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 28:30 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:30 describes the final part of the apostle Paul's journey as recorded in the Book of Acts.

The verse states that Paul lived for two years in a house he rented in Rome and welcomed all who came to see him.

This suggests that even though Paul was under house arrest and awaiting trial before Caesar for preaching the gospel (as mentioned earlier in Acts 28), he was still relatively free to teach and spread the Christian message.

It is inferred that during this time, he continued his ministry of spreading the gospel by receiving visitors, speaking about Jesus Christ, and likely writing some of his epistles.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is set at the end of the Book of Acts, which documents the early Christian Church's history after Jesus Christ's resurrection and ascension.

The historical context is within the Roman Empire around AD 60-62, during the reign of Emperor Nero.

Paul, a Roman citizen, had appealed to Caesar after being accused by Jewish leaders.

This appeal led to his transport to Rome, where he awaited his trial.

The practice of a prisoner living in a rented house while under guard was not unusual in Roman jurisprudence, especially for someone with Roman citizenship like Paul.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 28:30 demonstrates the perseverance and dedication of Paul to his missionary calling despite his personal circumstances.

It reflects the belief in divine providence and the unstoppable nature of the gospel message.

The text can be interpreted as showing that no physical chains or legal restrictions can hinder the spread of Christianity.

Furthermore, the verse underlines the role of hospitality and fellowship in the early Christian community, with Paul's home being a focal point for believers and seekers alike.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as an encouragement to modern-day believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to continue their ministry work regardless of life's obstacles.

It also can inspire Christians to be hospitable and to use their own homes as places of ministry, where discussions about faith can take place openly.

Lastly, it can be seen as an example of how adversity can be turned into an opportunity for witness and teaching.

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 1:12-14: "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."
2 Timothy 2:9: "Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound."

Language Study

Key words from the original Greek text include:

"dwelt" (Greek: "emeinen"), implying a continuous stay.
"whole" (Greek: "dietian"), generally meaning a period of two years.
"hired house" (Greek: "misthōma"), referring to a dwelling that is rented.
"received" (Greek: "apodedecheto"), indicating that he welcomed or took in those who visited.

By analyzing these key terms, we see that Paul's stay was of considerable duration and that he actively welcomed and engaged with those who visited him.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing to other ancient practices, it was not uncommon for philosophers or religious leaders to receive people in their home to teach or share wisdom. The practice of Socratic dialogue, for example, shares similarities with Paul's reception of visitors.

From a religious perspective, other traditions have also valued the role of the home as a sacred space for teaching and spiritual activities, which parallels Paul's use of his rented house for ministry purposes.

Scientific Perspectives

Considering the verse from a scientific perspective does not yield significant insights, as it focuses on historical events and personal ministry activities. Generally speaking, the details do not lend themselves to scientific analysis.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse often point out the paradox of Paul's imprisonment enabling the gospel to reach further than it might have if he was free.

Experts note that Paul's captivity drew attention to his cause, allowing him to witness to Roman guards and others in the empire's heart.

Additionally, commentaries might reflect on how Paul's time under house arrest was productive, as it likely provided him the opportunity to write several letters (epistles) to the early Christian churches, contributing to the New Testament's formation.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:30 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 28:30 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?