XXVIII: 1, 2. (1) "_ And after they had escaped, they knew that the island was called Melita._ (2) _Now the barbarians showed us no little philanthropy; for they kindled a fire, on account of the rain that was falling, and on account of the cold, and brought us all to it. " In calling the islanders... [ Continue Reading ]
XXVIII: 1, 2. (1) “_ And after they had escaped, they knew that the island was called Melita._ (2) _Now the barbarians showed us no little philanthropy; for they kindled a fire, on account of the rain that was falling, and on account of the cold, and brought us all to it._” In calling the islanders... [ Continue Reading ]
3-6. While they were endeavoring to make themselves comfortable around the fire, an incident occurred which had an important bearing upon the future welfare of the travelers. (3) "_ Now Paul, having gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a viper came out from the heat, and fastened... [ Continue Reading ]
7. The admiration awakened by this event among the rude populace finally led to a more comfortable entertainment of the ship's company. (7) "_ In the regions around that place were the estates of the chief man of the island, Publius by name, who received us and entertained us courteously three days.... [ Continue Reading ]
8-10. But no man ever loses by such hospitality, especially if it be extended to a servant of God. Publius was not without a reward for his kindness. (8) "_ And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay afflicted with fever and dysentery; to whom Paul went in, and having prayed, laid his hands... [ Continue Reading ]
11-14. (11) "_ Now after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the island, whose emblem was Castor and Pollux._ (12) _And landing at Syracuse, we remained there three days._ (13) _Thence, taking an indirect course, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, a south w... [ Continue Reading ]
15. The delay of seven days was long enough for news to reach the brethren in Rome, that Paul was in Puteoli on his way to their city. (15) "_ And the brethren, having heard from that place concerning us, came out to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Taverns. When Paul saw them he thanked God... [ Continue Reading ]
16. Finally, the gates of "the eternal city," as it was proudly styled, were entered. The prisoners were at the end of their long journey, and soon learned the disposition to be made of them for the time being. (16) "_ And when we came into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the Prætoria... [ Continue Reading ]
17-20. He made no delay in beginning his work; and his first appeal, according to his uniform custom, was addressed to his own kinsmen according to the flesh. (17) "_ And it came to pass, after three days, that he called together the chief men of the Jews; and when they had come together, he said to... [ Continue Reading ]
21, 22. The response of the Jews was candid and becoming. (21) "_ And they said to him, We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor has any of the brethren who had come reported or spoken any evil concerning you._ (22) _But we think it proper to hear from you what you think; thou... [ Continue Reading ]
23, 24. Before the Jews took leave of Paul, they made arrangements for a formal and deliberate hearing of what he thought. (23) "_ And having appointed him a day, there came to him into his lodging a greater number, to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Je... [ Continue Reading ]
25-28. From what follows, we have reason to suppose that the unbelieving party gave some unbecoming expression to their sentiments. (25) "_ And disagreeing among themselves, they dispersed, Paul saying one word: Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,_ (26) _saying,... [ Continue Reading ]
29. Notwithstanding the principal part of Paul's visitors went away unbelievers, they could not at once cast the subject off from their attention. Luke follows them, as they went away, with this remark: (29) "_ And when he said these things, the Jews departed, having much disputation among themselve... [ Continue Reading ]
The narrative is now brought abruptly to a close, by the following statement: (30) "_ Now Paul remained in his own hired house two whole years, and received all who came in to him,_ (31) _preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all freedom of speec... [ Continue Reading ]