_When they were escaped, they knew_ From some of the inhabitants who came to them; _that the island_ On which they were cast; _was called Melita_ Or, Malta. This island, which took its name from the abundance of honey found therein, (_meli_, in Greek, signifying honey,) lies between Africa and Sicil... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness_ In our distressed circumstances; _for they kindled a fire, &c., because of the present rain_ Which had followed the storm; and _because of the cold_ With which, in our wet clothes, we were ready to perish. It must be observed, that the Romans a... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when Paul_ Who had learned to make himself servant of all, and would stoop to any thing by which he might be serviceable, was laying _on the fire a bundle of sticks_ Which he had gathered; _there came a viper_ Which had been concealed among the wood; _out of the heat_, _and fastened on his hand... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he shook off_, &c. Greek, αποτιναξας το θηριον, _having shaken off the venomous animal_ into the fire, (the power of Christ interposing to preserve him,) he _felt no harm_ Received no injury, and took no further notice of what had happened. _Howbeit, they looked when he should have swollen_ The... [ Continue Reading ]
_In the same quarters_ In the neighbourhood of the place where the ship was stranded, and the shipwrecked company had met with such kind treatment; _were possessions of the chief man of the island_ The chief in wealth, if not in power also; _who received and lodged us three days_ The first three day... [ Continue Reading ]
_And after three months_ The three winter months, which time Paul doubtless improved, as a true labourer in the Lord's vineyard. _We departed in a ship of Alexandria, whose sign was Castor and Pollux_ Two fabulous semi-deities of the Greeks and Romans, who were said to be the sons of Jupiter and Led... [ Continue Reading ]
_And_ Soon after, leaving Malta, they made the island of Sicily; and _landing at Syracuse, tarried there three days_ The ship, probably, having some goods to put ashore, or some to take in there; for the ship seems to have been making a trading voyage. This city was the metropolis of Sicily, situate... [ Continue Reading ]
_From thence we fetched a compass_ Coasted round the eastern shore of Sicily; _and came to Rhegium_ A town on the Italian shore, opposite to Messina in Sicily; _and after one day_ Having a favourable gale, we pursued our voyage; _and came to Puteoli_ A great seaport town of Campania, not far from Na... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard_ Or prefect of the pretorian band, according to his commission. It was customary for prisoners who were brought to Rome, to be delivered to this officer, who had the charge of the state prisoners. The person... [ Continue Reading ]
_And after three days_ Given to rest and prayer; _Paul called the chief of the Jews together_ His great love to the Jews induced him, wherever he came and found any, to labour in the first place to promote their salvation; and as he was now bound, and could not conveniently go round to them, he sent... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they said, We_ have _neither received letters_, &c. There must have been a particular providence in this; _neither any of the brethren_, (the Jews,) _that came_ from Judea, _showed or spake any harm of thee_ This was very strange if true: that the restless and inveterate rage of the Jews, which... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when they had appointed him a day_ Which might best suit the convenience of most of them that were present; _they came to him at his lodging_ For though they were much prejudiced against the Christian religion, as being everywhere maligned, yet they were willing to be accurately informed concer... [ Continue Reading ]
_And some believed the things which were spoken_ Were happily persuaded of the truth of Paul's doctrine, and were induced to embrace Christianity; _and some_ On the other hand, were so much under the influence of strong prejudice and hardened, that they _believed not_ But rejected the gospel, amidst... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be it known, therefore_, &c. Having reproved the unbelieving and disobedient among his hearers, he assured them that the salvation of God, which they despised and seemed to fortify themselves against, was _sent unto the Gentiles_ Namely, more especially from that time; and that they would hear and... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Paul dwelt two whole years_ at Rome, _in his own hired house_ Before he was heard by Cesar, or his deputy, upon his appeal; _and received all that came to him_ Whether Jews or Gentiles. _Preaching the kingdom of God_ As established in the person of his beloved Son; _and teaching those things wh... [ Continue Reading ]