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 28:29 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:29 speaks of the aftermath of a discourse given by the Apostle Paul to a group of Jews in Rome.

The verse indicates that following Paul's words, there was a significant departure of the Jews who then engaged in intense discussion among themselves.

This suggests that Paul's message provoked a diverse range of reactions and spurred a heated debate within the Jewish community regarding the claims he made about Jesus Christ and the interpretation of the scriptures.

Despite the fact that Acts 28:29 is not included in some of the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts, its presence in later manuscripts shows that early Christians found it relevant to convey that Paul's teachings left a lasting impression that incited vigorous debate among the Jews.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, serves as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke and chronicles the spread of the Christian faith from Jerusalem to Rome.

The specific context of Acts 28:29 is Paul's house arrest in Rome, where he spent two years proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.

During this time, Paul invites local Jewish leaders to discuss the gospel with them, in hope of persuading them about Jesus, using the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

This verse summarizes the outcome of one such meeting.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the varying responses to the gospel.

It shows that Paul's teachings were challenging, forcing individuals to grapple with their existing beliefs.

Some would have been convinced by Paul's arguments, while others would stand firm in their traditional Jewish faith, creating a split in opinion that would lead to 'great reasoning,' or deep reflection and debate.

This is a recurrent theme in the New Testament, where the message of Jesus often causes division and deep self-examination.

Practical Applications

The practical implications of Acts 28:29 suggest that when confronted with spiritual truths or new teachings, it is natural for people to engage in debate and discussion.

It encourages believers to be patient and understanding when presenting the gospel, as well as to be prepared for a range of reactions.

It also serves as a reminder of the importance of reasoned discourse and open dialogue about spiritual beliefs.

Cross-References

Acts 17:11: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Acts 18:4: "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks."

Language Study

The phrase 'great reasoning' comes from the Greek 'πολλὴν συζήτησιν' (pollēn syzētēsin), where 'πολλὴν' (pollēn) means 'great' or 'much', and 'συζήτησιν' (syzētēsin) means 'reasoning' or 'debate'.

This indicates that the discussions that ensued were not trivial but were of significant depth and intensity, reflecting the importance of the issues at stake.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman context, public debates and philosophical discussions were common, and Judaism itself has a rich tradition of debate and discussion over interpretations of the Torah and other religious texts.

Therefore, the reasoning among the Jews that Acts describes would not have been out of place in the religious and cultural milieu of the time.

Scientific Perspectives

Acts 28:29 doesn't directly relate to any scientific concepts.

However, in a broader sense, the process of reasoning and engaging in debate can be related to the scientific method, wherein ideas and hypotheses are rigorously tested, discussed, and debated to discern their validity.

commentaries

Commentators generally view Acts 28:29 as a demonstration of the divisive power of the Gospel message.

John Calvin noted that the Jews' departure and subsequent reasoning signify the different impacts the Word of God can have upon its hearers, some are enlightened while others resist.

Matthew Henry commented on the importance of scripture being subjected to such reasoning, reinforcing the role of thoughtful engagement with the Word.

Modern commentators often discuss this verse (when included) in light of the broader narrative of Acts, highlighting the challenges that early Christians faced in spreading the Gospel to a diverse audience and the fact that discord and discussion are an expected part of evangelization.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:29 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 28:29 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?