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 28:27 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:27 contains powerful imagery and profound spiritual insight.

The verse speaks to the spiritual condition of a group of people, namely the people of Israel during the time of the Apostle Paul.

It describes their state of heart and sensory perception as "waxed gross," "dull of hearing," and having "closed eyes." The literal meaning implies a willful ignorance or a hardening to spiritual truths and teachings.

The deeper meaning suggests that this lack of perception prevents them from understanding and accepting the truths which could heal and transform them.

This verse is a lamentation of sorts, expressing sorrow over the missed opportunity for spiritual conversion and renewal.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse, spoken by the Apostle Paul, is a quotation from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10).

Paul was under house arrest in Rome, where he preached to the leaders of the Jewish community about the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus, using both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

Paul quotes this passage from Isaiah after some of his audience reject his message.

It reflects the historical rejection of prophets by the people of Israel, and Paul is applying it to his own experience as he faces rejection from his fellow Jews.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 28:27 touches on several significant concepts.

Firstly, it relates to the doctrine of spiritual blindness, suggesting that people have the capacity to ignore or reject divine revelation.

Secondarily, this verse speaks to the concept of free will, as it implies the people's active choice to close their eyes and ears to the truth.

Additionally, Calvinist interpretations might understand this as an example of God's sovereign choice, where the hardening of hearts fulfills divine purposes and plans. On the other hand, Arminian theology might emphasize human responsibility in the rejection of divine messages.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 28:27 serves as a caution to individuals to remain open to spiritual truth and not become complacent or hard-hearted. It encourages self-reflection on whether one is receptive to spiritual learning and transformation.

The verse also encourages believers to persist in sharing their faith, even when met with rejection, recognizing that it is a common experience for those who convey spiritual messages.

Cross-References

Language Study

The original Greek text and key words for "waxed gross" (παχυνθῇ) means to thicken or make fat, metaphorically implying dullness or insensitivity.

"Dull of hearing" (βαρέως ἀκούω) can be translated to hear with difficulty, referring to spiritual deafness.

"Closed" (καμμύω), in context to the eyes, implies shutting or shutting out the light voluntarily.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse to other cultural and religious traditions, one can find concepts of spiritual blindness or rejection of divine truth in various forms.

For instance, in Hinduism, the concept of Maya illustrates the idea of a world of illusion that obscures true understanding.

In Buddhism, ignorance (avidyā) is considered one of the primary causes of suffering and the cyclic existence of samsara.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse mainly reflects psychological and sociological phenomena, such as cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias, where individuals may reject information that conflicts with their preexisting beliefs.

Additionally, the placebo effect and its inverse, the nocebo effect, provide insight into how belief can influence physical and psychological well-being, loosely correlating to the idea of spiritual healing mentioned in the verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer varied perspectives on Acts 28:27.

Some emphasize its fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting how Israel's history of disbelief was predicted and served a greater purpose. Others take a more pastoral approach, reflecting on the need for constant openness to truth and spiritual vigor.

Commentators like John Calvin saw in this verse the justice of God against obstinacy, while others focus on the universal offer of the gospel, which is still available despite instances of rejection.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:27 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 28:27 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?