The One Year Bible Club with Teaching
Commentary by Nick Boork
July 11
Acts 28:1-31
Commentary by Nick Boork
July 11
Acts 28:1-31
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July 11 ~ Acts 28:1-31
Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 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. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So 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.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. 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.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And 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. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, 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. 16 Now 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.
17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and 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, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 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.”
21 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. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” 23 So 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. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 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,
26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; 27 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.”’
28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. 30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
OKAY, HERE'S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
We have come to the final chapter of the book of Acts.
We’re going to look at Divine protection, healings, and the final ministry of the apostle Paul in Rome
Protection - Here is the only example I find in the Bible of someone being bitten by a serpent and suffering no harm. Just before the Lord Jesus Christ ascended back to heaven he gave the great commission to his apostles and one of the signs that would follow believers was that they would take up serpents.
Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
We have to remember that Jesus spoke these words of promise in the context of the great commission. As the church arises and goes into all the world to preach the gospel and make disciples Jesus promised his presence, power and protection to help us do this work of redemption. So, when Paul gathered some sticks to throw on a fire and a poisonous snake came out and bit him on the hand all the locals thought that this was obviously divine judgment but then when nothing happened to Paul they change their minds and said that he was a God! However, these people today that handle rattlesnakes in church services to prove that they’re true believers are just tempting God. That’s insane! Run away from anybody that’s doing this!
Healings - Then we see the Lord using Paul to bring a spiritual revival to this particular city on the island of Malta through the laying on of hands and healing. It first started out with just one man but then when this miracle of healing happened word spread and suddenly there was a crowd of people coming to be prayed for to be healed. I think that we should be willing to step out in faith and pray for the sick to be healed because this is Jesus promise and it really gets the attention of unbelievers to open their ears and hearts to listen to the message of the Gospel and be saved. When people are healed and miracles happen in Jesus name it reveals the love of God and his goodness. If this Jesus can heal the outward man then he can also heal the soul!
Final Ministry of Paul in Rome – When Paul finally made it to Rome he met with the Jewish leaders and apparently had a one day Bible seminar teaching them his understanding about Jesus Christ as being the promised Messiah written about in the Old Testament. Like always, one group believed and another group disbelieved. That’s always the way it is when it comes to the Gospel. The apostle Paul continued to faithfully preach, teach and make disciples for the Lord Jesus Christ right up until according to church history he was beheaded in Rome by Nero.
The Bible also records that Paul stayed at his own rented house and received everyone that came to him. You know there are some great advantages to financing your own ministry. In the case of Paul, no one could control what he preached or what he did in the ministry because he paid the rent on the house he was using and continued his ministry faithfully right up until he was promoted into the glorious presence of God in heaven! That’s the way I want to go, being faithful, serving the Lord according to his gifts and calling in my life, right up until my last breath. How about you?
WHAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE?
1) Jesus did promise protection from snakebites in the context of doing the work of the great commission.
2) Beware of anyone that goes out looking for poisonous snakes to handle to prove that they’re true Christians. This is just crazy and tempting God!
3) Healing is another one of the signs that Jesus said would follow believers through the laying on of our hands. Be willing to pray for sick people in faith because the Lord does the healing!
4) Like the apostle Paul, we should be willing to teach multitudes or just a few that gather to hear the word of God.
5) Remember, self-financing your ministry and paying the rent for your own building sets you free from the control of others to preach and minister freely as the Lord leads you.
6) Church history Records that the apostle Paul was faithful till the end and died as a martyr in Rome under the persecution of the Emperor Nero.
Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 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. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So 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.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. 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.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And 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. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, 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. 16 Now 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.
17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and 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, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 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.”
21 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. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” 23 So 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. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 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,
26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; 27 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.”’
28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. 30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
OKAY, HERE'S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
We have come to the final chapter of the book of Acts.
We’re going to look at Divine protection, healings, and the final ministry of the apostle Paul in Rome
Protection - Here is the only example I find in the Bible of someone being bitten by a serpent and suffering no harm. Just before the Lord Jesus Christ ascended back to heaven he gave the great commission to his apostles and one of the signs that would follow believers was that they would take up serpents.
Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
We have to remember that Jesus spoke these words of promise in the context of the great commission. As the church arises and goes into all the world to preach the gospel and make disciples Jesus promised his presence, power and protection to help us do this work of redemption. So, when Paul gathered some sticks to throw on a fire and a poisonous snake came out and bit him on the hand all the locals thought that this was obviously divine judgment but then when nothing happened to Paul they change their minds and said that he was a God! However, these people today that handle rattlesnakes in church services to prove that they’re true believers are just tempting God. That’s insane! Run away from anybody that’s doing this!
Healings - Then we see the Lord using Paul to bring a spiritual revival to this particular city on the island of Malta through the laying on of hands and healing. It first started out with just one man but then when this miracle of healing happened word spread and suddenly there was a crowd of people coming to be prayed for to be healed. I think that we should be willing to step out in faith and pray for the sick to be healed because this is Jesus promise and it really gets the attention of unbelievers to open their ears and hearts to listen to the message of the Gospel and be saved. When people are healed and miracles happen in Jesus name it reveals the love of God and his goodness. If this Jesus can heal the outward man then he can also heal the soul!
Final Ministry of Paul in Rome – When Paul finally made it to Rome he met with the Jewish leaders and apparently had a one day Bible seminar teaching them his understanding about Jesus Christ as being the promised Messiah written about in the Old Testament. Like always, one group believed and another group disbelieved. That’s always the way it is when it comes to the Gospel. The apostle Paul continued to faithfully preach, teach and make disciples for the Lord Jesus Christ right up until according to church history he was beheaded in Rome by Nero.
The Bible also records that Paul stayed at his own rented house and received everyone that came to him. You know there are some great advantages to financing your own ministry. In the case of Paul, no one could control what he preached or what he did in the ministry because he paid the rent on the house he was using and continued his ministry faithfully right up until he was promoted into the glorious presence of God in heaven! That’s the way I want to go, being faithful, serving the Lord according to his gifts and calling in my life, right up until my last breath. How about you?
WHAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE?
1) Jesus did promise protection from snakebites in the context of doing the work of the great commission.
2) Beware of anyone that goes out looking for poisonous snakes to handle to prove that they’re true Christians. This is just crazy and tempting God!
3) Healing is another one of the signs that Jesus said would follow believers through the laying on of our hands. Be willing to pray for sick people in faith because the Lord does the healing!
4) Like the apostle Paul, we should be willing to teach multitudes or just a few that gather to hear the word of God.
5) Remember, self-financing your ministry and paying the rent for your own building sets you free from the control of others to preach and minister freely as the Lord leads you.
6) Church history Records that the apostle Paul was faithful till the end and died as a martyr in Rome under the persecution of the Emperor Nero.
ORDINATION
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association. Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute. Enroll free today and get access to our free and pay as you go courses. http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association. Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute. Enroll free today and get access to our free and pay as you go courses. http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll