November 24, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 28
1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Acts Chapter 28 is a powerful testimony of God’s providence and the faithfulness of His servant Paul, even under difficult circumstances. From the hospitable reception by the people of Malta to his bold proclamation in Rome, we witness how Paul, despite imprisonment and adversity, proclaims the Gospel with unwavering faith. This chapter shows us that God works even in times of trial to fulfill His plan and proclaim His salvation.
Commentary
Chapter 28 of Acts illustrates how God protects and blesses Paul both physically and spiritually to spread his message:
On the Island of Malta:
Paul demonstrates practical commitment and God’s protection when he is bitten by a snake but remains unharmed. The miracles he performs in the name of God, such as healing Publius’ father and many others who are sick, confirm his message. The inhabitants of Malta experience God’s power through Paul’s presence.
Journey to Rome:
After three months, Paul sets sail for Rome. He is warmly received by fellow believers along the way, showcasing the strength of the early Christian community. These encounters provide him with encouragement and highlight the spread of the Gospel.
Paul in Rome:
Despite his imprisonment, Paul takes the opportunity to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He gathers the Jewish leaders, explains the significance of Jesus, and cites the prophecy of Isaiah to explain the rejection by some. While some accept the message, others reject it—a pattern that permeates Paul’s entire ministry.
The chapter concludes with a positive outlook: Paul remains in Rome, preaching freely and without hindrance. It demonstrates that no external circumstances can stop the proclamation of the Gospel.
Summary
Acts Chapter 28 emphasizes God’s faithfulness and the determination of His servant Paul. Despite imprisonment, rejection, and challenges, Paul continues his mission to proclaim the Gospel. It is an encouraging chapter that reminds us that God works even in difficult situations to accomplish His plans. Paul serves as a role model for how we can maintain our faith and spread God’s message in all circumstances.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 77—In Pilate’s Judgment Hall
This chapter is based on Matthew 27:2, 11-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-40; John 19:1-16
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter concerning Jesus’ trial before Pilate is a climax of the Gospels, where divine truth and human weakness collide. Pilate faces the challenge of choosing between justice and his own interests, while the Jewish leaders express their hatred through lies and manipulation. The story reveals profound lessons about power, hypocrisy, and the steadfastness of Christ.
Commentary
The Role of Pilate:
Pilate, the Roman governor, appears weak and indecisive, torn between his recognition of Jesus’ innocence and his desire to yield to the demands of the Jewish leaders. His inability to act according to his convictions leads not only to the condemnation of Christ but also to his own moral and political downfall. Pilate’s actions demonstrate how dangerous it is to sacrifice principles for personal gain.
The Attitude of Jesus:
Throughout the trial, Jesus remains calm and majestic. His silence speaks louder than words, and his behavior reflects his complete dedication to the divine plan. He offers Pilate the opportunity to recognize the truth, but Pilate misses the chance. Jesus’ patience and gentleness stand in stark contrast to the shouts of the priests and the crowd.
The Responsibility of the Jewish Leaders:
The priests and elders use lies and false accusations to impose their will. They shout, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25), without understanding the far-reaching consequences of their words. Their rejection of Christ places them and their people under a burden that reverberates through history.
Barabbas or Jesus:
The choice between Barabbas and Jesus is symbolic of the decision each person must make. Barabbas, a murderer and rebel, is preferred, while Jesus, the Savior, is rejected. This choice reflects the tragedy when people reject the truth in favor of what is wrong.
The Consequences:
Pilate tries to distance himself from the guilt by washing his hands in innocence, but his responsibility remains. The decision to condemn Christ becomes a turning point that forever changes human history. At the same time, the story shows the fulfillment of the divine plan to save the world through Jesus’ death.
Summary
The chapter concerning Jesus’ trial before Pilate reveals the deep abysses of human sin and the sublime greatness of divine grace. Pilate’s weakness, the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, and the choice of the crowd teach us that rejecting the truth has devastating consequences. However, Jesus stands firm as the embodiment of grace and truth, fulfilling the plan of redemption even in the face of betrayal and injustice. This chapter challenges us to courageously stand for the truth in our lives and to follow Jesus’ example of patience and dedication.
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