And when they had been brought safely through to shore, then we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us extraordinary affection; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. 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 itself on his hand. 4 And when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were waiting for him to soon swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, changing their minds, they began to say that he was a god.
7 Now in the areas around that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying afflicted with fever and dysentery; and Paul, going to see him and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 And after this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being healed. 10 They also bestowed on us many honors of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.
Paul Arrives in Rome
11 Now at the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put into Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and after a day when a south wind sprang up, on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 And when we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
Paul’s Ministry in Rome
17 And it happened that after three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brothers, though I had 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 And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 And they said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”
23 And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,
‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, but will not understand;
And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
27 For the heart of this people has become dull,
And with their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Lest they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I heal them.”’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.” 29 [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]
30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered. Acts 28
Acts 28
Vs. 1-2 The natives showed us extraordinary affection - Hospitality is strong in some cultures, and it's an expectation of God for His people, both from and towards.
…41Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” Matthew 10: 41-42
1Continue in brotherly love. 2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. 3Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.… Hebrews 13: 1-3
Malta (only NT use)(3194) (Melite) is the island of Malta (the modern name) which some translations render by the old name Melita. Malta is located about 174 miles from Italy and about 56 miles due south of Sicily. Because of its many harbors, Malta was a base for east-west commerce in the Mediterranean Sea and was frequently used by ancient ships as a place to spend the winter, the time when the Mediterranean could not be navigated safely. Because of its central position in the Mediterranean Sea, the Romans made it an important naval station. The Romans took Malta from the Carthaginians in 218 b.c and it had been under Roman rule since that time. - PA
Vs. 3-6 A viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand - Some have said they think this to be a leopard snake, or European rat snake I have seen it also called, and that is why Paul survived, because the Leopard snake isn't venomous. I disagree based on the reaction of the islanders. This explanation would assume that they don't know much about the local wildlife on their island, things that would have been observed and then taught about for many generations. Their response to seeing the "creature hanging from his hand" was to play Job's friends, aha, you escaped the storm, but "Justice, a reference to the daughter of Zeus, 'has not allowed him to live." They believed in Greek mythology, and many eastern religions speak about Karma, so for them, Paul, on a vessel full of prisoners, was probably one of the worst offenders, a murderer. He somehow made it through the storm, but now our lady Justice is going to bring him justice. Job's friends make the same mistake, insisting that his trials are the outworking of some hidden sin, that God is punishing him for something heinous. When these islanders see the type of snake that bit Paul they wait for him to swell up or drop dead. I think this fulfills the prophecy that Jesus made regarding those that come after Him, the age of the Apostles.
…2To this He replied, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? 3No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem?… Luke 13: 2-4
…17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” 19After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.… Mark 16: 17-19
…18So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. 20Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”… Luke 10: 18-20
Now today on Malta there are no known venomous snakes, but the reaction of the people on the island would lead me to believe there once was. Some think it was an Asp Vipera Aspis, which even today lives in Italy, and you could see this type of snake hiding easily in a bundle of sticks. Others say the Blunt Nose or Levantine Viper found on islands in the Aegean Sea, but we can't be sure. Whatever it was it was most certainly displaced by human development, being that Malta is an island and one of the most densely populated countries in the world. I would like to point out that Paul didn't purposely pick up the venomous serpent to show his power and faith, though there are some charismatic Pentecostal groups that attach this meaning. There are churches in the mountains where people take this as a literal practice or command, and some end up in the hospital, others end up dead. I have had other Pentecostals insist that Mark 16 is evidence that we should be driving out demons and speaking in tongues, but when I offer them the venomous snakes, they decline, even though there is always the possibility of a dry bite. For those who think I am just mean in saying that, well, I use to be a part of the Pentecostal movement, and I even use to think that I spoke in a prayer language, but it was demonstrably gibberish from a boy who loved the experiential. Paul not dying changes their opinion of him, and God has told him that he will stand in Rome, so he has that confidence. They think he is a god now, but this opens the door for ministry, for the love of God to be doted upon those who cared for His Apostle. The people have changed their minds, but left to worldly wisdom they only move to another false conclusion.
Larkin - The islanders' about-face shows the power of a worldview for interpreting experience—and how a non-Christian worldview often won't "get it right." Those who have a non-Christian worldview and observe a "witness in sign" are likely to misconstrue what is happening unless an interpretation, a "witness in word," is provided. Even then, unless the Lord opens the heart (cf Acts 16:14+) to understand the gospel witness, the miraculous sign will not serve to point unambiguously to the power of Jesus the Savior. The Maltese are not alone in misinterpreting a "witness in sign" (Acts 2:12-13+; Acts 3:12+; Acts 8:18-21+; Acts 14:11-18+; Acts 19:13-16+). And today Luke calls the "signs and wonders" movement to reckon with this ambiguity and aim to make the Spirit-empowered, Spirit-illuminating proclamation of the gospel message central to any "power encounter." (Ibid)
Changed their minds (3328)(metaballo from meta = change of place or condition + bállo = to cast, put) means to throw or turn over as with a plow, to change. In this only NT it is in the middle voice meaning to change oneself, and so think differently than before. Robertson on metaballo - "to turn about or around, turning themselves about, changing their minds. Plato uses this very verb in middle voice for changing the mind." - PA
Vs. 7-10 Being healed - There is early Christian tradition, extrabiblical which holds that Publius, the chief official, converted to Christianity and became the first bishop of Malta. This isn't stated in the passage, and we do know of people who came only for the miracles, the fish and the bread, but it wouldn't surprise me to meet Publius or other Maltese in heaven.
Larkin - Paul parallels Jesus' and Peter's practice in some ways: he goes to the bedside and lays hands on the man (Lk 4:39-40; Acts 9:34; compare Paul's experience in Acts 9:17). But he makes a significant addition: he prefaces the laying on of hands with prayer, thus showing as explicitly as possible the true source of the healing power (compare Jn 11:41-42). The islanders' misunderstanding of Paul's survival after the snakebite—"He is a god!"—explains his methods here. Publius' father and the Maltese must learn for the first time—and we must never forget—that any restoration of physical health comes from God, whether it be directly or through the practice of medicine. We, like Paul, show that we are convinced of this truth if we ask for healing in prayer. (Ibid) PA
Vs. 11-16 Twin brothers for its figurehead - Paul and his company continue their journey through pagan lands.
And which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead - KJV has "whose sign was Castor and Pollux." This figurehead to as Twin Brothers is also known as Dioscuri or Castor and Pollux. The constellation Gemini ("the Twins") is named after them, and its two brightest stars are called Castor and Pollux. If Gemini, was seen during a storm it was assumed to be an omen of good fortune. The idea of a figurehead in ancient times would be similar to the names given modern ships (e.g., Titanic). In ancient times the figurehead was the image of a god, a man, a beast, or of some other object, sculptured or painted on the prow. The pagans were superstitious and did not know God so the figure of the "guardian deity" was affixed to the stern, as if it could provide any protection!
Larkin - They were the patron deities of sailors and protectors of innocent seafarers, and their cult had devotees in Egypt as well as Italy (Epictetus Discourses 2.18.29). Euripides presents them as guardians of truth and punishers of perjurers (Electra 1342-55). It is probably with an intended ironic twist that Luke notes Paul's embarkation on "The Castor and Pollux." For though the unbelieving ancients would have attributed Paul's rescue to "the Twins" and taken it as a token of his innocence, Paul has made clear he belongs to, serves and believes in the one true God, who was his protector and deliverer (Acts 27:23-25). So today, though others tout the gods of non-Christian religion or secular technopolitical ideology as protectors and saviors, the Christian knows who is really in gracious control. (Ibid)
Vs. 17-31 He stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him - Paul's ministry has changed in Rome. He is able to have a place and guests. It says that he reasoned with the Jews from the law and the Prophets, trying to convince them of Jesus. No matter how he finds himself the man is always about God's business. In the quieter seasons, away from waves and venomous snakes, there is time to compose, to write to the new disciples in all the places he has left.
10Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. 12I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.… Philippians 4: 10-12
…6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.… 2 Timothy 4: 6-8
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.