Commentary by Ron Beckham
Verse 1. "When they had been
brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called
Malta."
In Acts 27:26, Paul
told the others on the ship that they "must run aground on a CERTAIN
island." He may or may not have known more at that time, but the Holy
Spirit knew that ALL of them would come through shipwreck alive (Acts
27:24), and knew PRECISELY where they were going to crash. For the humans
involved, it turned out to be the Island we call "Malta."
The island was
originally colonized from Phoenicia. Rome acquired the place from
Carthage, in 218 B. C., during the first Punic War. At the time of the
shipwreck mentioned in these verses, the island had been annexed to the
Roman province of Sicily. Malta now became a key stopping point for Paul
the Apostle, during this very interesting and surprising Third Missionary
Journey.
Verse 2. "The natives showed
us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and
because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all."
The word for "natives"
in this verse is literally "barbarians." The Egyptians, according to
Herodotus, called anyone who did not speak their language "barbarians."
The Romans did much the same, though they revered the Greek culture and
language, calling people who did not speak Latin and/or Greek by the name
"barbarians."
It was very cold, for
the wind that had driven them for several weeks and had finally destroyed
their ship on the coast of the Island of Malta, came from the north. They
were also very wet and had no dry clothing. Fires were lit by the
natives, which in itself was no mean feat, because 276 shipwreck survivors
(Acts 27:37) had just washed up on their beach. That's a lot of fires and
a lot of kindness.
Verse 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 itself on his hand."
This is interesting.
We tend to view "negative" circumstances as just that - negative! If we
had been imprisoned, shipwrecked, cold, and now a snake came and bit us on
the hand, we would probably complain! But you'll notice in the next few
verses, that all these events served to authenticate Paul as God's man, to
the Romans, and also to these "barbarians" (Verse 2).
A complaint has been
raised by Bible "critics" that no snakes exist on the Island of Malta.
But it should also be noted that Malta was a well populated island, and in
2,000 years of determined effort, the type of creature that bit Paul,
would simply have been forced into extinction by descendents of the
"barbarians" (verse 2) who lived there. Settlers in various parts of the
world have exterminated many kinds of animals, and the Maltese no doubt
did just that with poisonous snakes.
Verse 4. "When the natives
saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another,
'Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the
sea, justice has not allowed him to live.'"
Jesus said, "Judge
not, lest you be judged," and He was referring to exactly the
judgmental attitude expressed in this verse. "He
got what he deserved" is an expression found in many cultures and
languages. The assumption was that, since something very bad had happened
to the Apostle Paul, he must be a bad character who was being judged for
the evil he had done.
There can be truth in
such observations (if he actually was bad) or the assumption, as in this
case, can be a lie. We often just don't have enough information to know
the difference. Good men can die violent deaths, such as would happen to
the Apostle Paul (see commentary on verse 31), and very bad characters
often die peacefully in their beds. Let’s quit judging and learn to love.
Verse 5. "However he shook
the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm."
Death cannot hold
you. Poison cannot kill you. The stopping of your heart is not the end
for you. IF you are in Christ Jesus, then your life and your death are
His. They belong to Him just like you do. Whatever purpose He has for
you will be realized – you will not die until His will is accomplished for
you. And then, only then, will you go HOME to be with Him.
Paul had a sentence of
death upon him at that moment. Those observing, knew the snake that bit
him contained a venom that was lethal. Except – he did not die! He, who
had so many “fatal” injuries in the past, had just experienced another
one, and he KNEW this was not the end. Our lives are in the hands of
God. We should not take foolish risks, for we are His, but we will not
leave this planet, until HE decrees it.
Verse 6. "But they were
expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But
after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to
him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god."
This is a dangerous
tendency in people. Not only do we tend to harshly judge others without
complete information (verse 4), but when someone is perceived as
admirable, we tend to revere them far too much, as though they are some
kind of “god.” Both extremes are unconscionable – to either judge others
and have contempt for them, or to regard them too highly, is to do them
(and God) a disservice. They are just as human as we are.
Others may dislike you
without cause, or they may have you up on some kind of “pedestal”,
regarding you as more than you are. Inside, you know that you are merely
human. You make mistakes like everybody else and need God’s grace.
Remember to exalt God, for people will let you down. Right now, Paul was
becoming a celebrity – too much so, for he was merely a man and he knew
it.
Verse 7. "Now in the
neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the
island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously
three days."
This would have been a
very large event for those on the island. A major (for the time) ship had
crashed on a reef next to the shore, and all 276 souls on board had
survived! Amazing! And to top it off, a “prophet” was on board (Paul the
Apostle) who had told everyone in advance that the crash would occur,
stating that NONE on board would be lost! And it happened just as he
said! All eyes would have been on Paul.
So it’s not surprising
that Publius, who, as indicated by his Roman name, was a leading Roman
citizen of the island, would welcome them. It’s doubtful that all 276 of
the survivors were among those who were entertained for three days. The
officers of the ship were likely included, along with Julius the Roman
Centurion. Paul the Apostle was definitely a part of those “entertained”,
as was Dr. Luke, the writer of the Book of Acts, stating that Publius
welcomed “us” to his home.
Verse 8. "And it happened
that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever
and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he
laid his hands on him and healed him."
Paul the Apostle,
chains and all, would have been welcomed at the bedside of a sick loved
one. The islanders had just seen Paul bitten by a snake that should have
killed him (verse 4) and deciding “justice has
not allowed him to live", waited for him to die. He “suffered
no harm” and did not die (verse 5), and so they decided “he
was a god”. With a reputation like that, he would have been sought
by all.
He (and God) did not
disappoint them, for when Paul went into the room of Publius’ father, laid
hands on him and prayed, he was healed! In such a time when tropical
“fever and dysentery” were common, but no true medical treatment was
available, there was essentially no hope for those who were afflicted. No
hope, that is, except for the Lord God, Maker of heaven and of earth, who
made the miracle happen!
Verse 9. "After this had
happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were
coming to him and getting cured."
Word gets around.
Every once in awhile, a surgeon emerges as the best of the best in a
certain specialty, and everybody wants him or her. Paul had what
Scripture calls a “gift of healing” (see Friday Study commentary on 1
Corinthians 12:9). Paul would lay his hands on someone who was sick or
lame, as the Holy Spirit led him, and the person would be healed!
After Publius’ father
was restored, ALL the citizens on the island of Malta were beating a path
to Paul the Apostle. He patiently received them, laid hands on them as
the Spirit led him, and they were all cured. This world is full of
sickness and suffering, but at that point in time, Malta was brought into
unprecedented HEALTH. The power of God was authenticated, as was the
ministry of Paul.
Verse 10. "They also honored
us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they
supplied us with all we needed."
The citizens of Malta
were grateful for the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Their loved ones had
been CURED of diseases, which at the time, were incurable. Jesus healed
lepers (Luke 7:22) and even now, leprosy can only be arrested through
medical science, not healed. The all-powerful love of God is astonishing
and wonderful, for He hears the need and answers the prayer.
The “marks of respect”
are reminiscent of King Belshazzar’s gifts to Daniel (Daniel 5:29). That
king would die that very night (Daniel 5:30) and his “marks of respect”
meant nothing. The supplies given to survivors of the ship’s crash WERE
important. Paul and the others had lost everything when their ship
crashed, and now they were given all that was needed. It’s time for us to
learn to help one another, and understand that it’s really God who is
doing the helping.
Verse 11. "At the end of
three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the
island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead."
“At the end of three
months” was probably early in February. The ship they were taking was one
of Alexandrian registry (Alexandria, Egypt), which had wintered at Malta.
They would have been anxious to take advantage of spring winds that would
enable them to continue on to their destination. The Romans, along with
Paul, the other prisoners and Paul’s friends, went as passengers, and the
former crew of the wrecked ship probably did the same.
The “Twin Brothers”
would have been the legendary “Castor and Pollux,” considered to be sons
of “Jupiter” or “Zeus.” Castor and Pollux were thought to be “gods” who
helped in time of need, and ships were often named after them and
dedicated to them. An inscription from a ship dated at around 500 B. C.,
was found which read, “For Castor and Pollux, the sons of Jupiter.”
Most of the Roman
soldiers would have been encouraged by the statues on the ship, but they
were being given something better - the true God had given them the person
and life of the Apostle Paul, who would lead many of them to Christ.
“Castor and Pollux” could not help them, but God can and does help those
who are in need.
Verse 12. "After we put in at
Syracuse, we stayed there for three days."
The Roman jailers, led
by Julius the Centurion, along with their prisoners (including Paul the
Apostle), were nearing their destination. Syracuse was a Greek city on
the coast of the island of Sicily, and was the leading city of that
place. It’s interesting that Paul and his ministry of healing was located
on the Island of Malta for several months (verse 11) but only at Syracuse
for three days. Certainly there were people in Syracuse that needed to be
healed. What was the difference?
Wouldn’t it be
wonderful to be able to go behind the scenes and discover the reasons for
God’s actions in the lives of people? Actually, we ARE taken behind the
scenes. Right after we discover that “man (does not know) the things
which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9), we
find “God HAS revealed them to us through His Spirit” (1 Corinthians
2:10). When you don’t understand – ASK, and He will answer. Those on
Malta RECEIVED the Apostle Paul, and if those at Syracuse were open to the
Lord, then three days would be enough. God loved them, just like he loved
the people of Malta - just like He loves you.
Verse 13. "From there we
sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang
up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli."
Rhegium was another
former Greek colony on the “toe” of Italy, which was at the time of this
writing, a part of the Roman Empire. Puteoli was the location of the
nearest deep water harbor, and it served the City of Rome. It was the
place where travelers from the East landed, when they were traveling to
the Roman Capitol. The ship had traveled 180 nautical miles in two days,
and Paul had now arrived in Rome, just as God had said he would.
Verse 14. "There we found
some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus
we came to Rome."
How did Paul and the
others find “some (Christian) brethren” in a city the size of Rome? The
truth is that the Holy Spirit made it happen. From an outward perspective,
Paul was a notable personage, and the Lord made sure that word about his
arrival got around. It’s certainly interesting, by the way, that the
Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ was already in Rome. God’s people were
told, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the
nations…” (Matthew 28:19). From this verse in Acts, we see clearly
that His people had been faithful to the call. And so should we be
faithful, as well.
The Jewish leaders had
attempted to kill the Apostle Paul on numerous occasions. Paul had
subsequently been delayed for two years at Caesarea. He suffered a
terrible shipwreck, at which time the soldiers who were guarding him
wanted to kill him. He was finally “safe” on the Island of Malta, and as
he was placing some sticks on a fire, a deadly snake bit him on the hand.
God had promised him, “as you have testified for
Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome” (Acts
23:11). God had triumphed over all the power of the enemy, and here was
Paul, just as He had said.
Don’t be afraid of
“events” that seem to block God’s leading in your life, for He WILL bring
you through. Just as it was for the Apostle Paul, so shall it be for you.
Verse 15. "And the brethren,
when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius
and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took
courage."
Christians who had heard about Paul and his
arrival, had come to meet him from as far away as the Market of Appius (Appii-forum),
which was fifty miles from Rome, and others had traveled thirty miles from
a place called Three Inns (Three Taverns). Paul was encouraged by their
sacrifice in traveling that distance. Things were not so different in
those days, except that travel was much more difficult. Some might have
traveled by horseback, but it is more likely they WALKED the distance to
meet him.
Note that Paul is as human as you are. He
became afraid on a number of occasions and needed comfort from the Lord.
Sometimes the Lord responded directly to Paul, but other times he
comforted the man by sending people to him. If it is on your heart to
send a card, make a phone call, or go visit someone, don't hesitate - do
it! The God who gave Paul courage from these visitors, will comfort you,
and He will enable you to comfort others.
Verse 16. "When we entered
Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was
guarding him."
We know from writings of the Early Church,
that Paul would ultimately end up in the Mamartine Prison, a rat infested
dungeon in Rome. But for now, he was able to remain in his own rented
quarters, receiving visitors and openly witnessing about Christ to all who
encountered him. That would have included "the soldier who was guarding
him", or "soldiers", if they worked in shifts.
Paul was allowed to stay in the place for a
full two years (verse 30), and during that time, led many to Christ. We
know that from places like Philippians 4:22, where he said, "All the
saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household."
The enemy does reach with his clutches into our midst, but the Lord
counterattacks effectively, reaching into the very place of the enemy,
turning adversaries into "saints" (set apart ones) of the living God.
Verse 17. "After three days
Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when
they came together, he began saying to them, 'Brethren, though I had 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.'"
Paul had only been in Rome three days, but no
time was to be wasted, for he quickly sent word to the leading Jews of
various synagogues in the Roman capitol, calling them to a meeting. And
they came to him. It isn't clear how many were in attendance, but his
"rented quarters" would have limited, to some extent, the numbers that
were able to hear him at any one time.
"I am innocent" are words overused by
prisoners everywhere. The fact is, as Paul wrote in another place, we are
all guilty before a holy God (Romans 3:23). But this man was accused by
men, not God, and he truly had done NOTHING wrong according to Jewish or
Roman Law. He called them "brothers", arousing their curiosity and
concern by telling them that an innocent Jewish man (himself) had been
turned over to the pagan Roman authorities.
Verse 18. "And when they had
examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground
for putting me to death."
Once again, Paul was
enabled by God and allowed by men, to present his testimony before the
Jewish people he loved. Once more, they were listening intently to his
every word. They were drawn, as are people everywhere, to an interesting
story, and Paul’s life was a living saga for the Lord. Here was an
innocent man, charged with a capital crime, but he had done nothing worthy
of death. The Romans knew he was innocent from the beginning, by the way,
but they had kept him in custody because of the Jews.
Verse 19. "But when the Jews
objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation
against my nation."
Paul truly LOVED his
people, the Jews, with the kind of love that only comes from God. The man
actually would have gone to hell in their place, if only they would have
turned to the Lord (Romans 9:3). Moses said much the same thing, in
Exodus 32:32. It’s precisely that kind of love we are supposed to have
for one another. Paul did not have “any accusation against my nation”,
for in fact he loved them without limit. But then, they probably asked,
“Why” was he in Rome at that moment? And the answer, of course, was that
the people he loved wanted him put to death, and so to escape them, he
appealed to the Caesar in Rome.
Verse 20. "For this reason,
therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing
this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel."
Paul the Prisoner, Paul the Apostle, was in
chains. It's easy to forget, as we read the words in these Chapters of
Acts, that when Paul was in Caesarea, when he was on a doomed ship,
sailing for Rome, when he was on Malta for two months, healing everyone
that came his way, he was in chains. Chains were on his ankles, which
restricted his steps when he walked, and chains were on his wrists,
restricting the movement of his hands.
And all his was for the "sake of the hope of
Israel", who was and is, of course, Jesus Christ. Sometimes the "chains"
we wear, are just that - chains! And I do personally know a practicing
Christian man who ended up in prison on charges that were just as empty as
those brought against the Apostle Paul. Other "chains" in our lives can
include: sickness, injury, losses of various kinds, and more: Paul's
chains were OPPORTUNITY for the "hope of Israel" to be expressed through
his life. Just as it was for him, so it is for you and me. “Trouble” is
opportunity in the Hands of God.
Verse 21. "They said to him,
'We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any
of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you.'"
This is a surprise. The religious authorities
in Jerusalem had been intensely venomous in their attitude toward the
Apostle Paul. They wanted him dead. It didn't matter HOW, just so long
as it was done. But, they apparently had sent no letters of warning about
him to outlying synagogues in Rome. They seemed to have felt that, once
Paul had been thrust into the Roman penal system, that was the end of
him. Not so. Nor is the "end" from a human perspective, EVER the "end"
for you and me.
The end is never the end for the "little ones"
of God. We may be attacked, disgraced, or apparently ruined, but, as the
baseball player, Yogi Berra, was fond of saying, "It ain't over 'til it's
over." Joseph, in Egypt (Genesis Chapter 37 and forward) should be a
lesson to us all. Though he was innocent, he went to prison as a
convicted rapist. He was in disgrace. His reputation was ruined. But
was it? In God's timing, he was released from prison and became the
respected Governor of Egypt. With God, "It ain't over 'til it's over."
Verse 22. "But we desire to
hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known
to us that it is spoken against everywhere."
The religious leaders in Jerusalem had worked
very hard. They had brought about the death (and inadvertently the
resurrection) of Jesus Christ. They killed Stephen, that wonderful deacon
of the early Church, and James, the brother of John. "Christians" weren't
even called by that name at the time, but at least hundreds of them had
been beaten and imprisoned at the command of "religious" men. Paul,
before the Lord converted him, had been one of those "religious"
persecutors.
The religious leaders had not sent letters
concerning the Apostle Paul, because they thought they had destroyed him
(verse 21), but here he was, speaking to Jewish officials in the capitol
of the Roman Empire. The leaders in Jerusalem had done their best to
destroy the reputation of those in the "sect" that was later to be called
"Christianity." The "best" efforts of humanity will always fall short of
the Kingdom of God. Though some speak against you, trust in Him, and He
will bring you through.
Verse 23. "When they had set
a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he
was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and
trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and
from the Prophets, from morning until evening."
“They” set a day for
Paul. “They” were the Jews that lived in the City of Rome at that time,
and this verse suggests that Paul’s living accommodations must have been
more than ample, because they came to him in large numbers. The “day”
they set was actually God’s timing, not theirs, for it was His moment for
them, when they would hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul correctly
persuaded his people, the Jews, from the Law of Moses and from the
Prophets, about Jesus the Messiah. He would be from Bethlehem (Micah
5:2), from Galilee (Isaiah 9:1, Luke 2:39-40), and from Egypt (Hosea 11:1,
Matthew 2:15). He would be killed (Psalm 22) and die for the sins of His
people (Isaiah 53). He would rise from the grave (Psalm 16:10, Acts
2:31-32), and sit at the right hand of God the Father (Psalm 110:1). The
“Old” Testament and the “New” are the same – God is revealing Himself to
all who will listen.
Verse 24. "Some were being
persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe."
As it was then, so it
is now – some will believe and others will not. It’s a matter of the will
of each person. Isn’t it incredible that God leaves it up to US as to
where we will spend eternity? Human parents tend to control their
children, forcing them to go to THIS school, to eat THAT kind of food, and
so on. God gently urges the people of this world to trust in His Son. If
you want to spend eternity with Him, you can; if you don’t, you won’t –
it’s that simple.
If you don’t like Him
and don’t want to be with Him, you’ll get your way. God is love (1 John
4:8) and “Heaven” is a place of love; otherwise it would not be heavenly
to be there. The animosity you see in the world today, will be no more.
To believe in the Lord is to receive Him and be received by Him. When you
are received, you will understand His love, and love Him in return. Those
who do not believe will be seen no more.
Verse 25. "And when they did
not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one
parting word, 'The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to
your fathers,'"
They (the Jews in Rome
who had been listening to Paul) began to argue with one another. The
altercation apparently became so heated that many of them would not remain
in the place and began to leave Paul’s rented quarters. Note that to the
end of this discussion, Paul steadfastly taught from the Old Testament
Scriptures, which faithfully and consistently predicts the Person and Life
of the Messiah (Christ), who was to come.
There has been a
tendency among some Christians to believe that the Old Testament has been
superseded by the New, and that somehow, the Old Testament is not needed
anymore. On the contrary, the Old PROVES the New, and ALL of the Bible is
important to us, both then, now, and forever. It can be demonstrated that
Jesus Christ is the Messiah of Israel, from the Book of Isaiah (which Paul
began to quote here), just as surely as it can be done from the Book of
John.
Verse 26. "Saying, 'Go to
this people and say, 'you will keep on hearing, but will not understand;
and you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;'"
Paul was quoting here
from the Septuagint version (a Greek language translation) of Isaiah
6:9-10. When you think about it, it’s AMAZING that the Jews (who were so
familiar with the Old Testament) heard Jesus Christ, saw Him and were
healed by Him, but did not flock in droves to the Lord. Oh yes, thousands
of them did turn to Him (Acts 2:41 and other places), but, agonizingly,
many who should have known, have not trusted in the One who would heal
them and give them peace.
The context of Isaiah
6:9-10 (which Paul quoted in this verse) is interesting, for it speaks of
the commissioning of Isaiah, as a prophet to the Jewish people. He spoke
of himself as “a man of unclean lips” who
dwelt “in the midst of a people of unclean lips”
(Isaiah 6:5). Because he recognized that the Lord is pure and holy in all
His ways, he correctly saw that we are not pure. He was then touched
(Isaiah 6:6-7) and his iniquity was taken away.
Those who “keep
on hearing, but will not understand” are typical of many in this
world. It is pride that keeps them from the Lord. It was pride that kept
me from Him for many years, and it was broken pride that finally enabled
me to come to Him. Just as it was for Isaiah, you need to trust in Him.
Verse 27. "For the heart of this people has
become dull, and with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed
their eyes; otherwise they might see with their
eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand
with their heart and return, and I would heal them."
Note this carefully:
From the perspective of God (and someday each of us will KNOW that His
perspective is the only one that counts), “this
people” (all of us) are dull, deaf and blind. The frustrating part
is that we HAVE sufficient information, we should be able to hear, and we
COULD see, if only we would listen and look with open hearts to the
written Word of God.
If you (whether Jew or
Gentile) are willing to honestly and prayerfully LOOK at the evidence of
the “Old” and “New” Testament Scriptures about Jesus Christ, you will
receive the promise of God. You will be enabled to “see
with (your) eyes, hear with (your)
ears, and understand with (your)
heart and return (to Him)” and He will
heal you. That is His promise to the nation Israel and to all who read
His word.
Verse 28. "Therefore let it
be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles;
they will also listen."
If you don’t
understand how Israel could have so much (the Old Testament) and yet not
receive the Messiah when He came to them, you might read Romans Chapters
9, 10 and 11. Paul had “great sorrow and
continual grief in (his) heart”
(Romans 9:2) about his people, but he also clearly understood that through
the fall of Israel, “salvation has come to the
Gentiles” (Romans 11:11). But that is not the end, for when “the
fullness of the Gentile has come in… all
Israel shall be saved” (Romans 11:25-26). The true Israel WILL
turn to the Lord, and others benefit greatly because of what has happened
to them.
We should very much be
warned by these chapters (Romans 9, 10 and 11). Paul used the analogy of
“branches” in relation to the “vine” that supports them. Paul warned, “Because
of unbelief they (Israel) were broken off,
and you (the Gentiles) stand by faith.”
He continued, “do not be haughty, but fear, for
if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you, either”
(Romans 11:20-21). You will receive “goodness,
if you continue in His goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off”
(Romans 11:22). Trust in Him, His Word, His goodness, His love. The
alternative is unthinkable.
Verse 29. "When he had spoken
these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves."
Some of the versions
used to compile the Book of Acts, omit this verse. However, the verse is
written in the style of Dr. Luke, the author of Luke and Acts, and the
statement contained in this verse does seem necessary in order to complete
the narrative of this Chapter. Let’s keep it in, especially because it
seems the Holy Spirit has chosen to retain it.
The Jews who had come
to visit the Apostle Paul, now became even more heated in their arguments
with one another. Jesus was very clear that His life, death and
resurrection would have exactly such an effect, stating, “Do
not think that I came to bring peace on earth; I did not come to bring
peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). We ache for peace, but He
aims that we (as many as will receive) are to be made right with God
through faith in Him..
Verse 30. "And he stayed two
full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to
him,"
The Lord had told Paul
the Apostle previously that he would testify in Rome, and here he was, "teaching
concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered"
(verse 31), telling everyone that came near, about the death and
resurrection of his Lord. And he was in "his own
rented quarters" (this verse), though he was not carrying on his
trade as a tent maker at this time and did not have money. The quarters
were his through God's provision. Previously he had worked and trusted
and now he simply received and trusted.
"Two
full years" - can you imagine what a man like Paul would do with
that much time to present the Gospel (good news) about the Lord? If it
seems that every door is closed to you, but the Lord has placed a burning
desire in your heart - 1) Just WAIT, and then, when the time is right, 2)
ACT as He leads. There are times to do the one and times to do the
other. This “waiting” is an active waiting, by the way, a time of prayer
and preparation, and it is in those times you will discover when to wait
and when to go forward.
Verse 31. "Preaching the
kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all
openness, unhindered."
In 66 A. D., Paul the
Apostle was taken from his place of confinement and forced to kneel. His
head was stretched forward, a sword was raised and then swung downward
upon the neck of this man of God. Unlike in the past, when Paul was
delivered miraculously from death, no outward deliverance occurred at this
time. He experienced a criminal's death, not unlike the murder of the
Lord Jesus Christ, some three decades before.
But as it was for
Jesus, so it was for Paul, you and me - death was not the end. It's
merely a doorway. Jesus, after dying in our place, was dramatically
raised from the dead. It's important to see that He is alive, and because
He is, Paul, and all that trust in the Lord, are with Him for all
eternity. We are safe at last, when we are in Him, whether "alive" in
this world or not.
The Book of Acts was
written before 66 A. D. If it was written later, Dr. Luke, the careful
historian, would have given us information about Paul's death. It was the
intention of the Holy Spirit that this Book would have no "end" for the
Book of "Acts" is still being written in eternity, full of information
about ordinary people like you and me.
As it was for Paul,
you have a certain time allotted to you by the Lord. Suddenly, your life
will be gone, and it may be at a time you do not expect. TODAY is your
opportunity to 1) receive the Lord fully into your life, and 2) Tell
others about Him.
Lord, I receive You
now. You are invited into me, in places where, heretofore, I have kept
You out. Take all of me, Lord Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit, and let
me tell others of You and Your love. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
P.O. Box 92131
Long Beach, CA
90809-2131 USA
www.fridaystudy.org
Ron@fridaystudy.org
