Final leg of the journey to Rome

Tempestuous trip

What a journey it has been getting to Jerusalem and then the journey to Rome.

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From the beginning of the journey there were struggles to face.

From the contrary winds off island of Crete (Act27:4)

To the difficult winds slowing the progress near Cnidus (Act27:7)

To the tempestuous winds that blew them toward Claudia (Act27:13-16)

And being tempest-tossed to tossing cargo overboard (Act27:18-19)

To the assailing storm that darkened the sun and stars (Act27:20)

To fear of running aground (Act27:27-29)

Then some faithful and encouraging words from Paul for their own safety (Act27:31-36)

To striking a reef, to a death plan for the prisoners (Act27:41-42)

To finally making a swim for it and all 276 souls were saved through the water (Act27:43-44)

(insert Island of Malta picture here)

They are now ashore the island of Malta (Act28:1). Malta whose name means “refuge.” It is an island about 60mi (South) of Sicily and on the main route from Myra (Act27:5) to Rome. Where the winds were contrary and took them off course, through God’s provision now they are back on course toward Rome but there was an important stop to make on the way, here in Malta.

In our passage tonight you will continue to see God’s providence in a couple of areas

To the times on Malta (act28:1-10)

To final leg of the journey to Rome (Act28:11-16)

Kindness in Malta

After a tempestuous journey they arrive safely in Malta to a warm welcome.

Acts 28:1–2 NASB95

1 When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.

Acts 28:3–4 NASB95

3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.”

Acts 28:5–6 NASB95

5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.

Acts 28:7–8 NASB95

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.

Acts 28:9–10 NASB95

9 After this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured. 10 They also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.

What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?

Gleaning from the scripture. First off we see in (v.1) they were not sure where they were at the time and it is when the come on shore they find out they are on island of Malta.

Question: How did the people of Malta treat the shipwrecked people (v.2)?

With extraordinary kindness

Note: How do we treat strangers when they come? May we follow this example and give extraordinary kindness

Question: Look at (v.3) we know Paul was bitten by viper who hung on his hand, but what else did Paul do?

He gathered a bundle of sticks and laid on the fire.

Note: Paul was always a servant.

Note: Also have to touch on the viper, that this was a sign, a miraclous, that was purposed to prove what he would say is true.

This goes hand in hand with (Mk16:19-20 and Heb2:3-4)

Question: What did the people think about Paul as the viper was hanging from his hand (v.4)?

He was a murderer and justice was not going to allow him to live.

So as the people who showed extraordinary kindness knew they, and Paul, had just survived a shipwreck but expected justice to have it’s way and he would die from the viper.

Question: What was the result of the viper bite on Paul (v.5)?

He suffered no harm.

Note: this is a proof text some use along with Mk16:18 to think can play with deadly snakes and suffer no harm.

Question: Paul did not fall over dead and the people changed their views from being a murderer to what in (v.6)?

They believed he was a god.

Question: Not only did the people show extraordinary kindness who else did (v.7)?

A leading man named Publius did, and entertained them for three days.

Question: Look at (vv.7-9) in summary what did Paul and the people do?

Paul healed starting with Publius father, and the people all came to him to be healed, be cured.

Publius father suffered from dysentery (v.8) and Paul by the touch of apostolic hands was able to heal him.

The healing led to others coming and being healed and then they were God’s tool of provision for the next part of the journey to Rome (v.10) - they were provided everything they needed.

Another note, what was the reason for healing? To prove what they said was true. If it was for self, why didn’t Paul heal the thorn in his flesh? Remember signs, wonders and miracles were purposed.

(Transition) Now this brings us from the kindness of the people to the rest of the journey and the arrival in Rome.

Final leg of the journey

Remember the promise, prophesy given to Paul that he would get to Rome (Act23:11) and finally he is going to get there. Of course, with some more stops along the way.

Acts 28:11–12 NASB95

11 At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.

Acts 28:13–14 NASB95

13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome.

Acts 28:15–16 NASB95

15 And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?

Gleaning from the scripture:

Question: How long were Paul and everyone in Malta before setting sail (v.11)?

They were in Malta for three months

Note: they set sail on a ship that had the twin brothers for its figurehead, they were Castor and Pollux, the twin sons of Zeus who were viewed as gods and protectors of the sea.

Question: In looking at (vv.12-13) where were the other stops?

First was in Syracuse, and stayed there three days.

Syracuse at the time was a majestic place on the Eastern coast of Sicily.

The name meant “by violence” It was a place that many Alexandrian grain ships came into port at the time.

Next was Rhegium, for a day

This is now the Southern tip of Italy.

Then onto Puteoli, stayed there with brethren for seven days

This was a Greek city that became a Roman colony in 194bc and was the major port for Rome at the time. Sea ships would be unloaded and loaded onto smaller craft for the reset of the journey to Rome. This is in the Naples region of Rome

Question: Finally they get to Rome and there area few more stops (vv.14-15), what are they?

Next was Market of Appius and then Three Inns, where some of the brethren heard they were coming, came and met them.

(insert Puteoli to Rome picture here)

Note: they have left the ship and are now making the rest of the journey (it is about 142 miles) by foot when they come to the Market of Appius (which is also known as the Appii forum) it is about 40 miles from the city of Rome. This was a market town, market place along the route to Rome itself.

Note: Three Inns is also called Three Taverns in some versions and is located about 33 miles from Rome. Three Inns, or taverns were really historically what was three buildings, businesses there. 1. A general store, 2. An Inn, 3. A tavern.

It took a lot to come out along the Appian way, it was a dangerous trek and many Roman Christians traveled it to see Paul. Some as far as Three Inns, others as far as Appii Forum.

Note: how far, to what distance, are we willing to go for our Christianity?

(Transition) The city of Rome! Finally they get there.

Acts 28:16 NASB95

16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Note: The prisoners were delivered by the Centurion to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay in a house with a guard for two years(well, more on that to come in next lesson.

This now fulfills the prophesy and the promise made to Paul by the Lord and by the Angel.

Acts 23:11 NASB95

11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

I mentioned this verse earlier tonight, but thought maybe should give to you now.

Acts 27:23–24 NASB95

23 “For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’

The promise was not just for Paul but for all who back in Act27 started the journey with him. God protected all of the lives.

(no need to read below it is only for the outline)

(Other scriptures used or referenced: Act23:11, 27:23-24, 19:21; Rom1:8-12, Rom15:22-24; 8:28)

Think about how Paul must have been feeling, elated that finally he is in Rom, exactly where he wanted to be

Romans 1:8–9 NASB95

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,

Romans 1:10–11 NASB95

10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

Paul had heard about the brethren there, now had met some when they travelled to him in Appii and Three Inn’s now in Rome the city, now there will be more to follow on this in our next lesson.

Consider this

Romans 15:22–23 NASB95

22 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you

Romans 15:24 NASB95

24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while—

Paul had plans, God had plans too and it took a longer time, a different type of journey for Paul to get to Rome but he did get there.

Acts 19:21 NASB95

21 Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

Paul had it in his heart to see Rome, what do you have in your heart to see, or to do?

Paul’s journey took years to happen and took some interesting twists and turns to get there. But, God’s providence was always working to accomplish His will.

Joseph did not understand everything until the end, nor did Esther but God’s providence was proven by their faith and it is proven by yours too. Even when it is hard things we may have to journey through may we remember.

Romans 8:28 NASB95

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

So don’t lose faith, don’t lose heart, trust God and know that He will not leave nor forsake you and will get you to your final destination (heaven) when you trust and obey Him.

I will close with this, I read this by William Barclay, but I’m going to paraphrase it:

A Christian is never alone.

A christian can have confidence because of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before (Heb12:1)

A christian can have confidence because of the body of Christ, the church, so not to get discouraged (Heb10:24)

A christian can have confidence that he is never alone for where ever the Christian is God is with him (Deu31:6-8)

A christian can have confidence that the risen Savior, the Christ is with you (Gal3:27)

Paul lived his life after conversion for Christ, can we do and live the same way?

(Prayer) (Exit)