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 28:20 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:20 is a verse that captures the Apostle Paul's address to the Jewish leaders in Rome.

In this verse, he explains his situation and the reason for his confinement.

Paul is under house arrest, chained to a Roman guard, but he views this as a consequence of his mission to preach about Jesus Christ and the "hope of Israel." The hope of Israel is a messianic concept, suggesting that Paul believes Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises made to the Jewish people.

Paul summoned the Jewish leaders to inform them that he had been accused by other Jews in Jerusalem, which led to his imprisonment.

However, his statement also portrays his dedication to spreading the gospel. Despite his chains, Paul continues to evangelize and sees his suffering as a testimony to his faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 28:20 comes at the end of the Book of Acts, written by Luke, and describes Paul's journey to Rome where he is to stand trial before Caesar. The historical backdrop for this verse is in ancient Rome, where Paul has been placed under house arrest.

The cultural and religious tensions between the Jewish establishment and the burgeoning Christian movement are at a peak during this time.

Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, has become a central figure in spreading Christianity and often finds himself in conflict with Jewish authorities and Roman law.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the Jewish expectation of a Messiah and how early Christians, like Paul, saw Jesus fulfilling this role.

Paul's reference to "the hope of Israel" has been interpreted by Christian theologians to mean that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were the culmination of God’s promises to Israel.

This verse also illustrates the notion of Christian suffering and martyrdom.

The chain Paul mentions symbolizes his bondage for Christ's sake, showing that physical confinement could not constrain his spiritual mission.

This reflects on how many early Christians viewed persecution as a part of their witness for faith.

Practical Applications

Acts 28:20 can inspire modern readers to stand firm in their beliefs even in the face of adversity. It emphasizes the importance of witnessing and sharing one’s faith, even when it leads to personal sacrifice.

The verse encourages believers to consider their trials as opportunities to demonstrate their commitment to God's purposes.

Cross-References

Ephesians 6:20: "For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Philippians 1:13: "So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;"

Language Study

The term "chain" (Greek: "halusis") in this verse historically refers to a metal bond used to restrict a prisoner. It signifies Paul's literal imprisonment but is also metaphorically used throughout his letters to symbolize his bondage to Christ and the gospel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the wider context of ancient religions and myths, figures who suffer or endure hardship for a greater cause are common. For instance, figures in Greek mythology, such as Prometheus, suffer for bestowing knowledge or benefits to humanity.

In a religious context, the motif of a prophet or a holy person suffering for their message is also seen in figures like Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible.

Scientific Perspectives

Since Acts 28:20 concerns the historic circumstances of Paul's confinement, it intersects more with historical research and archeology than with natural sciences.

Studies of ancient incarceration methods or the conditions of house arrest in the Roman Empire could provide additional understanding of what Paul's experience may have been like.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries often highlight the poignancy of Paul's situation in this verse.

For instance, the Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that Paul's chains are worn for the sake of Christ and the gospel.

It also points out that Paul's primary concern was for the Jewish leaders to understand that he was not an enemy to their nation or religion but was bound because of the hope of Israel, the Messiah, whom he preached.

Other commentaries underline Paul's unfaltering commitment to his mission, and his chains being a manifestation of his dedication and the cost of discipleship.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:20 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 28:20 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?