Acts 28

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

What does Acts 28:13 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:13 describes a part of the journey taken by Paul and his companions towards Rome, as recorded by Luke, who is believed to be the author of the Acts of the Apostles.

In this verse, they are traveling by ship, having departed from the area around present-day Turkey.

When they "fetched a compass," it means they changed course or circled around, likely to navigate.

They arrived in Rhegium, a port in Italy, and waited for a favorable wind.

When the south wind blew, which was beneficial for their voyage, they sailed to Puteoli, another port city in Italy.

This verse captures both the practical aspects of sea travel in the ancient world and the progress of Paul’s mission to spread Christianity.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

During the first century AD, when this journey occurred, sea travel was the fastest means of transportation across the Mediterranean region but could be treacherous due to changeable weather and limited navigational aids.

Rhegium (now Reggio Calabria) and Puteoli (now Pozzuoli) were significant ports of the Roman Empire, facilitating trade and travel throughout the empire's vast territories.

The mention of these cities situates the account within the historical framework of ancient Rome.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Paul's journey to Rome is emblematic of the spread of the Christian faith from Jerusalem to the heart of the Roman Empire. The favorable winds in the verse could be interpreted as divine providence facilitating Paul’s mission.

Some Christian theologians may view the passage as a metaphor for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in Christian missions and life.

Practical Applications

This verse illustrates the principle of patience and waiting for the right circumstances ("after one day the south wind blew").

In practical terms, it teaches the importance of waiting for the proper conditions to undertake any endeavor.

For Christians, it also implies the value of discerning God's timing in one’s life and ministry.

Cross-References

Acts 27:1-44 - Describes the details of Paul's sea voyage to Rome and the challenges faced before reaching Rhegium.
Philippians 4:6 - A teaching about being patient and trusting in God's timing: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Romans 8:28 - Reflects the idea of divine providence: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Language Study

The original Greek term used for "fetched a compass" is περιελθόντες(perielthontes), indicating to go around, or circumnavigate.

The word for "south wind" is νότου (notou), simply referring to a wind coming from the south, which would have been advantageous for sailing northward to Puteoli.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, sea voyages were often surrounded by religious rituals and superstitions.

For instance, the Greeks and Romans would pray to gods like Poseidon or Neptune for a safe journey.

In comparison, Paul's journey as described in Acts reflects a trust in the Christian God to oversee and ensure the success of their mission.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern meteorology would explain the favorable "south wind" as a common weather pattern that can be predicted and harnessed for sailing.

Today's scientific understanding of winds, ocean currents, and navigation starkly contrasts with the limited capabilities of ancient mariners described in the New Testament.

commentaries

Commentators on this verse often focus on the historical and geographical accuracy of Luke's account in Acts, as it reflects a knowledge of the sea routes and ports typical of that era.

They may also draw attention to the theme of Paul's perseverance in traveling to Rome despite the hardships he faced earlier in his journey (Acts 27) and the theological symbolism of Paul's progress toward Rome being equated with the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 28:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?