ACTS 28:11-31
Bound Messenger of an Unstoppable Message
Well, here we are – the end of the Book of Acts.
It has been quite journey!
ACTS 28:11-12
11At 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. 12After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.
For three months, Paul ministered in Malta.
But Malta was stopping a point – not the destination.
After being arrested for his testimony – the Lord appeared to Paul and told him clear- “'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'" Acts 23:11
But getting here had not been easy!!
The ship was being assaulted by hurricane force winds, crashing waves and torrential rains –
Friends – God is sovereignly in control of all things – but that does not mean that there will not be storms and shipwrecks along the way -OR- that you will not have to give all that you have at times to push forward.
It simply means that as we weather the storms and exhaust ourselves in our efforts – that we know that our God has not allowed anything to occur to us that He has not ordained or purposed for His glory.
Points in case –
And now God has brought Paul through the rest of the way.
And friends – though it may be through the worst of storms – God will bring you through the rest of the way too.
Jesus said – “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
Julius, the Roman Centurion tasked with transporting Paul to Rome, makes passage aboard the vessel, bound for Syracuse, which is in Sicily.
Paul must have shook his head as he boarded the vessel – which had on its prow a figurehead of the Twin Brothers, Castor & Pollux – twin sons of Zeus – who were said to protect ships from storms. (Ironic)
The gods made by men satisfied the longings and calmed the fears of the flesh in the current age.
But for all they might supposedly due for you if you honored and served them – on your death – what would any of that matter?
That is the problem with man-made gods – they serve needs and desires of man in the flesh.
The God Paul honored and served had not spared the ship – though he certainly could have. But what He had spared – to all those who honor and serve Him – is rescue and salvation from eternal judgement.
He is the UN-created God – who declared of Himself-
“I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me"
Isaiah 46:9
ACTS 28:13-16
13From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus, we came to Rome.
15And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
Sailing north, the Alexandrian grain ship came to the Port of Rhegium, where it had to wait for favorable winds to carry it through the Straights of Messina.
From there, the ship made its way further north, at last making port in Puteoli.
And upon arriving – They found Christian brothers and sisters who welcomed them in.
It must have been amazing to find CHRISTIANS in Puteoli!
Here they stayed for seven days – with Paul no doubt teaching and encouraging the brethren.
There is a line that Luke writes in his letter here that is an understatement for the ages – did you catch it?
Arrests, mobs, murder plots, trials, travels, storms, starvation, shipwrecks, rescues and more travel –
One day – as you look back on all… this … that we call life. All the trials, tribulations, wins, losses, up sides, down sides, joy and pain…
If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, you will know God’s rest and be able to say-
Just as God granted grace to Paul and he trusted God at His word – you and I, BY this, THROUGH this – by God’s grace through Faith – we WILL arrive.
As for Paul – In Rome, he was placed under what was known as “Libera custodia” or Free-Custody.”
Although he was constantly under Roman Guard – He was allowed to rent a villa at his expense and have visitors.
It is possible, even likely, the Centurion Julius, who had been at Paul’s side as his appointed custodian – had some sway in this.
Julius had heard Paul pray – saw Paul’s God at work – the rescue, the healings – and he had heard Paul teach and encourage others regarding Jesus of Nazareth.
Friends, who knows – one day – as you are strolling about Paradise, you might come upon a follower of Jesus named Julius, who was once a Roman Centurion.
In Rome, Paul again found brothers and sisters in Christ – The Church of Rome.
It is believed Paul wrote His letter to the Roman church during his third missionary journey while he was in Corinth.
In Acts 15:29 Paul wrote – “I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.” – Well, He wasn’t wrong...
About three years have gone by since then – and what Paul finds – is that the Church of Rome was still active!
It is unclear how the Church in Rome heard of Paul’s arrival – but then, our God has a way of getting His word out and His will done!!
And they were eager to hear from Paul!
Disciples of the teachings of Jesus – followers of The Way – gathered from around Rome – from as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns – some 30 miles away!
ACTS 28:17-20
17After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, 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.”
As Judaism was a recognized religion in Rome – it is not surprising there was a synagogue and religious leaders in the city. Paul sought to first make his case before them – essentially – that there was no case against him!
He states that even the government of Rome was prepared to release him without blame –
But the religious leaders in Jerusalem had objected – causing so great a problem, that Paul was forced to seek an audience with Caesar, as was his right as a Citizen of Rome.
Paul then declares that truly, innocent of any wrongdoing - I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.”
It is a hope greater than that of just Israel – it is the hope of all man – At least those who acknowledge the One, True, Sovereign God –
For even the most troubled man ever recorded declared –
Yet as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last, He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I will see God, Whom I, on my part, shall behold for myself, and whom my eyes will see, and not another. My heart faints within me! Job 19:25-27
Therefore, Paul declared to the Jewish leaders – “I am in chains for proclaiming the Hope, the Christ the Messiah has come!”
ACTS 28:21-22
21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22“But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”
The Jewish leaders in Rome had heard nothing from the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem about Paul!
What is surprising – is the effect the Gospel of Jesus Christ has on the world.
According to the Jewish leaders in Rome – they were aware of “The sect” – A group of like-minded people following heretical teachings –
And from their perspective – it was being spoken against {antilegō} Objected to/opposed.
Obviously, this meant it was being opposed by the Jewish leaders – because among men – the Word of the Gospel of Hope – was being proclaimed – believed – and the church was growing!
Oh, that this would be reborn in our day! A revival – a resurrection of evangelism – where mankind heard and believed the Gospel of Hope – and was saved from the Day of Judgement that is bearing down on the ship of humanity –
A storm that cannot be controlled – cannot be escaped – and cannot be survived if one is caught up in it.
Therefore, the only hope is to escape that storm – and the only escape is in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior!
ACTS 28:23-24
23When 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 testifying 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.24Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.
When sharing the gospel – know your audience. - Paul knew these men would not be persuaded by Jesus’ teachings, or His miracles. – These were men of the Law and the Prophets!
So, he shared Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ to them from the Law and the Prophets.
But then Jesus declared - “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Luke 24:44
Under the Law of Moses – Jesus fulfilled the Sacrificial Laws – He was the Passover Lamb. In His death, He eternally fulfilled and completed the sacrifices. He fulfilled the Moral Laws – Embodying perfect love of God and His neighbor.
Through the Prophets – Jesus completed all that was proclaimed regarding the anointed One of God who would deliver God’s people.
In the Psalms – a portrait of the Messiah was painted in song and poem. Righteous King, Suffering Servant, Eternal Priest – Jesus is all of these and more.
They listened, and some might have even heard – but on these things they could not agree.
Paul sensed this – and from the word of Isaiah – he declared that even in that moment they were living out the prophet’s declaration.
ACTS 28:25-29
25And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,
26saying, 27FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL,
28“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29 *[When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]
* Disputed verse- found in the Byzantine manuscripts but not the Alexandrian
Jesus also declared these same words, as recorded in the gospels, as He taught on through parables.
And though they were willing to consider the arguments from the Law and the Prophets –
But what caused them to walk out was this – The audacity to suggest that the salvation of God would go out to a people so unworthy as Gentiles.
May we always remember – God ordained a plan of salvation for ALL who will call on His name by Faith.
Job was not a Gentile – Abraham, his nephew Lot – they were not Gentiles – for there were yet no Jews!
Friends – WHO can be saved?
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9
I will make TWO POINTS HERE –
ONE- There is a very real danger in hearing the Gospel – listening to the truth that is God’s word – and not committing to it by faith.
TWO- The Truth of the Word of God Demands a Response.
Moses declared of God’s Law - “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, Deuteronomy 30:19
Joshua told God’s people Israel - “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Jesus declared - Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:18
ACTS 28:30-31
30And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
What an amazing testimony of the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here, under arrest in Rome – is the Disciple, Apostle, Minister of Christ Jesus – who was once known as the Pharisee Saul.
A man we met holding the cloaks of the Jewish leaders as they stoned to death a young man named Steven – for his testimony regarding Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ.
A man we watched on his way to Damascus with letters in hand from the Jewish Sanhedrin to arrest and place in chains ANYONE who was found to be a member of The Way – those who followed the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, claiming that He was the Christ.
A man who was struck by a light so bright, that it drove Saul to his knees and blinded him.
A voice from the light had declared – “Saul, Saul, why are persecuting Me?”
And Saul had inquired of the Light – “Who are you, lord?”
Years later – Now under his Greek name, Paul, that same man would become one of the boldest defenders and proclaimers of that faith he once denied.
On trial and before King Agrippa – Paul revealed the full text of the answer He received from the Light that day –
“‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ “
“So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalemand then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.” Acts 26:15-20
From Rome – Paul would evangelize, equip, encourage, and grow the church.
He would write the letters: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon.
IN CLOSING
Those last words- Openness – {parrhesia} confidence/boldness and unhindered.
Friends – those who oppose the message of the truth can bind our bodies –
But they CANNOT silence, they CANNOT hinder our message.
The day of the Lord’s Wrath – the Day of Reckoning – The Day of Vengeance – The Day of Judgement – is drawing nearer with every passing day.
Until one day – it will be that day.
Until that day – or until the day the Lord calls you home – SPEAK. TESTIFY. Concerning our Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
Telling as many as we can – “that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”
Let us pray
‘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;
AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR,
AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES;
OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES,
AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,
AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN,
AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.”’