43 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. (Acts 28:1)

Here we see Apostle Paul, shipwrecked on an island called Malta because of a storm. Now Paul did not throw up a pity party saying, "Oh Lord! I am your faithful servant; could you not stop this storm from happening? Look at all the trouble I am going through serving you." You see, Paul knew that the one in whom he had believed was faithful – faithful to keep what was committed to Him. (2 Timothy 1:12)

Many times God will not keep you from the storm but keep you in the storm. If you read Daniel chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzar threw three men; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego into the fire because they refused to worship the creature (Rochna) and rather chose to worship the creator instead. God allowed them to be put in the fire but kept them in the fire. Their test turned into a testimony.

Look what Isaiah 43:2 says:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. (Isaiah 43:2)

The Bible does not say, that you will not have to pass through the waters, it also does not say that you will not go through the fire, but in the midst of all that, you will be preserved, protected, delivered. Not kept from the storm but kept in the storm. Not kept from the fire but kept in the fire.

They discovered the island's name was Malta: these seasoned sailors would have recognized Malta's island, but not this side of the island. Almost all of the traffic to Malta arrived at the main port on the opposite side; they were unfamiliar with this part of the island.

"Malta": A 17-mile-long, 9-mile-wide island about 60 miles south of Sicily. The meaning of the name Malta is debatable, depending on whether the name is rooted in the ancient Phoenician or ancient Greek language. If the name is derived from early Greek, it most likely means "honey" due to the island's beehive industry. However, if the name is founded in the ancient Phoenician language, it most likely means "refuge."

None of the seamen had ever been to the bay where they were shipwrecked (now known as St. Paul's Bay).

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. (Acts 28:2)

Anyone, regardless of their culture, would help a shipwrecked person. It was bitterly chilly outside, and it was still raining. This happened in the fall when the rain was particularly cold. The people who built a fire on the bank were a huge aid to these drenched people.

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. (Acts 28:3)

So despite being shipwrecked, Apostle Paul proceeds to serve others. He is not complaining about his circumstance. Neither is he upset and angry with God because of the situation that he is in. He simply starts serving. However, while gathering the fuel for the fire, he is bitten by a serpent.

A viper is a poisonous snake. One bite, and you have a one-way ticket. The Bible says the viper did not only bite Paul but fastened itself on his hand; dug his fangs deep into Apostle Paul's hands. Just think about this, Paul just came out of a shipwreck and now was bitten by a poisonous snake. It's like when you have come out of one storm shaken but safe, and you get into another one.

Some so-called modern "scholars" criticize this text by pointing out that there are no vipers on the island of Malta. Big deal, so what? Just because there are no vipers today doesn't mean that there weren't any back then! The residents of the island obviously knew about vipers existing on the island and were very familiar with the result of their bite; hence they expected Apostle Paul to die!

The fire of God will always bring out the hidden vipers. The fire of God inside of you will expose the hidden vipers against your destiny.

On the other hand, the lack of fire in your inner man will keep the vipers of your destiny hidden from sight. So, stir up the fire of God in your life through prayer, fasting and meditation of the word. Only then will you have the strength to shake that viper off of your life.

Psalm 104:4 says God makes His angels spirits and his ministers a flaming fire.

Prayer Point: Every viper against my God-given destiny, let the fire of God burn you to ashes in Jesus name.

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." (Acts 28:4)

The natives of the island did not believe in the living God. They were people who believed in superstitions. They decided Paul was a murderer because the snake bit him. Even today, some members of the church are like this, when the enemy strikes someone, they just assume things and are swift to pronounce judgement, saying that this man (or woman) could be harbouring secret sin. Some even going to the extent of declaring that this person is not of God. Someone righty said, "Assumption is the lowest form of knowledge."

There are times when God's people walk closer to the Lord; the enemy will try and intensify attacks against them. Example: Job. However, we must never forget that satan tries and attacks what is valuable. Therefore, if you are walking closer to the Lord and are still going through some attacks, that makes you valuable.

When troubles start plaguing you one after the other, people start branding you, calling you names. I want to tell you don't get offended, don't fight people, don't think God is against you – do what Apostle Paul did.

But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. (Acts 28:5)

God didn't save Paul from the storm only to be killed by a snake. Paul was shielded from harm. The prophet Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." (1 Samuel 7:12) God has not brought you this far, only to go down just like that.

God will not stop the viper from biting you but keep the venom from killing you. No harm will come to you. You will be protected. It is then that the people will fall on their faces and acknowledge that, "Jesus Christ is indeed Lord and you are His true disciple."

Now the reason God will allow you to go through certain things is so that people can see. What you are going through is not only about you. It's you going through it, but it's not about you. Why do I say that? God is allowing you to go through it so that people on your job can see; the people in your family, in your neighbourhood, can see your faith at work.

And if you did not go through anything that they cannot see, they would not know how strong your faith is. You see, they can't see your faith, they can't see your God, but they can see your trouble. Now when they see you standing in the midst of all your trouble and ultimately coming out of it, then they will believe in your God.

Apostle Paul had been promised that he would go to Rome. [Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome. (Acts 23:11)] Paul had not arrived in Rome yet. Nothing was going to stop God's promise from being fulfilled.

Paul was covered by the promises of Lord Jesus to those who preach and live the gospel. "They will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them.." (Mark 16:18)

"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)

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. (Acts 28:6)

The Bible says the viper fastened itself to Paul with a deadly bite. Now the people were looking at Paul, waiting for him to swell up and die, but Paul stood believing!

Right now, there may be people in your life who are waiting. They will sound like they are concerned about you, but they are waiting, waiting for you to die. One word 'Perseverance' – The Holy Spirit says to you tonight 'don't give up. Hold on to your God'

How many of you can identify with what I am saying?

You need to say:

I am going through a crisis, but I am still standing hoping in my God

I am going through pain and sickness, but I am still standing, hoping in my God

I am going through family problems, but I am still standing

I have lost my job, but I am still standing

I am in a mess, but I am still standing

It's not been easy, but I am still standing, hoping in my God

I am under attack, but I am still standing

I had to cry and go to sleep, but I am still standing, hoping in my God

I have failed and feel like giving up, but I am still standing, hoping in my God

Glory to the King; that's called perseverance.

They soon discover that Paul isn't as bad as they thought. As previously said, these barbarians are superstitious, and they have now determined that Paul is a god.

They know they would have died if the snake had bitten them, so they recognize Paul as special and proclaim him a deity. At this point, they are ready to do anything for Paul.

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. (Acts 28:7)

The word here rendered "leading citizen" (protos) is supposed by some to be a Maltese term, the official title of the governor.

Paul would be treated with a great deal of favour. As we can see from the passage above, he would be housed and nourished in the best facilities on the island. He's staying in Publius', the island's most powerful man's lodgings. God gave Paul and the team a season of rest and refreshment.

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. (Acts 28:8)

"Lay sick... fever and dysentery": the stomach fever that was frequent on Malta (caused by a bacterium present in goat's milk). Dysentery was common in the ancient world, frequently as a result of poor sanitation.

Lord Jesus promised those who believed in Him, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:18) When we lay hands on the sick, we create a point of contact for God's power to flow from us into them.

So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. (Acts 28:9)

One of the things the Lord had commanded His disciples to do was to heal the sick. (Matthew 10:8) The Lord would have people who represent him preach the word, heal the sick, and cast out demons. Paul is carrying out the will of the Lord.

They also honoured us in many ways, and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. (Acts 28:10)

We can see that Paul and his friends were well cared for while on the island and that they were sent out with enough to last them until they arrived in Rome. Because of Paul, they were greatly regarded and honoured.

It is spiritually strategic to be connected to the right people. 1 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"

True healing ministry will always be honoured everywhere.

After three months, we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. (Acts 28:11)

"After three months": Due to the dangers of sea travel during this time.

The "Alexandrian ship" is most likely a member of the imperial grain fleet.

According to Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux were Zeus' twin sons who were said to protect mariners. On their ship, these superstitious folk had the signs of Jupiter's twin sons. They would leave in February or March.

And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. (Acts 28:12)

Syracuse is a significant city on Sicily's island. During the ship's three-day layover, Paul is said to have founded a church.

Syracuse was home to Archimedes, the famed mathematician. When the Romans captured the island, a soldier drew in the mud while working on a math problem with a knife to his throat. "Stop, you're messing up my equation!" Archimedes exclaimed, and the soldier killed him in spite of the order that he was to be spared.

From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, (Acts 28:13)

"Rhegium” is a harbour on the Italian mainland's southernmost point. The ship waited for a good breeze to allow it to sail through the Messina Straits one day (separating Sicily from the Italian mainland).

“Puteoli”: Modern-day Pozzuoli, near Pompeii, on the Bay of Naples. Puteoli, Rome's principal port and Italy's most important was also the main harbour for the Egyptian grain fleet.

This Puteoli was a port where wheat-carrying ships docked. It was fortunate for Paul and his friends to come to Puteoli and encounter other believers who shared their faith. Italy had already been converted to Christianity.

where we found brethren and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. (Acts 28:14)

Luke describes the party's arrival in the Imperial capital, Paul's long-awaited goal, almost as a footnote.

What a pleasant surprise. Here, followers of Jesus were still referred to as brethren. They may have wished for Paul to preach (like a revival). In any case, they needed him for the next seven days. He stayed for a while before heading to Rome.

They were eventually met outside Rome by Christians from the city who had come to greet them. They honoured Paul by receiving him in the same way that emperors were welcomed when they arrived in Rome: they went out to meet him as he entered the city, walking the great distance (about 43 miles or 69 kilometres) to the Appii Forum to greet him and his entourage.

They had undoubtedly felt like they already knew Paul after receiving his famous letter to the Romans a few years ago, and they certainly wanted to honour him. It's no surprise that Paul thanked God and took courage in the face of such affection and honour.

Luke does not give the impression that Paul was the first to bring the gospel to Rome; the presence of those Christians – the brothers, as Luke refers to them; is sufficient evidence that the gospel had already reached Rome. There were Jewish people from Rome present at Peter's Pentecost sermon many years previously (Acts 2:10), indicating that there have been Christians from and in Rome from the start.

Paul was left alone and forgotten during his second Roman incarceration (2 Timothy 4:9-16), implying that the Christians in Rome didn't (or couldn't) preserve their love and honour for him.

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. (Acts 28:15)

"Appii” is a market town on the Appian Way, 43 miles south of Rome.

A rest station on the Appian Way about 30 miles south of Rome is known as "three inns."

Paul was well-liked by his fellow believers. Many of them had only recently heard of Jesus and were eager to hear the gospel from his own lips. The news that he was on his way to Rome circulated quickly, and at each station, comrades had gathered to greet him. This gave Paul a lot of hope, and he thanked God for it.

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. (Acts 28:16)

"Dwell by himself... soldier who guarded him”:

Paul was allowed to reside under guard in his own rented quarters, maybe thanks to Julius' intercession.

Rome was founded in 753 B.C., constituted as a republic in 510 B.C., and had its first emperor, Caesar Augustus, before the birth of Christ, according to legend.

Rome lies 15 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea, on the Tiber River. It was at its most beautiful during the time of the New Testament. The crowd swelled to almost a million people, from countries ranging from Arabia to the United Kingdom.

Nearly half of these persons were slaves, while the rest were free citizens who considered manual labour as humiliating. A moral and cultural decline was settling in, and the gospel was sorely needed in Rome.

According to Scripture, the effort to spread the gospel was likely started by travellers from Rome who were in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). The fact that Paul made it to Rome and ministered there is obviously significant to the development of Acts, as it takes up the last several chapters (23:11; 18:30-31).

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 (Acts 28:17)

"The most notable men from Rome's synagogues are referred to as "Jewish leaders".

Fathers' customs:

Paul begins by denying that he has transgressed against the Jewish people or their traditions.

Someone might wonder how Paul, a prisoner, was able to gather these Jewish leaders. The truth is that Luke is still with Paul, as are many others who are not imprisoned but have access to Paul at all times. They were free to come and go as they pleased, and some of them probably organized this meeting.

Paul desires that the Jews believe in and accept Jesus as their Messiah. In the verse of scripture above, Paul defends his emotions for Jews.

who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. (Acts 28:18)

Paul is speaking the truth to them. He was found to be faultless by the captain in Jerusalem. When Felix examined him, he discovered no flaws. He was faultless in the eyes of Festus and Agrippa. (See Acts 24, 25)

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. (Acts 28:19)

Paul claims that he was not attempting to cause any difficulties for the Jews. To save his life, he had to make an appeal to Caesar.

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." (Acts 28:20)

Paul got himself into difficulty because of his tenacity in seeking to convert the Jews to Christianity. The Lord Jesus Christ was freely received by the Gentiles, but not by the Jews. They stoned Paul and intended to kill him as he tried to teach in the synagogues and the temple in Jerusalem.

Chapter 28