These are the original teaching notes from this passage.
- Four Trials…
- After being ARRESTED in Jerusalem – Paul was tried FOUR times…
- FIRST – he stood before the Jewish leaders [Sanhedrin] – Acts 23
- SECOND – he stood before Governor FELIX – left Paul in prison for TWO years – Acts 24
- THIRD – he stood before Governor FESTUS – where Paul appealed to Caesar – Acts 25
- FOURTH – he stood before HEROD Agrippa – who wanted to set him FREE – Acts 26
- But because he had appealed to the Caesar – he had to go to ROME!
- Shipwrecked…
- Paul was placed under Roman guard – and sent by BOAT to Rome…
- They reached the port of Fair Haven [Island of Crete] in late October [after The Fast]
- Paul encouraged them to NOT sail during the dangerous WINTER months [strong winds]
- But they did NOT listen – and they were hit by a Typhoon [Euroclydon]
- The boat was tossed at sea for TWO weeks – and finally shipwrecked on the Island of MALTA!
- 1st – Picking up sticks… vs. 1-10
- 1st – Helping strangers… vs. 1-2
- Now when they had escaped they then found out that the island was called Malta.
- And the natives showed us unusual kindness for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome.
- Because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold!
- When they came to the shore they KNEW they were on the Island of Malta [honey]
- The NATIVES [βάρβαρος] – where we get the word BARBARIAN…
- The Romans used this word to refer to anyone who spoke a different language…
- The point being these men were STRANGERS – and NOT believers…
- Yet these locals showed KINDNESS to the shipwrecked men because of the RAIN and COLD…
- KINDNESS [φιλανθρώπως] – where we get the word PHILANTHROPY!
- Sadly I have met a lot of HELPFUL sinners – and some MEAN believers…
- Often unbelievers are more generous than those who know the Lord…
- Yet we are called to practically reach out and minister out those in need [philanthropy]
- How can we say we represent Jesus – LOVE others – and not be willing to help!
- James 2:16 – “Suppose you see a brother who needs food and you say: God bless you. Eat well! But then you do not give that person any food. What good does that do?” [NLT]
- 2nd – The Snake… vs. 3-5
- Serving others… vs. 3
- When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire!
- This was the great Apostle Paul – yet he was willing to humble himself and gather sticks!
- Most of us come to church – without ever wondering who got it ready for us…
- We leave to go home – without a thought of who cleans it up!
- Too often we look for others to serve us – we expect others to do all the work…
- Not many people in church today take the time to gather sticks…
- It is easy to be served – but we are called to serve others!
- Philippians 2:5-7 – “Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had… He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave.” [NLT]
- The Viper…. vs. 3
- A viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.
- When Paul put the sticks on the fire – a VIPER leapt out and bit him!
- If we are NOT serving Jesus [gathering sticks] satan does NOT bother with us…
- We are just sitting on the side – we are NOT a threat to him…
- But when we step out to serve – satan [viper] is stirred up to STRIKE us!
- I Peter 5:8 – “Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion.”
- Unharmed… vs. 5
- [Paul] shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm!
- Though the VIPER [ἔχιδνα] was very deadly – Paul was NOT hurt…
- Paul simply shook off the snake – and threw it back into the fire!
- Satan is like a lion WITHOUT teeth – his bark worse than bite…
- Yet he knows he cannot DIRECTLY attack the children of God…
- So instead he tries to get us to COMPROMISE our walk…
- The key to resisting satan – is to stand on the Word of God – James 4:7
- He is powerless when we come against him with the WORD!
- I John 4:4 – “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
- 3rd – Change of Opinion … vs. 4/6
- Karma… vs. 4/6
- When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand they said to one another.
- No doubt this man is a murderer – whom though he has escaped the sea.
- Yet justice does not allow to live.
- They were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead!
- When they saw the viper bite him – they assume [imperfect] Paul was a MURDERER…
- Although he had escaped the sea – KARMA made the snake KILL him…
- So they did NOTHING to help – assuming Paul got what he deserved!
- We assume BAD things only happen to BAD people [we get what we deserve]
- But the truth is God lets BAD things happen to GOOD people…
- Because it is in the hard times of life we cry – draw close to God…
- We also assume GOOD things happen to GOOD people…
- Yet God will often allow GOOD things to happen to BAD people – Romans 2:4
- God does NOT want anyone to perish – by Grace He even blesses sinners!
- A god… vs. 6
- But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him.
- They changed their minds and said that he was a god!
- The locals expected Paul to swell up – and suddenly fall over DEAD…
- This was NOT an assumption – it was based on EXPERIENCE [they had seen it before]
- But when Paul did NOT die – they changed their mind – and said [imperfect] he was a god!
- People are funny – one moment they are wishing for us to DIE …
- The next moment they are singing our PRAISES …
- Therefore do NOT get upset when people attack – they are NOT the enemy…
- But also do NOT get proud when they complement – it is likely SHORT lived…
- Instead we need to serving others – while keeping our eyes on Jesus!
- 4th – The Opportunity… vs. 7-10
- In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island whose name was Publius.
- [He] received us and entertained us courteously for three days.
- It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery.
- Paul went in to him and prayed and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
- When this was done the rest of those on the island who had diseases came and were healed.
- They also honored us in many ways – and when we departed they provided [what we needed]!
- Likely the news of the miraculous encounter with the viper made Paul famous…
- So Publius [popular] – the LEADER [πρῶτος] of the Island met him…
- The father of Publius was sick [δυσεντερία] so Paul prayed and God HEALED him…
- Others on the Island heard about it – brought their sick [imperfect] – and were healed [θεραπεύω]
- Their arrival on MALTA had been an accident [shipwreck]
- But God used it to begin doing a great work – touching the lives of countless people!
- God is SOVEREIGN over our lives – NOTHING happens by accident…
- What takes place might NOT be our plan – but we should always be READY…
- Because the Lord can use ANY moment to do something amazing…
- The question is – are we READY – are we willing – are we SERVING!
- 1st – Helping strangers… vs. 1-2
- 2nd – Trip to Rome… vs. 11-15
- 1st – The Patrons… vs. 11
- After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship.
- Whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers – which had wintered at the island!
- After THREE months [the winter stormy season now over]
- Paul was placed on a large ALEXANDRIAN [grain] ship bound for ROME…
- The boat was marked on the bow of the ship with the figurehead of the TWINS…
- The sons of Zeus [Castor and Pollux] who were the patron gods of SAILORS…
- The SAILORS trusted in these PATRONS to keep them safe from the storm!
- People still put their hope today in PATRONS [good luck]
- But rosary on a dashboard – or a CHARM around our neck has NO power…
- The golden cat with a waving paw – that CANNOT bring blessing to the store!
- If we are trusting in these things – then our faith is EMPTY and powerless…
- It is only when we put our trust in Jesus – in His WORD – that there is power!
- 2nd – Distant family… vs. 12-15
- Landing at Syracuse we stayed three days.
- From there we circled round and reached Rhegium and after one day the south wind blew.
- And the next day we came to Puteoli where we found brethren.
- And were invited to stay with them seven days [before] we went toward Rome.
- When the brethren heard about us they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns.
- When Paul saw them he thanked God and took courage!
- Paul spent THREE days in SYRACUSE – a large city on the Island of Sicily with an excellent port…
- Rhegium – is a town that marks the southern entrance to Italy [Straits of Messina]
- Puteoli – located between Sicily and Rome – where they found some believers…
- They were INVITED [παρακαλέω] – and SPENT [ἐπιμένω] seven days with them…
- Some came from Appii market – about SIXTY kilometers from Rome…
- Others came from Three Ins – around FIFTY kilometers from Rome…
- It was a long way for them to come and see Paul – but they made the effort…
- The result was Paul gave thanks – and was ENCOURAGED [θάρσος] by the brothers!
- Acts 23:11 – “Be of good CHEER [θαρσέω] Paul – for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
- Redwood trees are the tallest in the world [over 120 meters]
- Yet their roots are not very deep – they STAND – by being connected to one another!
- We hear the Word of the Lord – no matter what happens be of good CHEER [storms – snakes]
- But it is easy to get DISCOURAGED – we tend to look at our CIRCUMSTANCES…
- Which is why we do not STAND alone – God has given us FAMILY…
- It is so important to have Godly brothers and sisters at our side!
- II John 1:12 – “I hope to come to you and speak face to face – that our joy may be full.”
- 3rd – One last try… vs. 16-31
- 1st – Preaching to Jews… vs. 16-22
- Retelling the story… vs. 16-20
- When we came to Rome the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard.
- But Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
- After three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together.
- So when they had come together he said to them:
- Brethren though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers.
- Yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
- They had examined me – wanted to let me go – because there was no cause to put me to death.
- But when the Jews spoke against it – I was compelled to appeal to Caesar.
- Not that I had anything of which to accuse [κατηγορέω] my nation.
- For this reason therefore I have called for you to see you and speak with you.
- Because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain!
- Paul was under house arrest – chained to a guard all day…
- After THREE days in the city – he called all the JEWISH leaders [πρῶτος] from Rome…
- Paul was curious how much the JEWS had heard about him…
- He rehearsed the sequence of events that had brought him to Rome in chains!
- Sharing Jesus… vs. 21-22
- Then they said to him: We neither received letters from Judea concerning you.
- Nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you.
- But we desire to hear from you what you think – for concerning this sect.
- We know that it is spoken against everywhere!
- As it turned out the JEWS in Rome had NEVER heard of Paul…
- And they had NOT received any WARNING from Jerusalem concerning him…
- But they were very CURIOUS about this SECT [αἵρεσις] – they had heard a LOT about it…
- By this point Christianity had spread over much of the Roman Empire…
- That was all Paul needed to hear – a new group of JEWS to share the Gospel with…
- Even though JEWS had BEATEN him – tried to KILL him in Jerusalem…
- Paul LOVED them so much there was NOTHING he would not do to help save them!
- We know what happens to those we love who do NOT have faith in Jesus…
- Can we say like Paul we would do ANYTHING to assure their salvation…
- Or are we embarrassed – to SHY or AFRAID to step up and tell them the truth…
- It is so important NOT to give up on those God has given us a heart for…
- No matter how many times we are REJECTED – we keep reaching out!
- 2nd – Bible Study… vs. 23-29
- Old Testament… vs. 23
- When they had appointed him a day many came to him at his lodging.
- To whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God.
- Persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
- From morning till evening!
- They all came back on a SET day – a large group gathered at the house…
- Paul shared from the Old Testament – and gave them a BIBLE Study…
- Beginning at Moses [Genesis to Deuteronomy] through the prophets [Isaiah to Malachi]
- Paul taught them through the Bible about Jesus – Psalm 40:7
- The Bible study began in early in the MORNING – and went well into the NIGHT!
- The Word of God is powerful – it formed Heaven and Earth – Genesis 1:3
- The Word can cut right to our heart – convict us of our sin – Hebrews 4:12
- It can turn us away from the SIN – and convince us to follow Jesus…
- So if you want people to get saved – there is only one way – give them the Word!
- Hard hearts… vs. 24-27
- Some were persuaded by the things which were spoken – and some disbelieved.
- So when they did not agree among themselves they departed after Paul had said one word:
- The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers saying:
- Go to this people and say: Hearing you will hear and shall not understand.
- And seeing you will see and not perceive. For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
- Their ears are hard of hearing – and their eyes they have closed.
- Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears.
- Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn. So that I should heal them!
- Some BELIEVED [imperfect] – but others were NOT convinced [ἀπιστέω]
- So when the Jews could NOT agree – not in ONE voice [ἀσύμφωνος]
- Paul gave them ONE final WORD – quoting from the prophet Isaiah – Isaiah 6:9-10
- God had told Isaiah to COMMAND the Fathers to LISTEN…
- BUT [וְ] – God did NOT [אַל] want [jussive] them to UNDERSTAND [בִּין]
- He wanted them to SEE [רָאָה] – but [וְ] NOT [jussive] comprehend [יָדַע]
- Do NOT misunderstand – God did NOT want the people to be DEAF and BLIND…
- But the more Isaiah told them to LISTEN – the FATTER [hiphil] their hearts [לֵב] became…
- [וְ] AND – because of their CLOGGED [fat] hearts…
- Their EAR became [hiphil] dull [כָּבוֹד] – and their EYES were closed [hiphil]
- Because [פֵּן] if they could SEE [רָאָה] – and HEAR [שָׁמַע] – their heart would UNDERSTAND [בִּין]
- [וְ] AND [sequential] – they would REPENT [שׁוּב] and be HEALED [רָפָא]!
- There is a DANGER to just sitting and LISTENING to the Word…
- There are a lot of FAT hearts in church – full of the WORD…
- People who sit in church week after week LISTENING to Bible studies…
- But do NOT act – do NOT obey – and become calloused to what the Word says…
- We convince ourselves that we KNOW the truth…
- But if that TRUTH is not lived out our daily lives – it has NO power!
- James 1:22 – “Do not just listen to Gods word. [We] must do what it says!” [NLT]
- To the Gentiles… vs. 28-29
- Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles.
- And they will hear it. And when he had said these words.
- The Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves!
- Since the HEARTS of the JEWS were HARD…
- Paul let it be KNOWN [γνωστός] – the SALVATION of God was sent [passive] to the GENTILES…
- And unlike the JEWS – they would [indicative] LISTEN…
- With that Paul LEFT the JEWS [last time] – and they had a GREAT debate [συζήτησις]!
- We are NOT called to FORCE anyone to believe in Jesus – just give them the TRUTH…
- If they are NOT willing to LISTEN – move on – to someone who will!
- 3rd – End of the Story… vs. 30-31
- Two years…
- Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house and received all who came to him.
- Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ.
- With all confidence – no one forbidding him!
- Paul was there WAITING to stand before Caesar for TWO years…
- During this busy time Paul wrote – Ephesians – Philippians – Colossians – and Philemon…
- And Paul was more than willing to PREACH and TEACH to anyone who came to see him…
- The books of Acts was written by Luke at this time – likely as the DEFENSE of Paul…
- And although NOT recorded in Acts – Paul stood before NERO – and was ultimately released!
- Caesar Nero…
- Several years later Paul would be arrested a SECOND time – held in the Mamertine prison!
- We believe when Paul was FIRST imprisoned – he shared the Gospel with NERO…
- But when the Caesar rejected Jesus – he went mad [perhaps possessed]
- NERO began a wide spread persecution against Christians…
- He would clothe Christians in animal skins – then fed them alive to the lions…
- He rode his chariot down the road lined with burning Christians for light!
- Death of Paul…
- When NERO had Paul arrested a SECOND time he was placed on death row!
- II Timothy 4:6 – “I am already being poured out… the time of my departure is at hand.”
- We do not know how much time God has given us here on this earth…
- The question is what are we going to do with the time God has given us…
- We can live for the things of this world – an empty life…
- Or we can take the time we have been given and use it serve Jesus!
- Ephesians 5:16 – “Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
- 1st – The Patrons… vs. 11