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 28:17 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 28:17 from the King James Version of the Bible describes an event where Apostle Paul, after his journey to Rome and a three-day rest, calls together the local Jewish leaders to discuss his situation.

His statements to these leaders are reflective of his consistent assertion of innocence against charges that led to his imprisonment.

Paul emphasizes that he has not violated any of the customs or laws of the Jewish people.

Despite this, he was handed over to the Romans during his time in Jerusalem.

This verse sets the stage for the defense Paul provides to the Jewish leaders there, explaining his circumstances and seeking to establish a mutual understanding before delving into deeper discussions about the Christian faith.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 28:17 occurs towards the end of the Book of Acts, which is the fifth book of the New Testament.

The book chronicles the early Christian community and the spread of the Gospel after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The verse specifically pertains to Paul's journey as he arrives in Rome, a significant event as Rome was the epicenter of the known world at the time.

Paul's journey to Rome was the result of his appeal to Caesar, which was his right as a Roman citizen, after having been accused by Jewish authorities in Jerusalem of preaching against the Law and the Temple.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Paul's situation illustrates the theme of Christian perseverance in the face of adversity.

Additionally, Paul's respectful approach to Jewish leaders is seen as a model for interfaith dialogue - aiming to build bridges rather than burning them.

The verse also hints at an underlying belief in divine providence: despite the injustice he faced, Paul senses an opportunity to witness about Jesus Christ to the Jewish community in Rome.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can teach modern readers about the importance of reaching out and seeking understanding when faced with conflict. It encourages one to be honest and maintain integrity even in difficult circumstances.

Moreover, it shows the value of establishing communication and addressing misunderstandings in a community, promoting peace and reconciliation.

Cross-References

Acts 23:1: "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
Acts 25:8: "While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all."
Acts 26:31-32: "And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Acts 28:17, key words to focus on include:

"προσκαλέσαμενος" (proskalesamenos): This verb, translated as "called", carries the connotation of inviting or summoning with authority.
"πρωτοστάταις" (protostatais): Often translated as "chief", the term refers to leaders or principal men, indicating the prominent status of those Paul summoned.
"ἔθεσιν" (ethesin): Translated as "customs", this noun denotes the established traditions and practices, particularly those of religious or cultural significance to the Jewish people.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's respectful invitation to dialogue with the Jewish leaders in Rome resonates with the broader cultural values of discourse and diplomacy inherent in Roman society.

In comparison, other ancient myths and religions often emphasize the use of power and might to resolve disputes, whereas the Christian approach demonstrated by Paul emphasizes peaceful dialogue and reasoning.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly apply to this verse, as it primarily deals with a historical event and Paul's social interaction with the Jewish leaders in Rome.

However, modern psychology may provide insight into the effectiveness of such peaceful discourse in conflict resolution and the human tendency to seek justice and clear one's name when wrongfully accused.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians offer a range of interpretations for Acts 28:17.

Some emphasize the historical accuracy of Luke's account in Acts, supporting the idea that Paul really did meet with Jewish leaders in such a manner.

Others may focus on the rhetorical strategies Paul uses, noting his skill in addressing powerful groups.

Overall, most commentators agree that this verse demonstrates Paul's commitment to his mission and his approach of engaging with the Jewish community respectfully and transparently, even under challenging circumstances.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:17 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 28:17 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?