Acts Chapter 25
Acts 25 verse 1
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
Verse 1: Festus came in the place of Felix and became governor of Israel. Israel was in that time a province, a part of the Roman Empire and every province had his own governor. Felix was gone and now Festus was governor of Israel and he went first from Caesarea to Jerusalem to see and speak the high priest and elders and priests of the folk Israel. He was not in the first place interested in Paul who was in prison in Caesarea.
Acts 25 verse 2
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
Verse 2: When Festus was in Jerusalem to visit the high priest and the chief of the Jews he was informed about Paul. They still were angry and full of anger because they wanted still to kill Paul that's why they besought Festus. What does that mean? Ask (someone)urgentlyandferventlyto do something.
Acts 25 verse 3
And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
Verse 3: They had the same desire as in the past with Claudius Lysias who had saved the life of Paul to send him to Caesarea with a lot of soldiers. Now they tried again that Festus would send Paul to them and on the way they should kill him so that they get rid of him.
Acts 25 verse 4
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Verse 4: But Festus was not allowed here. He answered the high priests and elders of the folk Israel that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he should traveling back to Caesarea.
Acts 25 verse 5
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
Verse 5: Further on Festus said to them if there among them able men to accuse Paul and judge if there be any wickedness in him so travel with me to Caesarea. We see in the next verses what happened.
Acts 25 verse 6
And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
Verse 6: Festus stayed in Jerusalem more than ten days and after that he went back to Caesarea. The next day he was sittin on the judgment seat and commanded his soldiers to brought Paul before him. Festus wanted to see Paul and because of the Jews who accused Paul what kind of man he was and what he had done what caused the Jews to kill him.
Acts 25 verse 7
And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
Verse 7: Festus was back in Caesarea and the Jews from Jerusalem had also arrived in Caesarea and stood there to see Paul and many blames came from them against Paul but they couldn't prove it! Simple they had no evidence whatsoever. Paul spoke the truth and he was judged by them because of the resurrection from the dead. He spoke about the risen Lord Jesus Christ and against Christ they were. They were the enemies of God so they hated the Word of God of salvation in Christ.
Acts 25 verse 8
While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
Verse 8: Paul answered for himself as he stood there before Festus and the Jews. He said that the was not against the law of the Jews or against the temple and not against Caesar he had offended any thing at all. This was the truth he said.
Acts 25 verse 9
But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
Verse 9: Festus wanted to be kind to the Jews and pleasured them with this and said to Paul: Wilt thou go to Jerusalem and be judged of these things they want to judge you and what you have told here?
Acts 25 verse 10
Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
Verse 10: Paul didn't want to be judged by those Jews. He was now a prisoner of the Roman Empire and said to Festus as answer: I stad at Caesar's judgment seat where I ought to be judged. You know Festus very well said Paul that I had never done wrong to the Jews.
Acts 25 verse 11
For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
Verse 11: Paul stood there for Festus and the Jews who accused him to death. He continued here in this verse with if he was an offender or a transgressor or had commited wrong things which was worthy of death like murder or revolt than it was right that he should be put to death but what they accused him for was that they hated the truth which he preached the Gospel of the Grace of God and those Jews hated this message and refused to believe it. No men can give me said Paul in the hands of these Jews. And then he said I submit unto Caesar. Paul was also a Roman citizen and appealed to the emperor.
Acts 25 verse 12
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
Verse 12: After Paul had said this that he appealed unto Caesar Fesut conferred with the council what to do. Then Festus came back and answered Paul: Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Thou shalt go to Caesar the Emperor. For him you will stand because you asked for this.
Acts 25 verse 13
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
Verse 13: After some days king Agrippa and his sister Bernice came into Caesarea and greet Festus the governor of Israel. Who was Agrippa? He was member of the Herodian family. He was king and he full name was Herod Agrippa II . His forefather was King Herod the Great. King Agrippa II is the son of Herod Agrippa I. They all pretented to be kings for Israel. All of them were friends of the Romans.
Acts 25 verse 14
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
Verse 14: King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice stayed in Caesarea many days and on a certain moment Festus discussed with the king about Paul and why he was a prisoner because he was in bonds and Festus predecessor Felix had left Paul in bonds. Some things were nog clear for Festus why this was.
Acts 25 verse 15
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
Verse 15: Festus began to explain king Agrippa that he was in Jerusalem and the chief priests and elders of the Jews informed him about Paul and they desired that Festus would give Paul into their hands so that they could judge Paul and kill him according their law.
Acts 25 verse 16
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
Verse 16: Festus continued here that he answered the high priests and elders of the Jews about their request to deliver Paul into their hands so that they could judge Paul and kill him but he didn't do this because this was not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die if he had not seen the face to face and before he which is accused and that the man who would be judged to have the right to speak and answer for himself concerning the crime they had laid against him. That's why he didn't delivered Paul into their hands.
Acts 25 verse 17
Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
Verse 17: Festus continued and said that these Jews who were the accusers came to him in Caesarea and the day after he sat on the judgement seat and commanded to bring Paul before him so that he could defend himself before him and the accusers.
Acts 25 verse 18
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
Verse 18: And further on Festus said that he supposed that the accusers of Paul had some accusation of such thing against him but none of these they had. He said that he was amazed about this.
Acts 25 verse 19
But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Verse 19: Festus continued here they, these accusers had questions against Paul because of their own superstition. They believed that one Jesus (the Lord Jesus Christ) was dead but Paul affirmed that Jesus Christ was alive because of the revelations he had received from Him.
Acts 25 verse 20
And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
Verse 20: Of course Festus doubted of such manner of questions. He himself didn't believe in the Lord Jesus Christ so he couldn't say if our Lord was alive or dead. That's why he asked Paul if he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things.
Acts 25 verse 21
But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
Verse 21: Paul however said to Festus that he as Roman citizen would stand before Caesar. In the time he was saying this Augustus was Caesar or Emperor of the Roman Empire. Festus commanded him to be kept till the just time that he would send Paul to Caesar. The Lord had also said to Paul in a vision that he would stand also before Caesar and that he would go to Rome. This was not as a free man but as a prisoner of Rome.
Acts 25 verse 22
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
Verse 22: And then this Agrippa the king said to Festus that he would hear also Paul for himself and what Paul has to say about the believe in Christ and about the resurrection. He was interested this Agrippa in Paul. Festus answered him and said the day after he would hear Paul.
Acts 25 verse 23
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
Verse 23: The next morning Agrippa and Bernice his sister were coming to the place where Festus was with a lot of ceremony and Agrippa and Bernice entered into the place of hearing. They were not the only ones. We read here that he came with the chief captains. There were also principal men of the city of Caesarea and Festus commanded to bring Paul before them. So this was the chance for Paul and what the Lord also told him to stand for governors, kings, emperors etc and tell them the truth namely the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24!
Acts 25 verse 24
And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
Verse 24: And when they all were together, inclusive Paul, in the place of hearing; began Festus to speak to King Agrippa. He said we are all together here and see this man Paul. This is the man of whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea and they have cried that this man Paul not to live any longer. They wanted to get rid of him through killing him.
Acts 25 verse 25
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
Verse 25: But I found said Festus to Agrippa, nothing worthy of death. Paul had appealed for himseld to Augustus our Emperor so I have determinde to send him to Augustus.
Acts 25 verse 26
Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
Verse 26: Festus said here to King Agrippa that he has not to write a lot of things about Paul if he send him to Caesar, the Emperor. That's why he brought Paul before king Agrppa and he hoped to write more about Paul after this examination which King Agrippa would held because Paul would tell more things maybe about himself and why he is accused by these Jews and why they would kill him.
Acts 25 verse 27
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
Verse 27: And then Festus said that it is for him unreasonable to send a prisoner like Paul to the Emperor if it is not clear what crimes the prisoner had done and were laid against him. If he was not quilty then there was no reason to send him
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Acts chapter 26
Acts 26 verse 1
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
Verse 26: Then Agrippa began to examine Paul and said to him that he was permitted to speak for himself. Paul stretched forth the hand. What does that mean? Stretching out one's hand isa sign of freedom, whether from illness or oppression. Paul was not a loser but in Christ he was more than a conqueror Romans 8: 37 tells us this: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. And then Paul answered for himself. For sure there is victory in Christ because Christ is the Victor over all. We as believers have to look more often to this verse in Romans 8 and begin to smile. If we think more in this way we have more happiness in our lives like Paul had too. He Paul is our example, no one else as the man in Christ and to follow. Think about that!
Acts 26 verse 2
I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Verse 2: The apostle Paul began before king Agrippa with these words: I think (hegeomai to reckon) myself happy. So Paul reckoned or regarded himself happy. Why? Because Christ was and is living in him and in Christ Paul is more than a conqueror also in this examination before king Agrippa. And we as members of the Body of Christ should say with Paul these same words to others around us who doesn't believe in Christ as Savior like king Agrippa. Further on Paul said that he would answer for himself that day before Agrippa and name all the things whereof he was accused of the Jews.
Acts 26 verse 3
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
Verse 3: This was very unique that Paul stood before king Agrippa. Originally his forefather came from the Edomites who were descendants from Esau and not from Jacob which later was called Israel. Paul knew that king Agrppa knew a lot and was a expert in all customs and questions which were among the Jews. That's why he said this to king Agrippa. That's why he begged him to hear him patiently.
Acts 26 verse 4
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
Verse 4: So the apostle Paul began to defend himself before king Agrippa who examined him. From his youth his life what was on his own nation at Jerusalem know all the Jews. He Paul had not forgotten how his life was before he was called by the risen Lord Jesus Christ from heaven and all the Jews knew that.
Acts 26 verse 5
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Verse 5: These Jews knew Paul from the beginning and surely if they could testify at that moment he stood before Agrippa. Paul lived as a Pharisee and that was the most straitest sect of the Jewish religion. In Philippians 3 verse 5 the apostle tells this: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee.
Acts 26 verse 6
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers:
Verse 6: Paul was very direct here unto king Agrippa. He said I stand now here and I am judged for the hope of the promise which God made unto our fathers. Which hope is the apostle Paul speaking here? Paul was standing in trial for what? Was he stand in trial for repudiating his faith in God's promise to the fathers? No but for proclaing the very hope upon which that promise rested. The hope of the resurrection that he was proclaiming to people. For this he was in trial and people like the Jews wanted to kill him for this proclamation.
Acts 26 verse 7
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Verse 7: In the past Paul is speaking here that the 12 tribes were always serving God day and night because of this promise . This was the hope to come. And for this hope's sake Paul said to king Agrippa this: for this hope I am accused of the Jews because I am proclaiming this hope. The Jews didn't believe this hope in Christ because they were seeking their own righteousness and believe in themselves like so many people in this world.
Acts 26 verse 8
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Verse 8: Paul knew very well that king Agrippa didn't believe in God and not in the resurrection that God should raise the dead. God will do this if someone is a believer or unbeliever He will do it one day. Paul said to king Agrippa that the king is thinking that this is incredible or unacceptable that God should raise the dead? For this king it was not acceptable that God should raise the dead because he didn't believe in God.
Acts 26 verse 9
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Verse 9: And then Paul continued to say that before his conversion he thought by himself that he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He hated the Lord Jesus Christ in that time. He was the biggest enemy and with the stoning of Stephen he committed the unpardonable sin, the sin against the Holy Ghost because Paul, then Saul of Tarsus was the leader of the rebellion against God, against Christ.
Acts 26 verse 10
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Verse 10: He, Paul, then Saul was the leader of the rebellion and this started after the stoning of Stephen. Saul was a persecutor and a blashemer and caught many saints of the Lord and shut them up in prison and from the authority , the leaders of the folk and the high priest he received to license to kill these saints and when they were put to death Paul said to king Agrippa he gave his voice against them. Paul in that time was a cruel man, a murderer, a monster of a man. No men could stop him. There was only One who could stop him and that we read a couple of verses later in this chapter.
Acts 26 verse 11
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Verse 11: Paul said this that before his conversion, in the past he was a murderer, a blashemer and he punished the believers in Christ, believers of the Jerusalem church. He punished them very often in every synagogue they were and forced the believers in Christ to blasheme. He was exceedingly mad against them and persecuted them even the ones in strange cities like Damascus and maybe other places. He Paul , then Saul was so angry and he was full of hate. On his hands there was blood because of all the people he killed.
Acts 26 verse 12
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
Verse 12: He, Paul, then Saul of Tarsus went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priest. In Acts 9 verse 1 and 2 we read this:And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Saul had the authority and letters to bring men and women who believed in Christ bound to Jerusalem and after that to kill them. Saul was a massmurderer and a very dangerous person. He was the biggest enemy of God!
Acts 26 verse 13
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
Verse 13: Paul said to king Agrippa when he approached Damascus he saw in the way a light from heaven. This light was above the brightness of the sun. A light is this what we as human beings cannot see. This light was shining around him Paul and also the others who journeyed with him.
Acts 26 verse 14
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Verse 14: Paul said all of us were fallen to the earth because of the light which was above the brightness of the sun and shined into our eyes. Then he said he heard a voice speaking unto me and saying in the Hebrew lanquage: Saul, Saul why persecutest thou Me? A voice from heaven. It was the Lord Jesus Christ Who spoke with him in His Grace and said further on: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. With other words you cannot fight against me because you will lose this. The way you persecutest Me is a dead way and ended dead.
Acts 26 verse 15
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
Verse 15: Here again the third time where we read about how Paul answered the Lord: Who art thou Lord. Paul on that moment he said to Agrippa was in great awe to the Lord and the Lord said to him I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest. On that moment Paul then Saul began to realize that he fought against the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the One who he hated all the time and now he acknowledged that the voice Who spoke with him was more than himself that's why he asked Who art thou Lord?
Acts 26 verse 16
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Verse 16: After asking the Lord what to do now He said to Paul and Paul tell's this: rise, stand upon thy feet. The Lord said to him hat He had appeared to him for this purpose: to be the apostle of the Gentiles and bring the message of Grace Acts 20:24 to the Gentiles, kings and Jews. Paul was made a minister and a witness of all these revelations of the Lord because there were more times that the Lord appeared to him. He had to proclaim the Mystery of God which was hidden by God and for the first time revealed to Paul Romans 16:25-26
Acts 26 verse 17
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
Verse 17: Paul heard more of God and this was that God delivered Paul from the people of Israel (unbelieving Jewish people) and from unbelieving Gentiles. Delivering here means to take out. He Paul was rescued by God. So taken out of both his own people and the Gentiles. He became an apostle of the Gentiles and God send him to them. Paul was both Jewish and Roman in one person. He was thus a former enemy reconciled to God by Grace and exceeding abundant grace. He was a ideal representative of the believing Jews and Gentiles. under this Dispensation of Grace.
Acts 26 verse 18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Verse 18: Why was Paul the apostle of the Gentiles? Well for this reason what we read here: to open the eyes of the Gentiles that they turn from darkness to light, from the power of satan unto God and that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified through faith in Christ and that was also in Paul. These words of Paul must have touched Agrippa, Bernice, Festus and all the rest who heard these words in this examination: blindness away, light beheld, sins forgiven, richeds of Grace bestowed. This must also touch you dear reader if you are not believing. See and read what you got if you consider be a lost forever because you are a sinner and separate from God and what you can have if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ Who died for your sins and rose from the dead for your righteousness. Believe this and you will be saved! Saved forever!
Acts 26 verse 19
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
Verse 19: Paul explained futher on. On this saying of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven Who called me I was not disobedient when He revealed Himself to me and showed me through revelations the Mystery which I could proclaim unto the Gentiles, Kings and Jews. He, Paul became from the biggest enemy on earth now a servant for Christ.
Acts 26 verse 20
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Verse 20: Paul continued here that he shewed the Gospel of Grace, the Gospel of Salvation and the resurrection which is the hope of glory (Christ) unto them in Damascus, later Jerusalem, throughout all the coastst of Judaea, then the Gentiles that they should believe in God through Jesus Christ finished Work and if they are believers to do the works which God had ordained to do.
Acts 26 verse 21
For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Verse 21: For these causes that Paul preached the Gospel of the Grace of God. Jesus Christ and Him crucified for mankind and resurrected for the righteousness of men so that men could in Him be righteous, sins forgiven and have eternal life and more and that's why the Jews caught Paul in the temple and wanted to kill him. This is what he said to king Agrippa.
Acts 26 verse 22
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
Verse 22: Paul for this obtained help of God. God was always his Helper and helped him through all the persecutions until that day he stood before the king Agrippa. He witnessed there and also before from His living Lord Jesus Christ to small people and great in esteem. He proclaimed Him and Him crucified and resurrected. I Corinthians 15:3-4. That is the Gospel of Grace! And Paul said no other things which was already proclaimed by the prophets and Moses which would come namely the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 26 verse 23
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
Verse 23: This was known by God that Christ should suffer because of mankind. He just for unjust men. He righteous for us unrighteous. So that He should be the first that should rise from the dead so that he shew light unto the people and that is Israel and to the Gentiles. This was already preached by the prophets and by Moses. Why then should the Jews so bitterly oppose Paul's ministry to the Gentiles. This was Paul's argument.
Acts 26 verse 24
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
Verse 24: Paul was speaking for himself unto Agrippa but we see here Festus interrupt Paul with a loud voice. Festus was too a rude individual. Festus was deeply agitated what Paul told them. This is true because the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. We read in I Corinthians 2:14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. For Festus what Paul told that Christ had died and rise again to show light to the nations and with the story of Paul's miraculous conversion it was the sheerest superstition. So he said to Paul that he was beside himself. That he was mad, crazy and that the learning made Paul crazy.
Acts 26 verse 25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
Verse 25: Immediately Paul reacted on these rude words and said I am not mad most noble Festus. Paul spoke in respect to Festus here. What does it mean noble? A royal official of the Roman Empire. Festus was the governor on that moment in Israel like Pilate in the time when the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected. And then Paul spoke answered further I speak the words of truth and a sound mind. Felix couldn't understand because he was a unbeliever and for him it was nonsense what Paul told them both him and Agrippa.
Acts 26 verse 26
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
Verse 26: And then Paul continued talking to king Agrippa and said that the king knew of these things before Paul was speaking freely. Paul was persuaded that none of these things he told already were hidden for the king. Because it was not hidden for people to know it but made public that the Lord died for mankind, that He was buried and that He rose again the third day and so to give persons individualy forgiveness of sins through His blood and eternal life because He lives. Yes king Agrippa must have known it. And what the prophets and Moses had said that Christ would come he could read in the Scriptures and had heard these foresayings.
Acts 26 verse 27
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Verse 27: Here in this verse the apostle Paul is very direct to king Agrippa: believest thou the prophets? And then immediately after this question he said I know that thou believest. Yes Agrippa must had read the Scriptures of the prophets because he was a king of the folk Israel.
Acts 26 verse 28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Verse 28: We see now clearly Agrippa's response to Paul: almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. With other words you will that I became one with you and believe also on the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are the words en oligo and have the sense of almost which meant in sarcasm or in greater or less sincerity.
Acts 26 verse 29
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Verse 29: What strong words of the apostle Paul here in this verse. He was a great servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, of God. How deep these words are and very earnest! I would to God. I wished of God. It was his wish and the wish of God I Timothey 2:3-4 that not only Agrippa would believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, also the others who heard that day the apostle Paul's defense of the faith in Christ. That all of them would become believers in Christ as he was in Christ without bonds. The apostle Paul is in chains and longed for their salvation. These words are triumphant: I wish you could be as I am. The apostle Paul had suffered much for Christ but he wished none of that for them. He wished them to know only the peace and assurance and joy in their heart too which he had in Christ. Paul didn't enjoy the chains on his wrists. The unbelieving heart of king Agrippa said it must not go too far. And that was the same for Festus and Bernice.
Acts 26 verse 30
And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
Verse 30: So when Paul had spoken these words and must have touched the hearts of king Agrippa, the governor and Bernice they rose up and the others who were with them in that chamber. They all left the chamber. I think they were afraid of what was said to them so they left, fled from the truth Paul was saying to them. How many men since then have followed the example of king Agrippa, to flee from the truth! Are you reader such a one like king Agrippa? Or do you want to know the truth of God in Christ that He died your death on the cross, that He was buried and that He rose again for you, yes to make you righteous in Him and have eternal life in Him. Do you believe that? I Corinthians 15:3,4. Tomorrow it can be to late. Do it now and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved forever!
Acts 26 verse 31
And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
Verse 31: They left Paul altogether and talked about him afterwards and said: This man is no evil man and is not worthy of death or bonds. They saw a innocent man and a man who spoke the truth. Now they were in a dilemma what to do. They wanted to release him but on the other side then the Jews became very angry and moreover Paul had appealed to the emperor. We read in the next and last verse of this chapter this
Acts 26 verse 32
Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
Verse 32: Then said Agrippa to Festus this: this man Paul could be free and be released if he had not appealed unto the Emperor. So they kept him as prisoner and very soon after this Paul was send as prisoner to Rome that he should stand for Caesar.
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Acts chapter 27
The journey to Rome as prisoner
Acts 27 verse 1
And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.
Verse 1: We read here it was determined that we should sail into Italy. Who is the we? That is Luke for sure who was always with Paul till the end of his life. So we is at least Paul and Luke. Sail with a boat and Paul and other prisoners were delivered in the hands of Julius a centurion (one over hundred men) of Augustus band. Julius was of Augustus band. He served Caesar Augustus. Augustus was on that moment the Emperor of the Roman Empire.
Acts 27 verse 2
And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
Verse 2: Paul and the other prisoners and Luke and also we read here Aristarchus of Thessalonica was with them. After that the ship of Adramyttium sailed way and sailed along the coasts of Asia. That was probably the most easiest way to sail.
Acts 27 verse 3
And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
Verse 3: The next day Luke, Aristarchus and Paul as prisoner of Rome, who were in the ship, came at Sidon. Julius the centurion entreated Paul courteously. He respected Paul who was prisoner of Rome. He gave him the liberty to go unto his friends, the brethren like Luke and Aristarchus and to refresh himself. Probably Paul was very dirty so he had now the liberty to wash himself and maybe change clothes.
Acts 27 verse 4
And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Verse 4: From Sidon they sailed away under Cyprus. This had a reason because the winds were contrary. I think there were hard winds or storms because it was autumn and later winter. So they had to sail the easiest way to Rome because of the weather.
Maybe it was a ship like on this picture where Paul, Luke and Aristarchus were on board.
Acts 27 verse 5
And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
Verse 5: The jouney with the ship continued unto Myra, a city of Lycia. On the vast land Paul had jouneyed with Luke and others before. Myra was on the coast of Lycia and was a city.
Acts 27 verse 6
And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.
Verse 6: In the harbor of Myra the centurion Julius found a ship of Alexandria and that lies in Egypt which was sailing into Italy he put us like Paul and the other prisoners, soldiers to guard them, Luke and Aristarchus into that sailing boat. Maybe the boat they sailed to Myra went not to Rome and the final destination was Rome.
Acts 27 verse 7
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
Verse 7: The wind was against them, against the ship so that they sailed very slowly a lot of days and came hardly against Cnidus. This was a smal island not far from the coast of Asia. The wind was so hard so thy couldn't sail fast and then the decision was made to sail under Crete against Salmone.
Acts 27 verse 8
And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
Verse 8: The wind was still hard so it was hardly passing it. Then they came with the ship unto a place which was called the fair havens and the city of Lasea was near to it. It was autumn and almost winter so there was a lot of storm on the Middle Sea.
Acts 27 verse 9
Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
Verse 9: Much time was spent in the fair havens night the city of Lasea because sailing was dangerous. Why was it dangerous? Because the storms were very heavy and to sail against the storm was dangerous because one could suffer shipwreck. The Jewish fasting was past yet and Paul admonished men on board especially the centurion, master and owner of the ship. Paul said to them this and we can read that in the next verse.
Acts 27 verse 10
And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
Verse 10: Paul said to them that he foresaw that the voyage to Rome if they would sailing further on to Rome will be with hurt and much damage. Not only the lading and ship but also their lives. They had to take it into account to be shipwrecked and that they would not survive this.
Acts 27 verse 11
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
Verse 11: The centurion didn't believe what Paul told him and believed the master and the owner of the ship more than Paul and ignored the advice of Paul. Why to listen to this strange prisoner who had to stand for the Emperor? The advice was the truth but to listen to the truth is very difficult and hard. It is better to listen to the lie and that is what man do.
Acts 27 verse 12
And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
Verse 12: The haven where they were was not good to stay in the winter. This was a reason to depart from there and most men advised that. They wanted to reach Phenice and there to winter. Phenice as a haven of Crete and was situated toward the south west and north west.
Acts 27 verse 13
And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
Verse 13: The south wind blew softly. They supposed now they gained their purpose. They sailed nearby Crete. They thought that they had made it and had almost achieved their goal but then. This we read in the next verse!
Acts 27 verse 14
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
Verse 14: Not long after this there arose a storm wind , a turbulent wind which was called Euroclydon. What is that? A Euroclydon (or in Latin: Euroaquilo) isa cyclonic tempestuous northeast wind which blows in the Mediterranean, mostly in autumn and winter.
Acts 27 verse 15
And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
Verse 15: The ship became a plaything of the wind. They couldn't sail against the wind so they let the boat drive. So hard the wind blowed. It was a storm, a cyclonic tempestuous northeast wind. Every year we have here in the Netherlands also such storms and they can be very destructive. Such was this Euroclydon.
Acts 27 verse 16
And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
Verse 16: They runned under a certain island Clauda. In that time they had a lot of work and could hardly the boat keep well. There was a danger that the boat would sink and all of them would come in the water
Acts 27 verse 17
Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
Verse 17: They feared that they should fall into the quicksands so they strake the sail and were so driven to the coast. The men on board , the mariners were excellent in seamanship. First the skiff must be hauled aboard as quick as possible. Probably also Luke and Paul helped with this. Second the ship must be undergirded with cables or ropes to keep it from going to peices. Third they strake sail and lowered the gear and were driven.
Acts 27 verse 18
And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
Verse 18: Because of the storm and thunder they came to the decision to lighten the ship. This was necessary because they were so tosssed with this storm and thunder. They had no other choice.
Acts 27 verse 19
And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
Verse 19: The third day of the storm and thunder we (that are the marine men, Luke, Aristarchus, Paul) cast out with their own hands: they didn't have a tap at that time to take out what is heavy. No they did it with their own hands and they cast out the tackling of the ship. That were the ship tools
Acts 27 verse 20
And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
Verse 20: Many days appeared no sun nor stars at night. It was only storm and thunder and that layed on them described Luke who was till the end of Paul's life with him. The hope to survive this was gone and they all thought that they should die.
Acts 27 verse 21
But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
Verse 21: After a long abstinence. What does that mean? Probably it was food that they had not eaten. The apostle Paul stood in the midst of them and said to the men: Sirs you had been listening to me and had stayed in Crete what I told you. But you didn't listen and now we have gained this harm and loss. We know that ignoring wise advice is not good. Yet we often do this ourselves in our lives. Why? Because we are human beings, sinners from nature. And then things go wrong.
Acts 27 verse 22
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
Verse 22: The apostle Paul brings good news after telling them that they did wrong not to listen to him. Now he exhorted them to be of good cheer. Good mood! They all should not die in this storm and thunder. Only the ship shall be destroyed. They all will be saved he is telling them. Is that not good news! For sure.
Acts 27 verse 23
For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Verse 23: Paul continued here his speech for the people in the boat. He said that there stood the last night a angel of God who was a messenger. Still they lived under the Acts period when this happened so God worked through miracles and also through angels to bring messages to persons like Paul because the Word of God, the Bible was not complete at that time. Paul said further that he was from God and that he served God.
Acts 27 verse 24
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Verse 24: Paul is saying here in this verse what the angel of God told him: Fear not. Dont be afraid and this is also what God is saying to us: fear not, don't be afraid. So Paul had not to fear because God would bring Paul before Caesar and lo God hath given all of these men to Paul who sailed to Rome.
Acts 27 verse 25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
Verse 25: Sirs Paul said. What a politeness Paul used here and with a lot of joy he said to them: be of good cheer. Have mood! He admonished them because God had given Paul a lot of mood and joy that he and all the men should survive this storm. He Paul said that it shall be even as it was told him.
Acts 27 verse 26
Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
Verse 26: We will come on a certain island all alive this is what God told me said Paul. This must have been given all the men good mood. These words they could trust. Did they do this? It was very difficult for the most men of that ship to believe it because they weren't believers in Christ except Luke, Aristarchus and Paul what we knew from Gods Word.
Acts 27 verse 27
But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
Verse 27: They were in the 14 th night in the sea of Adria and driven up and down. And about 12 o clock at night the shipmen, the marine men suspect that they drew near to some land.
Acts 27 verse 28
And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
Verse 28: These shipmen sounded and found out that it was 20 fathoms. And when they came further on they sounded again and found 15 fathoms so they came into deep water and that meaned that they come to land.
Acts 27 verse 29
Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
Verse 29: The shipmen were afraid that all of them with the ship should fallen upon rocks. That's why they cast four anchors out of the stern and they wished that it became day.
Acts 27 verse 30
And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,
Verse 30: The shipmen wanted to flee from the ship and so to let down with all the prisoners and other persons left into the sea. And pretending they would have cast anchors out of the foreship because these shipmen were afraid of their lives and didn't care about the other persons who were still in the ship. They thought only of themselves just like a lot of people today. Most people are loving themselves, self centered, they don't care about another. This is what you see in this world and here with the shipwreck 2000 years ago you saw this already. Men are not changed.
Acts 27 verse 31
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
Verse 31: Strong words of the apostle Paul to the centurion and the soldiers. If you not abide in the ship ye cannot be saved and will die in the water. Paul had already said that they all would be saved by God. Not that they would be saved forever but that their lives would be spared.
Acts 27 verse 32
Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
Verse 32: Immediately after this saying of the apostle Paul the soldiers remote the ropes of the boat so that they fall off. The meaning of this was that the boat couldn't anymore sail.
Acts 27 verse 33
And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
Verse 33: And when it became day the apostle Paul begged all the people on board the ship to take meat. He said that 14 days you have not eaten and now I beg you to take some food. This let you see that Paul took the leading over of the ship. The owner and the centurion had taken care about this but they didn't so Paul took this over. He was prisoner and took the full responsibility for this. If you take not food for such a long tie than your condition will deteriorates.
Acts 27 verse 34
Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
Verse 34: So Paul again begged the people on board to take food to eat because it was for their health. Without food longer they should die. And again he said that there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of them. No one should die this means. This is what the Lord had promised Paul in that night.
Acts 27 verse 35
And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
Verse 35: And when Paul had thus spoken he took the bread who was on board the ship. First he thanked God for the food and prayed in the presence of all the men and that were 266 men! We read that in verse 37! So all of these men heard that Paul prayed before the meal and that he had contact with God through this. What a testimony. The apostle Paul was really a example of this. Therefore it is so important to give thanks to God before you take food, a meal. For every meal you have to do it. He brok thus the bread and began to eat
Acts 27 verse 36
Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
Verse 36: This admonishing of Paul had so a good influence on all the men on board the ship that they all became of good mood and they also took some bread to eat. They listened to the apostle Paul and did also what he was saying to them. To listen is difficult in general and the most difficult is to listen en to do.
Acts 27 verse 37
And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
Verse 37: On board the ship Luke tells us that were 266 men. That's a lot and all of them listened to Paul and took bread to eat after a long time of fasting!
Acts 27 verse 38
And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
Verse 38: When they had eaten enough. They satisfied the hunger of so many days. After this they lightened the ship. How? Answer: to cast out the wheat into the sea. It was imposible to save the ship because the ship had become directionless.
Acts 27 verse 39
And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
Verse 39: When it was day they saw the land before them but didn't know which land they saw. They discovered a certain creek with a shore. They minded on that and if it were possible to thrust in the ship
Acts 27 verse 40
And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
Verse 40: In this verse we read that they took up the anchors and committe themselves unto the sea. Losing the rudder band and hoised up the mailsail to the wind and so toward the shore in the hope that this went well.
Acts 27 verse 41
And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
Verse 41: Falling into a place where 2 seas met. The ship ran aground and the front part of the ship got stuck and couldn't remove anymore. But the rear of the ship broke because of the violence of the waves. So the ship broke in 2 pieces.
Acts 27 verse 42
And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
Verse 42: Immediately after the ship broke in 2 pieces the soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners inclusive Paul because they were now afraid that the prisoners would swim out and escape prisonship. To prevent this it was better to kill all the prisoners. This was a evil plan because they had not listened to Paul who had said before that all of these men would survive this shipwreck and would come on land save.
Acts 27 verse 43
But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
Verse 43: But the centurion disagreed with this because his will was to save Paul and kept them from their purpose. He commanded that they which couls swim should cast themselves into the sea and swim to the land. This decision the centurion made was more humane and not what the soldiers had planned to do. Paul was a special man in his eyes and for sure Paul was special and he had to stand for Caesar, the Emperor.
Acts 27 verse 44
And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
Verse 44: A lot of the people could swim. Some of the men not and they came on boards and others on broken pieces (wood) of the ship and sho it came that they all escaped death and all came save on land. 266 men. What a wonder was this and this God accomplished. Because God had promised Paul this that all would come save on land. And so this chapter 27 ended here. You can imagine that all the men were glad that they came safe on land.
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Acts chapter 28
Acts 28 verse 1
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
Verse 1: They all, all the 266 men escaped from the shipwreck. Everyone of them came on land. What a wonder that all of them came safe on land. No one was killed by this storm as Paul had foretold them all. They came on land and knew that the island was called Melita, now Malta. On that island which you see a photo hear below they stranded with the ship and came on land.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 2: Who were the barbarous people here on that island Melita? Answer: it islikely used to describe the Maltese people as foreigners or non-Greeks. These were the inhabitans of that island Malta in that time. They showed all the men, 266 men, a great kindness. Paul had already suffered three shipwrecks. We read in 2 Corinthians 11 verse 25 this:Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
These inhabitans spoke not the language which Paul and the other prisoners inclusive the Roman soldiers, Luke and Aristarchus and marine men spoke but they cared about them. What did they do? They kindled a fire and received them every one because of the rain and the cold on that day. The circumstances of the weather were very bad but these inhabitans were so hospitable! It didn't matter for these inhabitans whether the survivors of the shipwreck were soldiers, sailors, passengers or even prisoners. All these men were in distress and needed help. A sort kind of first aid these inhabitans of Melita granted. This was the first comfort they had enjouyed for fourteen days and night and doubt of their lives and anxiety they stood there all probably in tears of grateful relief.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 3: Here you got Paul, one of the prisoners and the most strong man among all the men who survived the shipwreck. He gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire. But the sticks the apostle Paul had gathered for the fire hid a poisenous serpent or viper and that animal came out of the heat and beated the hand of Paul's hand. This was very dangerous what the apostle Paul undergo. Normal this would have resulted in wide spread imflamation and that a person suddenly died from this. What happened furthter on? Read it in the next verse!
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 4: When the inhabitans of the island saw the poisonous beast hanging on Paul's hand they said among themselves that this man is a murderer although he escaped from the wild sea because of the storm now the vengeance came and he will not live but surely die. In Acts 14 verses 11-19 when the people stoned Paul they thought also that he would die but later on he stood on his feat again and they were astonished. And this happened again here at the end of the Acts period. God was with the apostle Paul and the Word of God was not yet complete at that moment so miracles and wonders did happen and we read later that Paul healed also people there on the island who were sick.
Acts 28 verse 5
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Verse 5: But the apostle Paul shook the poisenous serpent, this dangerous beast into the fire. If this should happen to us now we should die because one deep bite from this animal would causes a sudden death. But the apostle Paul shook the animal of his hand and the beast came into the fire and burnt and Paul felt no harm.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 6: The inhabitans of Malta expected when they looked to Paul that he should have swollen or suddenly felled down dead. After a long time they saw no harm come to him. That was amazing and they changed their minds. There was something special to this man that even a poisonous snake would not kill him. Then they said that Paul was a god. Or maybe they have thought that he was a superman.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 7: In the neighbourhood from all these men who had survived the shipwrick there lived the chief man of the island whose name was Publius. Publius received them Luke told us and lodged them 3 days very friendly. There was no shortage of hospitality of this man and the inhabitans of this island.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 8: The father of Publius became sick. He had fever and was sick of a bloody flux. There came blood of him. He layed down on the bed. Paul entered the house where the father of Publius layed down on bed and he prayed. First he prayed to God to heal this man. After that Paul laid his hands on that man and the man was healed by the power of God. What a wonder and wonders and miracles were still valid at the time because Gods Word was not complete and his dealing with Israel His folk was not definitely aside. This is written before Acts 28 verse 28. So miracles, wonders and healings were everyday to see.
Acts 28 verse 9
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
Verse 9: After the father of Publius was healed by the power of God through the hands of the apostle Paul, others who were sick and had diseases heard that and came also to Paul and were just the same healed. The healing of the father of Publius gave them so much impression that they would also be healed by Paul. So Paul through the power of God healed them all. We don't know how much people were healed because the Bible didn't give us a exact number of peopel here who were healed.
Acts 28 verse 10
Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
Verse 10: The inhabitans inclusive Publius honoured Paul and maybe Luke who described this with many honours. We departed. Paul, Luke, Aristarchus and the rest of more than 260 men left the island on a certain day and they were so hospital to them that they laded them things which were necessary for the onward journey to Rome. This could be food, clothes etc.
Acts 28 verse 11
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
Verse 11: After three months Paul, Luke, Aristarchus, the Roman soldiers inclusive the centurion and the other prisoners and men left the island Melita or Malta in a ship that was from Alexandria Egypt. This ship had wintered in the island. The sign of the ship was Castor and Pollux. These are figures of the Greek mytology. They are the sons of Zeus, one of the gods of the Greeks. In this ship they went to Italy.
Acts 28 verse 12
And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
Verse 12: They landed at Syracuse. This was on the island Sicilië and this is Italy. This was on the east side of the island. And they stayed there 3 days which Luke described here in the verse. Below we see the modern Syracusa!
Acts 28 verse 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:
Verse 13: What does it mean and from thence we fetched a compass? Namely they sailed around the corner of the island Sicilie. And after that they came in Rhegium. After this they sailed one day because the wind came from the south and the came in Putuoli. This was the mainland Italy. Rhegium we see below here now.
Acts 28 verse 14
Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
Verse 14: In Putuoli they met brethren in the Lord. That was a really special meeting between Paul, Luke and Aristarchus with these brethren. They begged them to stay with them seven days. They did and after that they went to Rome.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 15: From Rome the brethren heard about Paul's, Luke's and Aristarchus coming to Rome so they came to meet them on the Appii forum. and the three Taverns. And when Paul saw them he thanked God and took courage or mood. He was glad to see them over whom he had heard en a lot of them he describes in the letter to the Romans.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 16: This is really special brothers and sisters. They came to Rome safe and well and Paul inclusive, one of the prisoners. The prisoners the centurion delivered them to the captain of the guard. What happened with them we don't know. The Bible don't tell us but it wasn't good if you were a prisoner under the Roman Empire. Most of them were killed by the Romans: This was often done by strangulation, in other cases the prisoners were starved to death. But Paul was suffered to dwell by himself. He could live by himself. That was very unique. But a soldier kept him, he was under house arrest.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 17: Paul himself called the chief of the Jews together. They came to him and he told them this with great politeness saying: Men and brethren. He called them his brethren. To the flesh they were as he was Jews. He said that he committed nothing against the people, the Jews, or the customs of the fathers. He told them that he said nothing wrong and yet he was a prisoner from the Romans and he was delivered from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. He was a innocent man. He hadn't commit a crime. That's why it was so unfair.
The photo here below is the probably the house which Paul rented the 2 years of his imprisonment in Rome
Acts 28 verse 18
Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
Verse 18: Who. To whom is Paul speaking? To the Romans who examined him like Festus and also king Agrippa. They had the intention to let Paul free (let me go) because there was no cause of death in him. He was a innocent man and ought not to be a prisoner of Rome but he was a prisoner after all.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 19: But the Jews, the authorities of the Jews inclusive the high priest spoke against this because they hated what Paul preached namely about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and that He is the Savior: the glory of the cross I Corinthians 15:3-4 and over the eternal hope etc. This was what they hated and that's why they wanted to kill him. So he was constrained to appeal unto Caesar. Paul said here that he not had ought to accuse his nation. This is what he said to the Jews whom he invited in his hired house.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 20: For this cause therefore. Which cause? For the hope of Israel: the eternal life in Christ! For this he called them and wanted to share this with them and speak with them and for this he was in bounds. He became a prisoner for this. The unbelieving Jews sought their own righteousness and didn't want to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ Who could save them all. And still He is the Savior today. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you cannot save yourself from your sins, from eternal death. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou my dear reader you are saved by His Grace, by His Faith in Him alone and will have eternal life in Him. Accept Him as personal Savior. Accept that He died for your sins, in your place on the cross and that He is risen for your righteousness. I Corinthians 15:3-4.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 21: These Jews who Paul had invited in his place said to him that they never received letters of Judea concerning him that the Jews there would kill him because of the hope of Israel: eternal life in Christ, the resurrection. Neither that anyone of the brethren that came from Judaea spoke harm of Paul. This was strange! It looked this whole history wherefore Paul was in prison was forgotten. No one of these Jews who spoke on that moment knew about what had happened in the past.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 22: They never received letter out of Judaea concerning Paul and no one spoke harm of him but they desired to hear from him what his thoughts were. Paul and men who were with him was a sect they said to him. And this sect they said everywhere we came it was spoken against.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 23: The next step was that they had appointed him a day. So many of the Jews came to his lodging to hear of him. Paul expounded and testified of the kingdom of God. Which kingdom he was speaking here? The heavenly kingdom Paul is speaking of. He spoke to them and expounded and testfied them about the Lord Jesus Christ that they may to believe in Him. Both out of the law and out of the prophets. This was not one hour he did this. No, it was from morning till evening. Probably it was very early in the morning. Most people are at that moment fresh and can comprehend things better than in the evening. To hear preaching the whole day that was a long time!
Acts 28 verse 24
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
Verse 24: Some of these Jews who were there in the lodging of the apostle Paul and heard the Word of God, the things which were spoken believed the Word of God and some of the people didn't believe.
Acts 28 verse 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,
Verse 25: The Jews who were there and had listenened to the Word of God Paul spoke to them weren't agree among themselves. A lot of devisions of thoughts among them. So they departed after Paul had spoken one word from the prophet Esaias unto the fathers, the forefathers of these Jews. The apostle Paul repeats this word of Esaias because on that moment it was still actual.
Acts 28 verse 26
Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
Verse 26: In this verse we read exactly what the prophet Isaias preached: Go unto this people: hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand. And seeing ye shall see and not perceive: with a lot of attendence. This folk Israel, or these Jews didn't want to listen to God and seek their own righteousness.
Acts 28 verse 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.
Verse 27: The heart of this people: that is Israel, is more bigger than before. Their ears are dull of hearing. They are deaf to hear. They have clesed their eyes. They are blind and don't see and deaf. To understand with the heart they do not do. That they go back to God and that is conversion so God could heal them. Definitely God's dealing with his people, Israel, stopped here at the end of the Acts period.
Acts 28 verse 28
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Verse 28: Because you as folk Israel didn't want to listen to God. Now God is sending salvation in Christ unto the Gentiles and they will hear the living Word of God. They as folk at this verse were definitely under this Dispensation of Grace set aside. God is not dealing with them as folk from this verse on. Now everyone individually can be a member of the Body of Christ through the Lord Jesus Christ's finished work! Now it is the Body of Christ, the heavenly Church and Christ as |Head of that Church and we the members of that Church.
Acts 28 verse 29
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
Verse 29: When the apostle Paul told them these words of the prophet Isaias about the folk Israel, about the Jews; the Jews who had come to Paul to listen to him and to the Word of God departed him. There was a great reasoning among themselves. That means there was a lot of disagreements among themselves that they twisted with each other. Never they had such a reasoning/twisting among themselves then at that time.
Acts 28 verse 30
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
Verse 30: Paul moved to his own hired house and for 2 years he dwelt in that house. Receiving all who wished to visit him. Freely he could invite people and tell them about the Gospel of the Grace of God. In that time he was used by God also to establish a group of saints in the palace of the Emperor. In Philippians 1:12 and 13 we read: But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And in Philippians 4: 22 we read: All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
Acts 28 verse 31
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Verse 31: Paul preached about the kingdom of God. In Acts 1 verse 3 we read the following words: To whom also He shewed Himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: The Lord Jesus Christ is speaking here about the Kingdom of God. Is that the same kingdom Paul is preaching here? No the Lord was speaking here about the kingdom of God which would be established on earth and Paul is speaking about the heavenly kingdom of God. God's present work of Grace through the Lord Jesus Christ is not the fulfillment of prophecy among the Gentiles. This awaits a future day when Israel is saved and the Gentiles find salvation through them. His present work is called this mystery among the Gentiles and the riches of His glory Colossians 1:27. This is what Paul preached. |Read also Romans 16 verses 25 and 26. And so here ended the Book of Acts.
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