August 7, 2022
Acts 28:1-16
“Unstoppable”
Service Overview: All the forces of evil seemed to be working to keep Paul from reaching Rome, but Paul was unstoppable. Not because of anything in himself, but because of who it was that was working in and through him.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
Background Information:
- Acts 27 ends by telling what happened after the ship carrying 276 passengers floundered. When the ship broke up, those who could swim made it to shore on their own. Those who could not swim held onto pieces of wood from the broken ship until they washed up on shore. Just as Paul had prophesied, not a single person onboard the ship lost his life; they all reached the beach alive, if utterly exhausted, cold, and wet. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 376)
- Malta, an island 60 miles south of Sicily and 320 miles from Rome. The islanders there were of Phoenician ancestry and had given the island its name (taken from the Canaanite word for “refuge”). Malta had excellent harbors and was ideally located for trade. Many Roman soldiers retired there. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 447)
- Malta (Melite), on which the ship was wrecked, is an island about 18 miles long and 8 miles wide. It lies 58 miles south of Sicily and 180 miles north and east of the African coast. It had been colonized about 1000 B.C. by Phoenicians, and the vernacular language in Paul’s day was a Punic (Carthaginian) dialect. But in 218 B.C. it was captured by Rome at the start of the Second Punic War waged against Carthage and granted the status of a municipium, which allowed a large measure of local autonomy. (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 563)
- Throughout this passage Luke uses the Greek term barbaroi to refer to the “islanders.” Barbaroi is translated variously, including “natives” (NASB), “rough islanders” (NEB), and “barbarous people” (KJV). But Luke does not mean that they were degraded or uncivilized. To the Greeks any foreigner who could not speak Greek was a barbarian. Later they gave the Romans a certain level of inclusion by redefining “barbarian” as one who could not speak Greek or Latin. (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 9104)
- The twin gods Castor and Pollux on the ship’s figurehead were the heavenly twin sons of Zeus and Leda according to Greek mythology; supposedly they brought good fortune to mariners. If their constellation, Gemini, was seen during a storm it was an omen of good luck. Possibly Luke included this detail to contrast the superstition of the people of Malta, Rome, Greece, and Egypt with Christianity. (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 429)
The question to answer…
What was it that drove Paul through all the hardships he faced in getting the gospel to Rome?
Answer…
Paul’s relentless commitment to, and trust in, God’s power, plan, providence, provision, and mission.
What was it about Paul that made him unstoppable?
- Alignment with God’s will and relentless trust in God’s sovereignty.
(vv. 7-8 | Job 42:2; Ps. 135:6; Prov. 3:5-6; 19:21; Jer. 29:11; Mat. 6:33; Rom. 8:28; 12:1-2; 1 Thes. 4:3; 5:18; 1 John 2:17)
Faith recognizes that God is in control, not man. Faith does it God’s way, in God’s timing—according to His good pleasure. Faith does not take life into its own hands, but in respect and trust places it in God’s. (Kay Arthur, Lord, where are you when bad things happen?, 126)
- A life postured to reflect kingdom priorities.
(vv. 3, 8 | Is. 58:10; Mic. 6:8; Mat. 6:33; 10:7-8; 18:1-5; 25:35-40; Mark 9:35; 10:45; John 18:36; 1 Cor. 4:20; Gal. 5:13; Col. 3:23-24)
After all he had done for the passengers, Paul could well have requested a throne and insisted that everybody serve him! Instead, he did his share of the work and helped gather fuel for the fire. No task is too small for the servant of God who has “the mind of Christ” (Phil. 2:1–13). (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 407)
Paul, who had shown himself such a practical and helpful person on board ship, continued to make himself useful on land. A wood fire out of doors is an excellent thing, but it will soon burn out if it is not fed with fresh fuel. Paul therefore started to gather brushwood to help to keep the fire going. (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Acts, 518)
- A community of faith that served to bolster and support the mission.
(vv. 14-15 | Ps. 96:3; Mat. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2:42-47; Rom. 12:4-5; Eph. 4:15-16; Phil. 2:2; Heb. 10:24-25)
At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged (lit., “received courage,” tharsos; the verb tharseo is used in the LXX of people in distress who were then encouraged; cf. comments on Mark 6:50). At last God was bringing Paul to Rome. And the welcome of fellow believers, whom he had never met, uplifted his soul. (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 430)
Conclusion… What is it that will mark an unstoppable church in the years to come?
A. An attitude and posture toward service that reflects our Savior and Kingdom.
(Is. 58:10-11; Matt. 7:21-23; Acts 20:35; Rom. 15:1-2; Gal. 6:9-10; Phil. 2:2-8; Ja. 2:14-24)
It is only the little man who refuses the little task. (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, 188)
Life presents us with a splendid succession of opportunities to put our faith into practical action. Often our best opportunities to share our faith result from involvement and caring in unspectacular ways for the people we long to introduce to the Savior. We earn the right to be heard. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 352)
B. A relentless trust in God’s sovereign plan, and commitment to the truth he has revealed.
(Ps. 9:10; 40:4; 56:3-4; 119:160; 145:18; Prov. 3:5; Is. 26:3-4; Jer. 17:7-8; John 8:32; 14:6; 17:17; Eph. 6:14; Phil. 4:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 John 3:18)
We must trust God today, and leave tomorrow entirely with him. (Edward McKendree Bounds, The Necessity of Prayer, 18)
It is brave to trust that the God who gave you life in the first place has a good plan in mind, even when everything around you looks like hell. (Lacy Sturm, The Reason, 62)
If I am afraid to speak the truth lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, “You do not understand,” or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other’s highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love. (Amy Carmichael, If, 38)
C. A constant pursuit of aligning our values with God’s.
(Deut. 6:5; Prov. 21:21; Mat. 6:24; 22:37-38; Mark 8:36-37; Luke 12:22-34; John 14:15; Rom. 12:2; Phil.s 2:4; Col. 3:2; 1 Tim. 4:8; 2 Tim. 2:22)
Our world is upside down and we, in the midst of a world that is dominated by Satan, are living for an unseen King. (Donald Grey Barnhouse, Acts, 229)
What we most value, we shall think no pains too great to obtain. (Richard Baxter, The Causes and Danger of Slighting Christ and His Gospel, c. 1645)
[Jesus’] disciples keep the peace by choosing to endure suffering themselves rather than inflict it on others. They maintain fellowship where others would break it off. They renounce all self-assertion, and quietly suffer in the face of hatred and wrong. In so doing they overcome evil with good, and establish the peace of God in the midst of a world of war and hate. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, 113)
Gospel Application…
In what is your trust?
(Psalm 37:39; Matthew 7:21; Mark 16:16; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
Life is a voyage. It has its winds, angry seas, and crises we barely survive. The Lord helps us by trying to keep us out of danger, and He steps in when our own or other’s choices are foolish or careless. The gift of calmness in the turbulent seas of life is given by the Lord who never panics. Why should He? He knows the outcome and the destination. And so do we. Our Rome . . . and beyond that an eternal city called heaven. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 354)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- In what ways can a follower of Jesus be “postured” toward serving the kingdom of Jesus? Is your life postured ready to serve?
- How has the family of Jesus served to impact your faith? In what ways can we support our brothers and sisters in Christ on a regular basis?
- When you think of a supportive Christian community, what do you think of? What are some ways you can play a part in being that kind of community?
- How have you witnessed God’s protection in your life? How have those instances served to bolter your faith? How have they helped encourage others?
Quotes to note…
Acts 28 is the last chapter of the book of Acts, but it is only the last page of the first chapter of church history. The same church that was born in Acts 2 is still alive and dynamically involved in human affairs in the twenty—first century. The book of Acts is God’s unfinished book—and you and I are still writing new pages for the world to read. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 322)
Do not ever think that, when you see sorrow, suffering, or calamity being endured by a person, it is an indication that the person has been very wicked and is now being punished. This is not necessarily so. It may be, like Job, who suffered because he was righteous. (Donald Grey Barnhouse, Acts, 229)
Was Paul the hero of this trip? Luke comes close to portraying him in this role. But Paul, even within this story, would have rejected such human hero worship (see 28:6). Furthermore, Luke wished to portray God as the hero. Look to what lengths God went to insure that his servant reached Rome, the destination. God arranged a free ticket, at Caesar’s expense. God brought a whole ship’s party through a fierce Mediterranean storm. God would not permit the soldiers to kill Paul. God protected Paul from a poisonous snake. Paul’s way was not easy, but it was sure, for God was present and active. We, too, will face storms, but the ruler of the storms travels with us, as well. (Bence, Acts, 5114)
Nothing is said about whether these islanders were Christians; nevertheless, they demonstrated great compassion. Often this is still the case when disasters strike—unbelievers rush to do what they can. And sometimes, unfortunately, the church is dragging behind, too absorbed in its programs and internal affairs to help. As those who do know Christ, we ought to be leaders in the business of neighboring. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 448)
Paul was no god, as they had soon learned. But he was a messenger of the one true God, with good news of life and wholeness in Jesus Christ. In carrying out his God-given commission, Paul gave of himself unstintingly on behalf of people. That they appreciated his ministry is evidenced by their giving him and his colleagues supplies for the rest of their journey. (Longenecker, Acts, 565)
The account of what happened on Malta is further evidence of how the Lord will use everything for His glory and our effectiveness. Paul could have been disgruntled because of this further delay in reaching Rome. Instead he took the disaster in stride. He didn’t sit on the beach grumbling with the survivors about why this difficulty had happened. (Ogilvie, Acts, 351)
At Rome, Paul was allowed to live in private quarters, though a soldier guarded him at all times. The chain he wore (v.20) was probably attached to his wrists. Yet in Luke’s eyes Paul entered Rome in triumph. Through his coming the gospel penetrated official circles in the capital of the empire, and God used his detention there for two years to spread the proclamation of the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the city (cf. vv.30-31). (Longenecker, Acts, 568)