of a cliffhanger! In much the same way that “The Sopranos” ends with a dramatic fade to black Luke’s audience is left wondering what happened when Paul finally stood to give an account before the infamous Nero! 


According to church history most scholars believe Paul was eventually acquitted and released from prison. As we’ve seen not only was there no actual case or charges against him, it’s very likely his accusers failed to show and present their side of the argument. 


Also there seems to be some Scriptural evidence to suggest that from Rome Paul would actually embark on yet another missionary journey. In Titus 1:5 Paul requests that his friend (who he’d left to oversee the new church he started in Crete) come and join him for the winter in the Greek city of Nicopolis (Titus 3:12)


What makes this reference fascinating is that we have no record of Paul planting a church on the Island of Crete or ever traveling through Nicopolis in the book of Acts.


Beyond this, the contents of Paul’s final letter (2 Timothy) describes a Roman incarceration very different from the one presented to us in the book of Acts leading many to believe that sometime between 66-67 AD Paul was re-arrest and later beheaded by Nero.


If this is the case then it is entirely possible that following his time in Rome Paul returned and also visited the cities of Troas, Corinth, and Miletus (2 Timothy 4:13-20) before traveling west as far as Spain (Romans 15:22-28) and potentially even making it to the British Isle.


As far as the church is concerned many believe Christianity was initially legalized by Nero following Paul’s trial, but this would be short-lived. In 64 AD a great portion of Rome was burnt to the ground with many believing Nero to be the arsonist. According to Roman historian Tacitus “to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace.” 


For the next 250 years Christianity would bear the brunt of blame for the decline of the Roman Empire. As a result the church would have to endure wave after wave of intense persecution ultimately culminating when in 303 AD Diocletian issued a series of edicts outright rescinding the rights of all Christians making Christianity illegal.


And yet, with each wave of persecution the church continued to spread at an even more rapid pace. It’s been stated by historians that during this Diocletian Persecution for every one Christian martyred four people converted to Christ as a result.


By 313 AD Christianity had become such a dominate force the newly elected emperor Constantine officially legalized Christianity thereby placing it under the protection of Rome. Sadly, over the next 100 years the Church and State would begin an unholy union which would have severe consequences. Historically, this marriage produced the Dark Ages.




One of the stark realities of church history is that while the book of Acts may provide Jesus’ blueprint for the church sadly the church has rarely modeled this ideal. Even the first-century church founded and led by the Apostles failed! Note: Every single letter Paul wrote (with the exception of Philippians) was corrective in nature.


I’m convinced it’s because Jesus knew the church would often fall short of His blueprint that He wrote “Seven Letters to the Church” some 30 years after the book of Acts was completed in order to warn the church about several things that can tarnish His perfect design. For the record we have these seven letters contained in Revelation 2-3.


And while we’ll continue this train of thought next week… In conclusion to our journey through Acts I’m struck with one final consideration. As a record of the “Acts of Jesus through His Church” I find it very fitting the book itself is left open-ended. And here’s why… The work of Jesus in the world through His church is a work that still continues today!


You see the book of Acts is a story still being written. Sure the narrative might have different characters, but every essential component remains the same. Which leaves us with one final question… As a follower of Jesus left with a commission and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a witness of the Gospel unto a dark world, when it’s all said and done, what will your chapter in this divine tale read like?

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