Acts 28
Devotional by Jarrett Stephens
Read Acts 28
Acts 28
Paul on Malta
28 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 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. 3 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. 4 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.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 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.
7 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. 8 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. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
Paul Arrives at Rome
11 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. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 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. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 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. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Paul in Rome
17 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. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 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.” 21 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. 22 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.”
23 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. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 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:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 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.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Devotional
Yesterday we read about the beginning of Paul’s final journey to Rome and the challenges he, along with others, faced while at sea. Today we see what happens when his ship runs aground in Malta, and then sets sail for Rome. Once Paul gets to Rome, he is placed under house arrest and does what he did in nearly every city he traveled to throughout his ministry. He first communicates to the Jewish people, to try and explain to them the gospel. He starts with them because of their familiarity with the Law and the Prophets. As the Scripture says, the gospel came to the Jew first, and then to the Greek. But, scripture also says, Jesus “came to his own and his own received him not (John 1:11-13).”
And hasn’t this been the story as we have made our way through Acts? For the most part, the Jews continuously reject Paul and his message that the hope of Israel is Jesus, the son of God. Paul, in response to their dismissal of these claims, proverbially wipes the dust from his sandals and takes the gospel message to the Gentiles.
I have verses 26-27 of Acts 28 marked in my daily reading Bible. Here’s what I have written next to these two verses: “A prayer for Champion Forest. Lord, that we would never hear and not understand or see and not perceive. Don’t ever let our hearts grow dull.” I pray that our church will always have soft hearts to receive God’s Word, eyes to see by faith what he’d have us to see, ears to hear all he would have to say, and a mind that seeks to understand his ways.
We have been in this study for twenty-eight days now, and my question to you is: What will you do with what you have learned? Will you continue to take in God’s Word each day and commit to grow in your relationship with him? As you have probably experienced, he’s ready to meet with you and transform you as you spend time with him.
Anoint the words of your saints. Shine through the actions of your saints. May the harvest be abundant.
I want to keep learning about my Lord. I want my relationship with Christ to grow more and more everyday. HALLELUJAH AND AMEN!!🙏📖🙏⛪
Amen and Amen to all the prayers.
With each day of reading through these chapters, I find that the Lord has given me beautiful pictures and examples of the commitment one should have to His Son, His Gospel and to His church. My prayer is that, while I hope to always have an openness to hear His Word with fresh perspective, I hope that I’ll also be able to share His Word and His promises to us with others filled with joy and a commitment like never before.
MY we also proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ as the Apostle Paul by the power of the Holy Spirit. In our homes and beyond.
May we also proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ as the Apostle Paul did by the power of the Holy Spirit, in our homes and beyond.
I’ve really ENJOYED reading through the book of Acts with fresh eyes. Lord, please give me the TENACITY and BOLDNESS of Paul to share WHO You are and WHAT You’ve done (and will continue to do) in my life and the lives of other Believers ❤️🙏🏾
A hymn in keeping with the Kingdom of God theme.
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Baptist Hymnal #304 (2008)
1 Crown him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless king
through all eternity.
2 Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save;
his glories now we sing
who died and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.
3 Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified;
no angels in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends their burning eye
at mysteries so bright.
4 Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.
These 28 days of devotion, has been of immense blessing to me. Each chapter showed something new to strengthen me.
I am committed to growing my relationship with GOD.
Give us the courage to speak Your word and live a life worthy of emulation; that all would come to know and love YOU.
Let Your will be done in our life’s, in Jesus Christ name, Amen 🙏🏽
Whenever I’m going through a trial I try to remind myself of this journey of Paul’s. This was not a short trip. This was a long journey with lots of challenges and struggles.
Paul’s testimony is not only the words he spoke, but also the actions he lived.
May I be so bold to not just talk the talk, but to walk the walk, in Christ.
First and foremost, all glory and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thanks to all of the folks at our church who put together the last 28 days of this devotional.
Lord, soften all of our hearts!
Thanks to all who joined in the journey! God has taught us so much through these 28 days. Blessed to be a part of the church family.
I feel the exact same way. I am so thankful to have been on this journey with my church family. I learned a great deal in these 28 days. It is amazing to witness all God has done and continues to do for us.
Thank you LordJesus for dining with us as we sat down together and feasted on Your good words. Thank you Jesus for Your fellowship and also the fellowship of Your children. Their testimonies songs and prayers were a blessing to me. Bless them Lord. King of glory. Jesus Your love for us is everlasting. I can’t wait to meet Paul. He is something. Hearing him tell us his experiences first hand will be something. Especially surviving the great storm and then having a snake hanging from his arm. I can only imagine. Thank you Jesus for this wonderful time together Amen.
Thank you Pastor Jarrett for letting members of our church write some of the devotional comments and for tbe number of comments by readers on what they spiritual gained from each day chapters
Come, Thou Almighty King
Baptist Hymnal #336
1 Come, Thou Almighty King,
help us Thy name to sing;
help us to praise:
Father, all glorious,
o’er all victorious,
come, and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.
2 Come, Thou Incarnate Word,
gird on Thy mighty sword,
our pray’r attend:
come, and Thy people bless,
and give Thy Word success:
Spirit of holiness,
on us descend.
3 Come, Holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour:
Thou who almighty art,
now rule in every heart,
and ne’er from us depart,
Spirit of pow’r.
4 To Thee, great One in Three,
eternal praises be
hence, evermore.
His sov’reign majesty
may we in glory see,
and to eternity
love and adore!
Thank You Lord for Your marvelous Word that speaks to our hearts every day. Thank you for the testimony of Paul who continued to speak boldly the Word to the lost and win some to the saving knowledge of Christ. I pray for those who hear and do not believe, that one day the Holy Spirit will penetrated their hearts and bring them to salvation in Christ alone.
I am so pleased to be a member of a church that honors God’s Word through study devotion and prayer. I have looked forward to opening my emails each of the past 28 days and finding the one from our church that invites me to read and learn along with all that participated. Thank you Lord for the good things that only you provide❤️🙏🏾
Paul epitomized a great example of stewardship, fellowship, and mentorship throughout his tumultuous travels and journeys. His passion for sharing the gospel was one of tenacity and boldness. May we as Christians, be reminded of all that tenacity and boldness as well. Actions in our hearts, hands, and minds will carry us through any storms of life. A reminder too that others are watching us react to situations when we think no one is watching. This is a great way to also lead others to accept Christ. I’m reminded years ago of a neighbor who shared with me that she was crying looking out her front window in despair after fighting with her husband. She saw me and my husband leaving in our car. She said to herself, “What do they have that I don’t have? Where are they going so happy?” She realized we were going to church! She saw our Bibles in our hands! That night she went to church and accepted Christ as her Saviour. Simple daily actions on our part are great ways of ministering to others. Blessings, my fellow Christians! It’s been an honor to share these 28 days with all of you. Looking forward to our next devotionals! Shalom!
I’m so grateful that God used Paul to spread His Word! He knew, of course, what a wonderful job he would do. I’m more than grateful that God included me as a Gentile to hear of His saving grace.
So many blessings!
Make me hunger for your word Lord, that I would perceive your presence, understand your ways, and obey your will.
What will you do with what you have learned?
I will proceed to read the bible and take acknowledgement on my gratitude towards his word. How I can help us understand gratitude for him, is to reflect on his works.
Will you continue to take in God’s Word each day and commit to grow in your relationship with him?
Yes.
As you have probably experienced, he’s ready to meet with you and transform you as you spend time with him.
Yes
Blessings to all
May we go forth faithfully with Long Obedience
I am so thankful to be able, again, to see the tenacity of Paul to tell the Jews and the Gentiles the “Good News” about salvation in Jesus Christ. I pray that I will have the same eagerness to tell others about Jesus. I have so enjoyed the 28 days of Paul’s journey.
Loretta Adler
Encouragers Life Group