What does Acts 28:14 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:14 is part of the narrative that describes the Apostle Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome, where he was to stand trial before Caesar.

This verse specifically recounts a stop along the journey where Paul and his companions found fellow Christians ("brethren") who requested their company for a week.

The verse encapsulates the Christian hospitality and fellowship present in the early Church.

The "seven days" mentioned may have been significant for the purpose of Christian worship and fellowship, particularly as it would have included the observation of the Lord's Day, a day for communal worship.

Following this period of rest and encouragement, Paul and his companions continue on their way to Rome, the destination where Paul would bear witness to the gospel.

Historical Context

Acts 28:14 falls within the context of Paul's later missionary journeys.

The book of Acts was authored by Luke, a close companion of Paul, and it documents both the spread of Christianity and Paul's evangelistic efforts.

At the time of this verse, Paul had appealed to Caesar after being arrested, which was his right as a Roman citizen.

The journey to Rome was tumultuous, including being shipwrecked on the island of Malta.

This brief stopover mentioned in the verse likely occurred in Puteoli (modern-day Pozzuoli), an ancient port in Italy, which had a small Christian community.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the unity and growth of the early Christian church, depicting how believers are called to support one another.

The early Christian concept of hospitality is showcased; believers are seen offering Paul and his companions rest and refreshment.

This reflects the practice of koinonia, the Greek term for fellowship among believers, which is a key element in the life of the church.

It also subtly indicates the influential spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, as there were already brethren in Puteoli ready to receive Paul.

Practical Applications

The practical applications that can emerge from Acts 28:14 involve the Christian practice of hospitality and community.

Christians are encouraged to offer fellowship and support to fellow believers, especially those who are in the midst of trials or on a mission.

There is also the suggestion of taking time for rest and communal worship in the company of other Christians, which can be revitalizing and spiritually nourishing.

Additionally, taking the opportunity to strengthen and be strengthened by the Christian community is contemplated here as an essential element of Christian living.

Cross-References

• Romans 15:24 - "Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company."
• Romans 12:13 - "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
• Hebrews 13:1-2 - "Let brotherly love continue.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

• 3 John 1:6-8 - "Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well."

Language Study

The term "brethren" in this verse is translated from the Greek "adelphoi," which refers to brothers in a familial sense but is commonly used in the New Testament to mean fellow believers or Christians.

The verb "desired" comes from the Greek "parakaleō," meaning to call near, invite, or beseech, denoting that the believers in Puteoli were not just passively allowing Paul to stay, but actively inviting and encouraging him to do so.

The phrase "tarry with them seven days" indicates a deliberate period of staying which has implications of completeness and spiritual significance, as number seven often denotes in Jewish and Christian symbolism.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the wider cultural and religious context of the ancient Mediterranean world, hospitality was a valued virtue in both Greco-Roman and Jewish society.

It was customary to offer hospitality to travelers and to provide for their needs.

In the Jewish tradition, hospitality is considered a mitzvah, or commandment.

Among ancient mythologies, parallels can be drawn with tales that emphasize the importance of hospitality, such as the Greek story of Baucis and Philemon, where Zeus and Hermes reward a couple's hospitality.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, the act of taking rest resonates with modern understandings of human psychology and the need for social support and recovery from stress or travel.

The idea of stopping for seven days could be seen as aligning with the concept of a restorative period, which is supported by research in health and wellness fields.

Commentaries

Scholarly commentaries on Acts 28:14 highlight several aspects.

First, the presence of a Christian community in Puteoli illustrates the spread of Christianity in the first century.

Second, commentators often discuss the significance of "seven days," with some suggesting that it indicates a period of worship and possibly that the community wanted Paul to stay for a complete cycle of weekly worship.

Commentators point to the warmth of the invitation extended to Paul, seeing it as evidence of the strong bonds formed within the early Christian communities, despite cultural and geographical disparities.

The verse is often cited as an example of the tangible expression of Christian brotherhood and mutual support.