PrevActs 28:31

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 28:31 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:31 focuses on the apostle Paul's activities during his house arrest in Rome.

This verse highlights two main aspects of Paul's ministry: firstly, the proclamation of the kingdom of God, which is the central message of the gospel, and secondly, teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ, which involves explaining the life, death, resurrection, and the implications of Jesus' ministry for both Jews and Gentiles.

Paul does so with "all confidence," indicating the boldness and assurance with which he speaks, and notes that "no man forbidding him," suggesting a period of relative freedom to preach and teach without interference.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is set at the end of the Book of Acts in the New Testament, which documents the spread of Christianity in the decades after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial before Emperor Nero, having appealed to Caesar.

Despite his imprisonment, he is granted the freedom to receive visitors and communicate the Christian message.

The historical backdrop includes religious tension between Jews and the emerging Christian movement, as well as the political context of the Roman Empire with its varying degrees of tolerance for different religions.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse encapsulates the essence of early Christian mission: the unwavering proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord amidst potential opposition.

The "kingdom of God" theme refers to God's redemptive reign, realized in Jesus' ministry and continuing in the church.

Different Christian traditions interpret this reign in various ways: some view it as a present spiritual reality, while others look forward to a future fulfillment.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages Christians to share their faith confidently and without fear of opposition.

It challenges believers to be knowledgeable about their faith, as Paul was, so they can teach others effectively.

It also reassures them that circumstances, even restrictions like Paul’s house arrest, can be opportunities for ministry rather than obstacles.

Cross-References

Mark 1:14-15 (“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.”)
Acts 4:29-31 (“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.”)
Philippians 1:14 (“And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”)

Language Study

The Greek word for "confidence" in this verse is "parrēsia," meaning boldness or assurance, often used in the context of freedom of speech.

"Preaching" comes from "kēryssō," which means to herald or proclaim as a public crier.

"Teaching" is from "didaskō," indicating instruction or explanation. These terms emphasize Paul's outspoken and public proclamation of the faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a religious leader under house arrest while still impacting their followers and continuing their mission is not unique to Christianity.

For example, in Buddhism, there are stories about teachers spreading their teachings under restrictive situations.

Comparable mythologies in other cultures might include tales of wise figures sharing secret knowledge under threat of persecution.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, it does bring attention to the psychological and sociological dynamics of religious behavior under constraints.

Modern studies on religious movements often examine how external pressures can amplify the fervor and commitment of a group’s adherents and leaders, as may have been the case with early Christianity.

commentaries

Modern biblical scholars view Acts 28:31 as a triumphant conclusion to Paul’s long journey, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his mission.

N.T.

Wright, a leading New Testament scholar, suggests this open-ended conclusion points to the ongoing nature of the church's mission.

John Stott, an evangelical writer, highlights Paul's perseverance in preaching despite his chains.

Many commentaries agree that this verse showcases Paul’s unshakable conviction and serves as an inspiration for persistent ministry regardless of barriers.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:31 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 28:31 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?