Acts 28:30
Sunday, 30 June 2024
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, Acts 28:30
The Greek more literally reads, “And Paul remained a whole biennium in a personal rental, and welcomed all coming unto him” (CG).
In the previous verse, it was seen that as the Jews departed Paul’s house, they had a disputation among themselves. That leads into the next verse which leaves out Paul’s name in some manuscripts. For example, the ESV reads –
“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him.” ESV
Other than that, the various manuscripts generally agree. And so, after the Jews departed, this verse commences, beginning with, “And Paul remained a whole biennium.”
The word dietia is used for the second and last time here. It was seen first in Acts 24:27. It signifies a period of two years. A single English word to describe it is biennium. However, the Greek word is defined by Strong’s Concordance, saying, “according to ancient practice this means any period between one and two years.”
Therefore, Luke includes the word holos, whole, to ensure that a full biennium is what is being conveyed. As holos is the etymological root of our modern word “whole,” the translation “whole biennium” is as literal as one can get.
Of this time frame, it next lets us know that Paul remained “in a personal rental.” Again, we have words that are exactingly translated from the Greek idiō misthōmati. The word idios is an adjective signifying “one’s own.” Thus, a single adjective to translate would be “personal.” The next word, misthóma, is only found here in Scripture. It signifies a rented house or a hired dwelling. Thus, the single word “rental” fits perfectly.
Luke’s use of words tells us that while awaiting his trial, Paul rented his own place. He wanted to have the liberty of engaging with others in a decent accommodation. This is reflected in the nex
Acts 28:29
Saturday, 29 June 2024
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. Acts 28:29
More literally, it reads, “And he, having said these, the Jews departed, having much disputation among themselves” (CG).
In the previous verse, Paul proclaimed to the Jews who had heard his presentation of Christ Jesus, “Therefore, be it known to you that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear” (CG).
Now, Luke records, “And he, having said these, the Jews departed.”
This verse is omitted in some manuscripts, and it is missing from some modern translations because of that (such as the ESV). Doctrinally, it doesn't change anything either way.
However, if it belongs in the Bible, and it seems unlikely that such a verse would be arbitrarily added, it shows that some Jews were convinced of the truth of the matter concerning Christ, or they at least wanted to search out the matter further. That is indicated in the next words, “having much disputation among themselves.”
In this clause is a word found only here in Scripture, suzétésis. It is a noun referring to a disputation or a mutual questioning. These Jews found themselves questioning what Paul had shown them from Scripture and there was not an agreement fully decided among them.
Such a dispute would lead, as it always did, to a dividing of the people. There would be some coming to salvation while others continued on the path to condemnation. As Romans 11:5 says that there is a remnant of Jews saved by grace, and as Romans was written for the maintenance of the entire Gentile-led church age, then it remains true that the Jews have not been rejected entirely.
The dispute among them remains to this day, but the movement of the Spirit among the Jews is expanding almost exponentially. The truth of salvation through the shed blood of Christ is finally taking deep roots among His long-wayward people. Healing for the nation is coming and C
Acts 28:30
Sunday, 30 June 2024
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, Acts 28:30
The Greek more literally reads, “And Paul remained a whole biennium in a personal rental, and welcomed all coming unto him” (CG).
In the previous verse, it was seen that as the Jews departed Paul’s house, they had a disputation among themselves. That leads into the next verse which leaves out Paul’s name in some manuscripts. For example, the ESV reads –
“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him.” ESV
Other than that, the various manuscripts generally agree. And so, after the Jews departed, this verse commences, beginning with, “And Paul remained a whole biennium.”
The word dietia is used for the second and last time here. It was seen first in Acts 24:27. It signifies a period of two years. A single English word to describe it is biennium. However, the Greek word is defined by Strong’s Concordance, saying, “according to ancient practice this means any period between one and two years.”
Therefore, Luke includes the word holos, whole, to ensure that a full biennium is what is being conveyed. As holos is the etymological root of our modern word “whole,” the translation “whole biennium” is as literal as one can get.
Of this time frame, it next lets us know that Paul remained “in a personal rental.” Again, we have words that are exactingly translated from the Greek idiō misthōmati. The word idios is an adjective signifying “one’s own.” Thus, a single adjective to translate would be “personal.” The next word, misthóma, is only found here in Scripture. It signifies a rented house or a hired dwelling. Thus, the single word “rental” fits perfectly.
Luke’s use of words tells us that while awaiting his trial, Paul rented his own place. He wanted to have the liberty of engaging with others in a decent accommodation. This is reflected in the nex
Acts 28:28
Friday, 28 June 2024
“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” Acts 28:28
More literally, it reads, “Therefore, be it known to you that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear” (CG).
Paul just completed citing the words of Isaiah, noting the hardened state of the Jewish nation. A time will come when they will hear the gospel, but at this time, they are in a state where they are unwilling – as a nation – to accept it. Therefore, Paul next says, “Therefore, be it known to you.”
He is speaking to his people, the Jews who had come to hear his words as was recorded in the previous verses. They had asked to hear Paul on the subject, he appointed a day for them to come and meet, and he had spent the entire day going over the evidence that Jesus is the Messiah. However, they could not mutually agree on his words.
It was because of this that he cited his words of Isaiah to them. With that done, he continues his words to them now, saying, “that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles.”
Unlike many translations, the tense of the verb is aorist, not present. Paul has been proclaiming the message of Jesus to the Gentiles for years. He would continue to do so as well. With that stated, he next changes to the future tense, saying, “and they will hear.”
The message was sent. Paul knows personally that they had received it openly. However, he also knows that even in the future, the Gentiles will hear and respond. This then is set in parallel to his citation of Isaiah in the previous verse –
And I will heal them [the Jewish nation].
And they will hear [the Gentiles].
God’s plan will come about for both Jew and Gentile. His foreknowledge of these matters is on prominent display.
Understanding that the Jews were now going to be healed of their stubborn refusal, a “healing” which would mean being cut off from God’s family and me
Acts 28:27
Thursday, 27 June 2024
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.” Acts 28:27
A literal rendering of the Greek is:
“For has fattened, the heart of this people,And the ears, sluggishly they hear,And their eyes, they have closed – Lest when the eyes: they should see,And the ears: they should hear,And the heart: they should understand,And they should turn.And I will heal them” (CG).
Paul began citing Isaiah in the previous verse. He continues citing the prophet now. He begins with, “For has fattened, the heart of this people.”
The word heart is singular. The nation had a national fattening of its collective heart. The word he uses is seen for the second and last time, pachunó. It signifies to fatten, thicken, and thus become stupid, dull, and/or unfeeling.
In Scripture, the heart is the seat of reason and understanding. HELPS Word Studies says, “the affective center of our being" and the capacity of moral preference (volitional desire, choice; see P. Hughs, 2 Cor, 354); ‘desire-producer that makes us tick’ (G. Archer), i.e our ‘desire-decisions’ that establish who we really are.”
Israel’s collective heart, which controlled their very center of being, had grown fat like a man about to keel over from a heart attack in a moral sense. This was true at the time of Isaiah, but Paul says that it continued to be true in them those many hundreds of years later.
Next, it says, “And the ears, sluggishly they hear.” It is a word used for the second and last time in the New Testament, bareós. It signifies heavily or with difficulty or something done in a sluggish manner.
The words are still speaking of the people of Israel collectively, as if they had two ears. Their hearing became heavy, like a person who was sleepy and
Acts 28:26
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
saying,‘Go to this people and say:
“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;
And seeing you will see, and not perceive; Acts 28:26
The Greek more closely reads, “saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “News you will hear and not understand. And seeing you will see and not perceive.”’” (CG).
Because the Jews couldn’t agree among themselves, even after Paul had shown them the truth of Jesus being the Messiah right from their own Scriptures, Paul had told them that the Holy Spirit had rightly spoken to the fathers through Isaiah. Luke next records the words of Isaiah that Paul uttered.
The quote is pretty much verbatim from the Greek translation of Isaiah 6:9, 10. It is cited in Matthew (13:13), Mark (4:12), and Luke (8:10) as a quote from Jesus. It is also cited by John (12:40) to explain why Jesus’ ministry was rejected by Israel. It was not He who had failed them, but they who had rejected Him. As for the quote, Luke records it, beginning with, “saying, ‘Go to this people and say.”
Notice the words don’t say, “Go to MY people and say.” At the time of Isaiah, the Lord was speaking to the prophet about their continued rebellion against Him. This was still true in Paul’s time.
The words of Hosea had come true in the past and they had once again been fulfilled in their rejection of Christ (see Hosea chapter 1). Israel was rejected because they first rejected Him. The prophets of old had spoken to Israel, calling them to repentance, but they refused to heed. Thus, they were exiled.
When in His covenant mercy they were returned, they had the words of the prophets who all spoke of the coming Christ. They then had His incarnation, His ministry, His cross, and His resurrection. And yet, as a collective whole, they had once again rejected their God. They were now lo-ammi, NOT MY PEOPLE, because they were no longer His people; and they were lo-ruhamah, NO MERCY, because they would no longer receive Hi
Acts 28:25
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, Acts 28:25
A more literal translation is, “And being non-symphonic with one another, they were departing, Paul having said one word, ‘That rightly the Holy Spirit spoke through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,’” (CG).
In the previous verse, and without indicating whether any actually believed Paul’s words in their hearts, it said, “And these, indeed, were persuaded these by speakings, and those disbelieved.”
There were some who were persuaded Paul’s analysis was correct, whether they believed or not. On the other hand, there were those who simply disbelieved. The state of these people is next described by Luke, saying, “And being non-symphonic with one another.”
It is an adjective found only here in Scripture, asumphónos. It is derived from the negative particle a and the adjective sumphónos, to be harmonious or agreeable. One can see the etymological root of the word symphony in it. With the negative particle beginning it, the word thus indicates “non-symphonic.”
Not agreeing among themselves seems to point to more than just happily agreeing to disagree. Instead, it shows a complete schism between the two that necessitates the next words of Paul which come as “they were departing.”
The verb is imperfect showing that the day is winding down and the people are getting ready to leave, all the while disagreeing with one another. Therefore, Luke continues, saying, “Paul having said one word, ‘That rightly the Holy Spirit spoke through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers.’”
Some texts say, “your fathers.” Paul, not including himself in this thought seems hard to imagine, but either way, he – acting just as Moses and the prophets after him – proclaims the word of the Lord to the stubborn and rebellious people of Israel.
In th
Acts 28:24
Monday, 24 June 2024
And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. Acts 28:24
A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And these, indeed, were persuaded these by speakings, and those disbelieved” (CG).
In the previous verse, the Jews came to where Paul was staying, and he spent the entire day persuading those listening concerning Jesus. He did this right from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Now Luke records the results. He says, “And these, indeed, were persuaded by these speakings.”
Luke uses the same word just used in the previous verse and translated as “persuading.” Paul actively attempted to persuade his audience. The verb here is passive and is rightly translated as “were persuaded” rather than simply “believed.”
They went through a process of hearing the word of God and then being persuaded by what they heard. From there, Luke then records the state of the others with the words, “and those disbelieved.”
The verb is now active, and so, “...some were persuaded, and some disbelieved." The context tells us that this was a voluntary act of free will to search out what is being conveyed concerning the message of Christ. And being persuaded still does not mean believing. If it did, the verb would have been active.
Paul reasoned with them, and they were persuaded that his conclusions were correct, but that does not mean that they accepted them. They could have said, “Yes, these Scriptures clearly indicate that what Paul says is correct, we just don’t believe the Scriptures.” Once information is conveyed, it has to be processed and then it is decided whether it will be trusted or not.
Thus, what Paul says in Romans 10:17 is borne out, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” After this verse, nothing is said about any of these Jews actually believing. In fact, Paul’s words seem to imply that none did.
There were some who were persuaded and some who s
Acts 28:23
Sunday, 23 June 2024
So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:23
A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And, having appointed him a day, they came – many – to him to the accommodation, to whom he set forth, fully testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets from morning until evening” (CG).
In the previous verse, the Jews told Paul that they wanted to hear from him about his sect, knowing that it was spoken against everywhere. Having requested this, it next says, “And, having appointed him a day, they came.”
Paul probably happily agreed to have a chance to tell of his faith. In fact, he was probably overjoyed at the prospect of it. Instead of just telling people to come by at will though, a day was appointed for them to meet and to bring any who would be willing to listen. On that day, it says “many” came.
The word translated as many is pleión. It is a comparative form that would be typified by the use of “er” on a word. If one said, “they were great in number,” it would mean they were “greater in number.”
In essence, it means that more than was anticipated actually showed up. It is the same thing as has been seen at other times. When Paul was to talk about the coming of Christ, the halls would be filled for the first gathering. A good example of this is the account in Acts 13:42-48. Of this multitude in Rome, it says they came “to him to the accommodation.”
This is a new word, xenia. It is found only here and in Philemon 1:22. It is derived from xenos, signifying foreign or a stranger. Thus, xenia signifies hospitality which then gives the sense of an accommodation. When this great number had arrived, Paul then began to convey his message. As Luke
Acts 28:22
Saturday, 22 June 2024
“ But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” Acts 28:22
A bit more literally, “And we deem it worthy to hear from you what you think, indeed, for concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is contradicted” (CG).
In the previous verse, the Jews let Paul know that they had not received any letters from Judea nor any bad reports from those who traveled from there. Now, they next show their curiosity about Paul’s message, saying, “And we deem it worthy to hear from you what you think.”
These leaders had heard about the message of Christianity and they wanted to hear it explained by the person who seemed to be the main voice behind it. This was probably more interesting to them now that they had heard the Jews in Jerusalem were after him.
Seeing the chain around him and a guard standing right there made it a true point of curiosity that they wanted to see satisfactorily resolved in their own minds. And so they continue, saying, “indeed, for concerning this sect.”
They especially deem it worthy to hear what Paul thinks because they use the same term, hairesis, as was used by the lawyer Tertullus during Paul’s trial. It is the root of the modern word heresy, but this is not the intent at Paul’s time. It deals with the matter of a personal choice within the confines of the overall religion. Hence, there were sects of Pharisees and sects of Sadducees, etc.
In Paul’s case, he was of the sect known as the Christians, specifically followers of Jesus. The term Christian comes from the Greek word signifying Christ which bears the same meaning as the Hebrew word Messiah. Both mean Anointed One.
In Israel, there were many “messiahs,” over their history. Therefore, one needed to know specifically who was being heralded as the Messiah. Paul proclaimed Jesus. Of Paul’s sect, the Jews next say, “it is known to us that everywh
Acts 28:21
Friday, 21 June 2024
Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. Acts 28:21
A literal reading says, “And they said to him, ‘We neither received letters concerning you from Judea nor any of the brothers having come reported or said anything evil concerning you’” (CG).
Paul just finished explaining why he had called the Jews to meet with him. During that time, he noted that the Jews spoke against him and his message. In response to this, Luke records, “And they said to him, ‘We neither received letters concerning you from Judea.’”
It may seem surprising that it appears from their words that the leaders in Jerusalem simply gave up on the attempt to kill him. However, it would be contrary to their existence to be caught attempting to have a Roman citizen killed in Rome itself, especially over a religious matter.
Further, they may never have expected Paul to even call upon the Jews in Rome. As he was bound as a prisoner, they may have assumed that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to even make a case among the Jews of the dispersion.
No matter what, they were more concerned about their own dealings in Israel and in Jerusalem than they were with what went on in the nations. This is evident because these Jews continue, saying, “nor any of the brothers having come reported or said anything evil concerning you.”
It would be hard to imagine no Jews had arrived from Jerusalem over the past months, and yet nobody showed up at the synagogue to speak badly about Paul or the Christian message that was being carried to the nations.
But their words seem to mean that, apparently, Jews had arrived since Paul’s voyage began, and it may be that they had even talked about Paul, but not in a negative way. About him, there was no word of either caution or concern, even if there was talk about his faith. It is this to which these Jews will nex
Acts 28:20
Thursday, 20 June 2024
“For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” Acts 28:20
A literal reading says, “For this cause, therefore, I called you – to see and to speak – because for the hope of Israel, this chain surrounds me” (CG).
Paul had just told the Jews visiting him in his confinement that he was compelled to appeal to Caesar even though he had no accusation against his nation. Now, he continues, saying, “For this cause, therefore, I called you.”
This is based on verse 17 where it says he called the leaders of the Jews. A message would have been sent to the local synagogue imploring them to come and consult with him. That is seen in the next words which are briefly stated, “to see and to speak.”
The words are certainly to be taken as personal. He didn’t want to send a letter or have a messenger convey his words to them. Rather, he wanted to look them in the eyes, see their faces, and carry on a dialogue with them.
What he had to say was something that would naturally elicit questions from his listeners. To send a letter or a messenger who would speak out the substance of Paul’s word would only lead to many back-and-forth trips. Instead, by meeting with them, he would cut all of that out. He would also remove any chance of misperception of his words. When a question arose, he could answer it right then and there.
And so, he tells them the substance of why he called them in this manner, saying, “because for the hope of Israel, this chain surrounds me.”
Paul explicitly states the reason for having called them together. He had been sent to Rome as an innocent man who appealed for his right to exercise his faith which was recognized by Rome, but not by his own countrymen.
In order to reveal the substance of his faith he speaks of the hope of Israel. It is a term explicitly stated twice by Jeremiah, in Jeremiah 14:8 and 17:13.
Acts 28:19
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
“But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation Acts 28:19
A bit more literally, “And the Jews, contradicting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar – not as having something charged against my nation.” (CG).
Paul, speaking to his countrymen in Rome, just noted that the Romans found nothing to charge Paul with and wanted to let him go. Now, his words continue, saying, “And the Jews, contradicting.”
Still sticking to the main facts only, Paul gives the reason why he was in Rome bound in chains and facing a trial before Caesar. It is because the Jews, meaning the leaders of the Jews, spoke against the proclamation of innocence which had been rendered by the Roman authorities.
This caused a problem for the governor who wanted to have harmony with those under his jurisdiction. This exchange was recorded in Acts 25 –
“But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?’10 So Paul said, ‘I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. 11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.’12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, ‘You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!’” Acts 25:9-12
Paul now recalls these facts for the ears of those in Rome, saying, “I was compelled to appeal to Caesar.”
The request of the Jews left him with no choice but to appeal to Rome. He doesn’t explain the details at this time, but the brevity is all that is needed for the purpose of the meeting. His delicacy concerning this matter becomes evident though as he conti
Acts 28:18
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
“who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. Acts 28:18
A more literal rendering would be, “Who, having examined me, wanted to release, because nota reason of death being in me” (CG).
In the previous verse, Paul began his personal defense concerning his situation with the Jews in Jerusalem in his conversation with the Jews in Rome, noting that he was delivered into the hands of the Romans. Having said that, he now continues with, “Who, having examined me.”
This is a brief summary of a line of examinations, one leading to another over the course of two years. But even without all of the details, it would be obvious that the Romans would have done a thorough job checking out the facts of the matter. However, even after this, they “wanted to release.”
Immediately following the words of his betrayal by his own countrymen, Paul acknowledges that the Romans had nothing worthy of charging him and releasing him would be the appropriate thing to do.
This again shows that what was found worthy of punishment by Jerusalem, meaning a matter of Jewish law, was not considered as such by Rome. Rome found his actions in accord with the freedom of religious expression granted to the Jews. In short, his faith was considered a subsect of Judaism and was religio licita.
In review, this included Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. All had interrogated him, and all had been in agreement concerning his status. His innocence before Rome while being hounded by the Jews parallels that of Jesus, such as in Luke 23:4 & 14. Paul next says that their wanting to release him was “because nota reason of death being in me.”
The word translated as “nota” literally means “not one.” Therefore, nota is a single word to match the intent. There was not a single charge made against him that was sufficient for him to receive capital punishment, even if the Jews demanded that it sho
Acts 28:17
Monday, 17 June 2024
And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, Acts 28:17
The Greek more closely reads, “And it was, after three days, Paul called together those being leaders of the Jews. And they, having come together, he said to them ‘I – men, brothers – having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans’” (CG).
In the previous verse, it noted that Paul was delivered with the prisoners to the captain of the guard. From there, he was permitted to dwell by himself with a soldier guarding him. Now that he is in his accommodations but in bonds and guarded, it next says, “And it was, after three days.”
This is probably stated to show that he gave full attention to the Christians who so honorably greeted him before calling together the Jews. He spent enough time with them to get to know them, talk about all that had happened, and to answer any questions that they may have had. Now it was time to address his brothers according to the flesh. And so, it next says, “Paul called together those being leaders of the Jews.”
It was shown in Acts 18:2 that Claudius had expelled the Jews from Rome, but that order had been allowed to lapse and the Jews had returned. Those who were the leaders were specified to come and meet with him.
The reason was certainly at least twofold. First, he would present them with the gospel, and he would also defend this stand for his faith as a believing Jew which resulted in his chains. Therefore, Luke next records, “And they, having come together, he said to them ‘I – men, brothers – having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers.
Acts 28:16
Sunday, 16 May 2024
Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. Acts 28:16
The NKJV is just a tad off in the tense of the final verb: “And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the army. And Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him” (CG).
In the previous verse, those in the church at Rome came out a day’s journey to meet him as he was entering the city. Now, the narrative continues with, “And when we came to Rome.”
The promise and prophecy of the Lord found in Acts 27:11 has been realized –
“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”
With him having safely arrived, even if as a prisoner, Luke next notes that “the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the army.”
Here is another word found only once in Scripture, stratopedarches. It is derived from stratopedon, an encamped army, and archo, to reign or rule.
Of note is that the name Julius was only mentioned in Acts 27:1 and 27:3. Other than that, he is called the centurion. The reason may be that this book may have been written for the purpose of being an official record of the establishment of Christianity within the parameters of Judaism.
As Judaism was officially sanctioned by Rome, then if Christianity was considered under the umbrella of Judaism, it would also be considered a religion sanctioned by Rome. In order to keep any hint of impropriety away from the actions of Julius, such as giving too much favoritism or privilege to Paul, his name is carefully left out of the record.
It could even be that after such a long time together with Paul, he became a believer himself. If so, then that could possibly cast a negative light on his dealings w
Acts 28:15
Saturday, 15 June 2024
And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Acts 28:15
The Greek is much more literally translated as, “And from there, the brothers, having heard these concerning us, came out to our meeting unto Appii Forum and Three Taverns – whom, Paul having seen, having thanked God, took courage” (CG).
In the previous verse, Paul and his companions stayed in Puteoli for seven days and then came to Rome. Now, in explanation of that, it says, “And from there, the brothers, having heard these concerning us.”
Apparently, notification had been sent during their stay at Puteoli about the coming of Paul with details as to when he would arrive. In what is obviously eager anticipation, the church at Rome came out en masse as if welcoming a great hero of battle or government. Paul and those with him arrived in the outskirts of Rome and those awaiting him “came out to our meeting unto Appii Forum and Three Taverns.”
The reason why they would have gone no further than this is that he could have arrived by either canal or by road. Without being certain, this would be the point where the two met and they were sure to meet up with him.
This spot is said to be around 50 miles from Rome and is called this because of Appius Claudius who made the route from Rome to there. Hence, it is called the Appian Way. At that spot, there was a statue set up in his honor.
Such a place which had a statue set in this manner would be called by the Romans fora. Hence, we use the term Appii Forum. Others came as far as the Three Inns, or the Three Taverns.
This was a bit closer to Rome, about 33 miles from it. It could be that these came less distance because of age, because of work, or because of some other reason. However, all of them came a full day’s travel to welcome the man who had written to them the “Constitution of Christianity”
Acts 28:14
Friday, 14 June 2024
where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. Acts 28:14
The NKJV needs to be tweaked, “Where, having found brothers, we were called upon them to remain seven days. And so, to Rome, we came” (CG).
The previous verse revealed the travel from Rhegium to Puteoli. The narrative in Puteoli now begins with, “Where, having found brothers.”
Some scholars dismiss these brothers as being only brothers of Paul, meaning Jews. However, Luke is the author of this letter and the “we” clearly indicates that this is inclusive of himself.
Therefore, these were Christians who had already spread out as far as this city of Italy. In Hebrews 13:24, we read, “Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.”
If this was speaking of the church at Rome, it probably would have said so. In other words, “Those from Rome greet you.” For this reason, it is more than likely that these are believers who are being referred to.
Further, it only says “brothers,” not “the brothers.” In other words, it appears that upon their arrival, they didn't know that there were Christians there. Having found them, it next says, “we were called upon them to remain seven days.”
Somehow Paul and the others found out that these were fellow believers. They were greeted by them, and then they were called upon to stay a full week with them. This is the same length of time that they stayed at both Troas (20:6) and Tyre (21:4).
It appears that Julius the centurion had no problem allowing the additional time which was probably intended to allow at least one and maybe two Sunday gatherings with these Christians. It also may be that, as previously speculated, Julius himself may have been a convert.
With a week of fellowshipping with them, it next says, “And so, to Rome, we came.”
Some translations, along with the NKJV, say that they went toward Rome. Most versi
Acts 28:13
Thursday, 13 June 2024
From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, Acts 28:13
A more literal translation is, “From where, having gone around, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, having come upon an Auster, the second day we came to Puteoli” (CG).
Luke just noted that they had landed at Syracuse and stayed three days. Now, the journey to Rome continues with, “From where, having gone around.”
The words “from where” refer to Syracuse which is on the southeast corner of Sicily. Leaving that port, they had to make a bit of a sweeping motion. Of the words, “having gone around,” the KJV says, “And from thence we fetched a compass.” The Berean Study Bible says, “From there we weighed anchor.”
It is generally accepted that the Greek term is speaking of making a circuitous route around Sicily. As Syracuse is on the southeast corner of the island, and they need to head northward to the Italian peninsula, they set sail and worked off the coast of Sicily to reach their destination.
It was probably a west or a northwest wind at this time and this caused them to head out to sea in order to catch the winds while traveling north. Thus, one gets the idea of circling around, or going around, instead of traveling straight to their destination. From there, it next says, “we arrived at Rhegium.”
Rhegium, now known as Reggio, is on the southwest extremity of the toe of Italy. According to Wikipedia, Reggio “commonly and officially referred to as Reggio Calabria, or simply Reggio by its inhabitants, is the largest city in Calabria as well as the seat of the Regional Council of Calabria. It has an estimated population between 150,000 and 200,000 and is the twenty-first most populous city in Italy, after Modena and other Italian cities, and the 100th most populated city in Europe. Reggio Calabria is located near the center of the Mediterranean and is known for it
Acts 28:12
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. Acts 28:12
The verb is an aorist participle, “And having brought down at Syracuse, we stayed three days” (CG).
In the previous verse, Paul and those with him departed Malta after having been there for three months. Luke continues this next leg of the journey, beginning with, “And having brought down.”
Departing on a ship is to go up to the high seas. When arriving at a new destination, one comes down again. The ship was brought down from the sea “at Syracuse.”
Syracuse, or Surakousai in Greek, is a city noted only here in the Bible. It is a city which was made famous during the Peloponnesian war. It was, and still is, a flourishing town of Sicily. It is 92 miles as the crow flies from Malta, but a bit more by boat because it is on the southeast corner of the coast of Sicily.
It can be reached in a bit over a day by boat. Ships bound from Alexandria on their way to Italy frequently put in there. It was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world at this time. They probably stopped there to sell and offload wares and then pick up any other things or travelers for their continued voyage. Today Syracuse has a population of about 125,000.
Once the ship arrived there, Luke next notes that “we stayed three days.” The ship they were on had been at Malta over the winter. If the men were on the same ship when leaving Syracuse, it may be that it took three days to offload cargo and load on other things.
Or it may be that they switched ships to continue their journey to Rome and the first one departing took three days to get a booking on. Luke does not explain the matter either way but simply gives the duration of time they were in Syracuse. After three months on Malta, three days at this location would have flown by.
Life application: Speaking of flying by, the NKJV says the ship was “landing at Syracuse.” Not only is the tense of the verb wrong, but that can hav