In Dark Waters But Safe Hands
Concluding the Book of Acts
Dr. Tom Bartlett
Acts 28:1-31 (ESV)
NOTES
Acts 28:1-31 (ESV)
You’re In Safe Hands Even when . . .
Potential harm comes
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. (Vs. 1-6)
Caring for others in need
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed. (Vs. 7-10)
Being served by others
After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. (Vs. 11-15)
You face the unknown
And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said 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. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” (Vs. 16-22)
As you share God’s Word
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: (Vs. 23-25)
“ ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (Vs. 26-28)
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Vs. 29-31)
MANUSCRIPT
Welcome to a milestone as we are finishing the book of Acts today. Luke has done us a great service in documenting the birth and life of Jesus and now and the birth and growth of the church. In Luke (the book), we have the ministry of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, the message of the gospel went from Galilee to Jerusalem through the ministry of Jesus Christ.
In Luke 2, or the book of Acts, he chronicles the gospel travelling from Jerusalem to Rome through the messengers of the early church. The latter part of the book from Acts 9 to 28 for the most part focuses on the Apostle Paul.
From the beginning of Paul’s ministry, the predominant thought and hope was to preach in Rome, the political and influential capital of the world at that time.
So, Paul will finally get to Rome but not in the manner in which he could have imagined or planned. Through trials and storms literally and figuratively. What Paul could say and what I could say today is this, GOD HAS AN AMAZING WAY OF ACCOMPLISHING HIS PLAN WHILE CHANGING OUR PLANS!
It was never on my radar to plant a campus in Charlotte for Steele Creek Church. I didn’t know the church even existed, yet here I am today and I couldn’t be happier.
Now, we’ve just walked through the greatest account in ancient history as to a shipwreck in Acts 27, Paul’s fourth time shipwrecked. This boat he was on has found an island just as Paul said they would in chapter 27,.The boat is lurched into the ground just as Paul said it would (27:26) and broken up behind them as the people have made their way to shore by swimming or holding on to parts of the broken up ship. In all some 276 people are saved on land, but where are they? Will locals on this small island kill them as was the custom when such occurrences happened, or would they welcome them?
What we do know is this – THE SAFEST PLACE ON THE PLANET IS IN GOD’S WILL. Paul was in God’s will and nothing could stop the promise that God had told Paul, “You will speak in Rome”.
So, from God’s word I’d say to you,
You’re In Safe Hands Even when . . .
Potential harm comes
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.
While the sailors would have probably known this island in calmer conditions, because of the circumstances, they were unaware of the islands name. We will see that Malta becomes an important stop for the spreading the gospel because of what Paul does while there. The area where they landed, is now known today as St. Paul’s Bay in honor of Paul and the exact place where this ship wrecked.
Interestingly though, last week we learned that the boat had let out 4 anchors which eventually they had to cut away and let go of. In the 1960’s a team consisting of a sailor, a diver and a team was exploring off the coast of Malta and they discovered, 4 anchors. The account of finding these anchors is exact to the biblical story, on a sandy beach, at 90 feet, in that bay. Now who knows, but these four anchors were brought up and they are in the national maritime museum in Malta.
Now the word “Malta” was a Phoenician word that mean’s “escape, or refuge”. Luke says in word play, that in essence that after we made our escape from the ocean, we came to a place called “escape.”
The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
The natives, or the indigenous people, not a negative term, just a remark on who lived on the island, welcome kindly. This was not the usual welcome that foreigners received due to a variety of bad experiences in the past, but they were greeted with unusual kindness. These people showed kindness to 276 people, that’s remarkable. THIS IS A BIBLICAL VALUE FOR ALL BELIEVERS; HOSPITALITY, AND HERE WE SEE IT AMONG THE PAGANS.
It’s now November and Paul will be on this island for 3 months. Sailors know that this is the time of the year you just don’t travel on the sea.
When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. (Vs. 1-6)
So, we see Paul right in the mix serving by gathering wood. He didn’t loft himself up by claiming some special treatment; this is true leadership. In the process of this, he get’s bit by a snake. It bites so deep that as he raises his hand the snake is still attached. He shrugs it off into the fire.
The locals thought for sure that his misdeeds had finally caught up with him. THIS BY THE WAY IS THE COMMON THOUGHT THROUGHOUT TIME. THE THEOLOGY OF MOST PEOPLE IS THIS: Your good actions must outweigh your bad actions.
You will notice the word, “Justice” is capitalized. Some translations mistakenly do not capitalize this word. Justice is lady Justice, in Greek mythology it’s “Dike” (decay) and she is the daughter of Zeus, one of the gods of Malta.
The gospel in contrast is that your good works are not enough. You need a savior.
So, would Paul survive? Of course, he would, 4 shipwrecks, stoning’s, beatings and threats could not stop God’s promise to make it to Rome and neither will a snake. YOU SEE WITH GOD, YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS EVEN WHEN POTENTIAL HARM COMES.
You’re also in safe hands when you’re . . .
Caring for others in need
Paul now returns to his work of expressing the love of God by showing the power of God and preaching the power of God.
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery.
This man oversaw the hospitable actions to Paul and his companions. This man’s father gets sick.
And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed. (Vs. 7-10)
Paul, with the power of God with him visits Publius’ father. Now, I know many people who are nervous about visiting someone in need, wondering what will I say, or what will I pray? You’re in safe hands when serving others in need. I can promise you from personal experience that God will give you the words.
Here Paul in faith reaches out his hands and prays for this man’s healing. It’s incredible to think that God is arranging the steps of Paul. To him it may have looked like a jagged line up and down, back and forth, but to God it was a straight line to the next encounter that would make worldwide impact for the Gospel.
This opened ministry to all those on the island. This reminds me of the ministry of Jesus, once he healed some, many came. Many believe that at this moment a church was planted on Malta, and some scholars believe that Publius would become the pastor of that church.
When a believer, when a church meets the physical needs of a community, the community will come to the church.
You’re also in safe hands when you humble yourself and you’re . . .
Being served by others
After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead.
Castor and Pollux the twin’s sons of Zeus. Patron idols of the ancient world for sailors. Many ships carried and emblem on their ships.
They leave the island of Malta
Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.
Tradition says that in these few days that Paul is there in Syracuse, he starts a another new church.
And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. (Vs. 11-15)
They show up in this place and Paul and his group were invited to stay for seven days with believers there. Then as they get to Rome, God allows an encouraging visit with more believers. So much so that Paul thanks these and receives from them courage.
Paul is about to be in the one place he has dreamed of for his whole ministry. He also knows that this is near the end for him, more than likely knowing he will die in Rome as he did. What does God do? Well, because Paul was in safe hands, God directs Paul to people that will encourage him and care for him.
We all need people like this in our lives. Your life group or ministry team is probably like that for you. People who encourage you and walk with you and believe in you. Paul had that; you need that too. God’s design is for the body to serve each other.
Next, Paul is facing something that which he doesn’t know. He’s desired to be there, but how will he be received? Will it be over quickly?
You face the unknown
So, Paul visits with the local leaders. He explains his situation and defends himself as not being guilty of the charges that the Jerusalem leaders were saying.
And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. After three days
Paul gets to work right away. He didn’t come there to rest; he came to bring good news.
he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said 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. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
This is now Paul’s sixth defense in the scriptures of himself that also accompanied the gospel that changed his life.
But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”
Paul is wearing the chains of a prisoner. But his chains never stopped the gospel or ministry. Whether in chains or not the work went on.
Paul not knowing how they would respond, but he was in safe hands regardless.
And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” (Vs. 16-22)
The outcome was that they wanted to know more, even though the message was spoken against everywhere.
In safe hands also . . .
As you share God’s Word
Now telling people about Jesus is not a pastoral thing or an evangelist’s thing, it’s a Christian thing. When you share with others the loving truth of God’s Word, I can promise you, you are in safe hands.
The people in great number come to Paul and he opens the OT and expounds to them it’s truth and why Jesus is the Messiah.
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
They were interested so they came. He was on house arrest with a soldier guarding him. Nothing spectacular. I wonder what your home could be used for in helping others to grow in their faith? THERE IS LIMITED ROOM FOR GROUPS TO MEET AT THE CHURCH, but in homes that’s infinitely expandable. It’s also the place that allows for the greatest level of connection. Ever thought of putting your home in the ministry?
This time afforded him the ability to write and to also teach. While in Rome Paul writes 4 letters, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon, I’m sure other writings, not scriptures, but communication, direction to friends and leaders.
So, what’s the outcome of this preaching and ministry? Well some become convinced while others stayed in their disbelief. Either way, every person confronted with the claims of Christ and the gospel has to make a decision.
And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: (Vs. 23-25)
Paul says that God spoke to the leaders the truth that Jews would reject and the message then would go to the Gentiles. This phrase upset some of them.
Now, it’s not Paul’s job to convert people, his job, like mine and yours is to simply speak the truth.
Paul says that God’s command was to . . .
“ ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (Vs. 26-28)
What about you? Do you receive this salvation that has been sent to the world or do you reject it? Are you sharing it or hoarding it?
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Vs. 29-31)
