Lesson 14 3 February, 2019 Paul Arrives at Rome Lesson Scope: Acts 28 References in brackets refer to Acts 28 unless otherwise specified Lesson Focus Before they had sailed, Paul had warned of much hurt and damage, not only to the ship, but also to lives. During the storm, Paul interceded for the souls on the ship. God granted Paul s request and saved the lives of all who were voyaging with him. The Rome of Paul s day was in the beginning stages of a long decline. Ruled by a succession of despots, the citizen freedoms that had propelled Rome to world power were fast disappearing. Corruption was rampant. Despite the immoral society and the persecutions arrayed against them, the early Christians eagerly shared the story of Jesus. When persecution became intense, they went underground or moved to regions less oppressive. While in bonds, Paul focused on his calling of preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. He was able to receive visitors, to teach the Gospel, and to write letters. Likely Paul, looking back over the years, could see the hand of his God directing in his life. From the natural viewpoint, life may seem like an unassembled puzzle. But as believers yield to the Master s will, He works in them that which is well pleasing in his sight. This chapter is the end of Luke s history of the early church. Luke 1 started with the coming of John the Baptist. Acts 1 continued the story with Jesus ascension. Acts 9 brings Paul in as a main character, and chapter 28 brings to an end the story of Paul. When Christ calls us to surrender, the flesh looks at sacrifice. Faith looks at the reward, which is always an hundredfold plus eternal life. This lesson gives many examples and principles of practical living. Paul unabashedly promoted his Lord Jesus Christ. May we be inspired to do the same.
Emphasize the inevitability of surrender, Every knee shall bow,...and every tongue shall confess ; but for many it will be too late for salvation. How much better to surrender voluntarily and cast ourselves on the Rock and be broken before the Rock falls on us and grinds us to powder. Lesson Aim: To see involvements of a surrendered life. Theme Verses: Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Lesson Text Ministering at Melita Acts 28:1-10 1 (KJV) And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2 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. 3 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. 4 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. 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were
healed: 10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. Encouraged on the Way Acts 28:11-15 11 (KJV) And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. 13 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: 14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. 15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and the three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. Testifying at Rome Acts 28:16-31 16 (KJV) 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. 17 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. 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20 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. 21 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. 22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against. 23 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. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25 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, 26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 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. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Questions for Study Ministering at Melita 1. How did gathering sticks for a fire open doors of opportunity? 2. List ways in which Paul expressed faith and surrender. In what ways did he minister to others? 3. What is the relationship of surrender and service in God s kingdom? Encouraged on the Way 4. What are some ways that the brethren contributed to Paul s life? 5. List some evidences of the regard that the centurion had for Paul. Testifying at Rome 6. What interests consumed Paul s time and attention? 7. Why can we teach things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence? 8. How can we make the surrendered life attractive to others? Analysing the Passage Melita (present-day Malta) was a small island about nine miles by seventeen miles. There were over five hundred miles yet to Rome. Barbarous (28:2) means foreigners, or non-greeks.
This was the second time people concluded that Paul was a god (28:6). At Lystra (Acts 14:8-18) he had been called Mercurius; and Barnabas, Jupiter. This time it seems he was successful in sidestepping the honour without incurring a stoning. The ship from Alexandria (28:11) was likely also one of the grain fleet from Egypt (Acts 27:6-8) that had wintered at Malta. Castor and Pollux (28: 11) were twin brothers, in Greek mythology, and stars in the constellation Gemini. They were considered a good omen for mariners. Paul and his companions found brethren at Puteoli (28:13-14). The Gospel had already travelled to this Italian seaport. Maybe Jews from Rome (Acts 2:10), who had attended the Feast of Pentecost and been converted under Peter s preaching, had shared the Gospel here. Syracuse (28:12) was on the east side of Sicily, Rhegium (28:13) on the toe of Italy s boot, and Puteoli (28:13) over two hundred miles farther north. Appii forum and the three taverns (28:15) were forty-three and thirty-three miles from Rome. That the brethren travelled this far to meet Paul shows their eagerness to meet him. Rome at this time was a city of over a million inhabitants. Paul was given significant freedoms while awaiting his trial (28:16). Principles and Applications Ministering at Melita 1. Those who are surrendered to Christ find ways to serve in varied circumstances (28:3). Paul actively engaged in whatever was at hand to do. Whether feeding the fire, testifying to others, or healing the sick, he participated to the best of his ability. That level of surrender and acceptance of circumstances opened continuing doors of opportunity for God s power to be manifested. Surrender enables one to serve others instead of pitying or serving self. 2. Surrender to the Lord enables a person to remain calm in danger (28:3-6). We can be certain that Paul did not panic in the cold, watery crossing from ship to shore. Most likely he did not shriek when the viper fastened upon his hand. Knowing the Lord and having experienced His promises before enabled him to take these experiences in stride. Paul wrote to the church at Rome testifying that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28).
3. The surrendered exercise strong faith in God s abilities (28:8). Paul remembered the promise that he would appear before Caesar in Rome. So whether the viper fastened on his hand without injecting venom or whether the venom was rendered harmless, it does not matter. Nothing could shake his faith in God s ability to carry out His promises. Paul had learned that whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord s (Romans 14:8). Encouraged on the Way 4. The surrendered person can move forward with confidence and good judgment (28: 11-13). Paul did not fret or fume at delays. He waited on the Lord. He utilized well the time he was given on Melita. When a ship was available and the sailing season was safe, he was ready to go. The journey continued without incident. The winds seemed to favour them and hastened their journey. 5. Those who are surrendered to Christ find encouragement in the brotherhood (28:14-1 5). When the ship stopped at ports, how encouraging it was to find brethren there! Paul must have been refreshed while fellowshipping with fellow believers. Likewise, we find ourselves renewed when we come together each Sunday and worship with those who have similar beliefs and convictions. Testifying at Rome 6. A person surrendered to the Lord often gains the respect of others (28:16). It appears that the pace of the journey may have been set somewhat by Paul. The centurion left Paul as uninhibited as he could and allowed fellowship meetings whenever Paul requested. On reaching Rome, Paul was allowed to dwell in a rented house with a guard instead of being confined to a prison cell. Paul wrote in a letter out of the crucible of experience, In everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 7. Christ s servants seek to convince others to surrender to His lordship (28:23-24). Paul did not let the fact that he was in bonds keep him from witnessing. After three days, he called the chief of the Jews together and explained why he was there in bonds. This led to another day when many people gathered to hear Paul expound and testify of the kingdom of God and Jesus place in that kingdom.
8. Those who surrender to the Lord are no respecters of persons (28:30-31). Some of the Jews believed; others did not. When it seemed that the Jews preferred to remain in indecision, Paul declared that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles as well. For two years Paul was able to remain in his own house and expound to all who came to him, both Jew and Gentile. 9. Those who are surrendered to the Lord teach the Lord Jesus Christ (28:31). Paul had seen the Lord as of one born out of due time. He was an apostle; but due to his early blindness, he was not privileged to witness many things the other apostles had. His zeal was now directed to promoting the Lord Jesus Christ, and very ably did he expound the Scriptures. Since he was already in bonds, he was free to preach. Important Teachings 1. Those who are surrendered to Christ find ways to serve in varied circumstances (28:3). 2. Surrender to the Lord enables a person to remain calm in danger (28:3-6). 3. The surrendered exercise strong faith in God s abilities (28:18). 4. The surrendered person can move forward with confidence and good judgment (28:11-13). 5. Those who are surrendered to Christ find encouragement in the brotherhood (28:14-15). 6. A person surrendered to the Lord often gains the respect of others (28:16). 7. Christ s servants seek to convince others to surrender to His lordship (28:23-24). 8. Those who surrender to the Lord are no respecters of persons (28:30-31). 9. Those who are surrendered to the Lord teach the Lord Jesus Christ (28:31)
Answers to Questions 1. How did gathering sticks for a fire open doors of opportunity? The people of the island were very hospitable. Paul sought to contribute by gathering fuel for the fire. The fact that the viper did not harm Paul drew attention to him. This gave opportunity to share about his God. The opportunities continued with the praying for and healing of the father of Publius and then others also. Most openings to share with others come in rather obscure ways such as an impromptu conversation or interchange of some sort. 2. List ways in which Paul expressed faith and surrender: In what ways did he minister to others? He started with working at what was needed. The immediate need was to get shelter, warm themselves, and dry their clothes. Paul joined in the efforts with the rest. He was satisfied that God would make a way for him. He accepted the outward circumstances with equanimity. There was no dramatic response to the viper s bite. Paul ministered in praying and healing. In preaching the Gospel and visiting, he made many friends as evidenced by verse 10. 3. What is the relationship of surrender and service in God s kingdom? Service cannot begin until a person is surrendered to God and His way. Surrender is the key to allowing God s power to work through us. Many people think they can choose how much to surrender and how to serve. God requires total surrender. That surrender takes faith and trust in God s goodness. Even in chastening, we understand that all things work together for good. Surrender diminishes self and seeks to do good to others and help them in their difficulties. 4. What are some ways that the brethren contributed to Paul s life? Paul had many enemies, men who hated Jesus and all who promoted the Gospel. Paul did not know what awaited him at Rome. Meeting with the brethren at various points was an encouragement to be faithful. The time spent together gave opportunity for mutual edification and growth. The transformed lives of the brethren were proof of the power of God. Their traveling to meet Paul showed their welcome and regard for him. They were not ashamed of or afraid to identify with Paul despite his bonds. 5. List some evidences of the regard that the centurion had for Paul.
He allowed Paul freedoms all along the way. Paul engaged in preaching, healing, and fellowshipping with brethren. It seems that the centurion was willing to go at Paul s pace three days here, seven days there. At Rome he was allowed to rent his own house. 6. What interests consumed Paul s time and attention? Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the Lord Jesus Christ was the central theme of Paul s mission. Like Christ, he constantly was reaching out to people. He reasoned with the Jews and preached to the Gentiles. He attempted to convince all that Jesus was the Christ, likely even the soldiers who took turns guarding him. He wrote letters to the churches and prayed for them daily. Paul taught regardless if people believed or not and taught to all types of people who came. 7. Why can we teach things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence? Jesus Christ is eternal, so He is never outdated. He is omnipotent and omniscient. True seekers will never be disappointed. His salvation and His Spirit are for all and are available to all men. He is unchanging, the same yesterday, today, and forever. 8. How can we make the surrendered life attractive to others? A thankful person demonstrates the beauty of a surrendered life by counting his blessings. A cheerful surrender with a focus on earthly blessings and eternal rewards will be attractive to others. A smile, a good-day, and pleasant interactions with customers and neighbours testify to a changed heart within. We will not have respect of persons. Happy families with well-trained children and contented youth appeal to observers. Summarizing the Lesson Jesus calls us to surrender everything to Him. The flesh winces and wonders, Will the reward be worth this pain? But Jesus promised, And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life (Matthew 19:29). All to Jesus I surrender; Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power; Let Thy blessings fall on me. Judson W Van De Venter
Research Guide 1. Meditate on the surrender of Christ and His reward (John 8:28-29; Luke 22:39-46; Philippians 2:5-11). 2. Study a map of this fourth missionary journey of Paul s. 3. In Doctrines of the Bible, (Kauffman) read the chapter titled Self- Denial.