In Acts 27–28, Paul journeyed to Rome for his upcoming trial in the custody of Roman centurion, Julius. The writer, Luke, and Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, accompanied Paul. Since they got started late in the year, they hit stormy waters which took them off course to a small town called Fair Havens. Not wanting to be stuck there, Julius and the captain decided to set sail with a shipload of 276 despite the risk. For 14 days they endured a terrible Northeaster until they finally ran aground on the island of Malta. There they were treated with kindness and Paul healed many people. He finally arrived in Rome and stayed under house arrest writing epistles and proclaiming the kingdom to all who visited.
Kindness
Even though Paul was under arrest, he was treated kindly by the Romans and the local people:
The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. (27:3)
The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. (27:42–43)
Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. (28:1-2)
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. (28:7)
They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. (28:10)
When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. (28:16)
It seems worth noting that Paul was treated more kindly and humanely by Romans than by his own people. I have experienced this in ministry circles too. Sometimes our opposition is greater from within than without. And non-believers can act more compassionately than believers do.
When have you experienced greater kindness from those not in “your tribe”? Explain.
Warning
So Paul warned them, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. (27:10–11)
Why would the centurion listen to Paul who was neither a sailor nor a fisherman? And if the captain was experienced, he would certainly be aware of the unpredictable weather during that time of year. I get annoyed when people tell me what I already know.
As Paul had warned, they did encounter a Northeaster and struggled to stay alive for 14 days.
After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. (27:21)
I wish we could hear the inflection and tone of Paul’s voice. Did he succumb to the human tendency to say “I told you so!” out of annoyance or pride? Commentator Dr. Thomas Constable believes Paul had another motive: “Paul presumably did not mention his former advice at Fair Havens just to gloat but to encourage his fellow travelers to believe what he was about to tell them. What he had predicted had just come to pass, and what he was about to predict would as well.”1
When Paul spoke again, this time they listened.
But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (27:22–25)
When have you been tempted to remind someone you knew it all along? Why? How willing are you to listen to advice? How does Paul’s example of faith give you courage to face your current storm?
Encouragement
Wherever Paul went, believers came and encouraged him. Even on his journey to Rome as a prisoner, they made every effort to see him.
There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. (28:14–15)
When have you been encouraged by fellow believers who traveled far to see you?
Before Jewish leaders
As soon as he reaches Rome, Paul attempted once again to explain his arrest and the message of salvation to the local Jewish leaders.
They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet." (28:23-25)
As soon as Paul as Paul quoted Isaiah 6:9-10, most were out of there. They did not appreciate being identified as the object of Isaiah’s prophecy calling them deaf, blind, and calloused.
What part of the message of God’s kingdom seems to stop most people from believing today?
Salvation
These chapters contain no direct call to believe but does remind us of Paul’s mission and goal:
Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.(28:28)
While the Jews were God’s instrument to bring salvation to the world, it has been the Gentiles who have taken the message and spread it down through the centuries.
Stop and thank the Lord again that he brought salvation to you.
Conclusion
I leave you where the author, Luke, ends his book—the same place he began.
He [Jesus] appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. (1:3)
He [Paul] proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! (28:31)
Despite Paul’s arrest and upcoming trial, he continued to fulfill his purpose. Jail, arrest, Jewish leaders—nothing could stop Paul from proclaiming the kingdom of God. And nothing stopped God’s church from growing. Nor the Holy Spirit from working.
PRAYER
Lord, nothing stops you from building our church. Nothing stops the Holy Spirit from moving and drawing people to you. I’m grateful anew that your salvation is for all people. That it made it down through the centuries to my parents and to me. Help me to boldly proclaim your kingdom.
Acts Takeaways
- Paul’s radical change and steadfast commitment to proclaiming the message of salvation is challenging, convicting, and inspiring.
- Despite opposition, the church grew.
- The Holy Spirit was all over the events of Acts. He is still at work today.
- I have no idea what it means to suffer for my faith, or share the gospel like Paul did.
- Salvation is for everyone. Believe that Jesus died, buried, and resurrected. Turn from darkness to light and forgiveness for your sins. “Repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.” (26:20)
- Acts provides the backdrop to understand and appreciate Paul’s words in his epistles. Passages like Philippians 1:12–14, 2 Timothy 2:8–9, 2 Timothy 4:6–8, and 2 Timothy 4:17–18.
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