Acts 27

Chap. XXVIII. ver. 1.—the island was called Melita.] It has been the subject of some discussion among the learned, whether this is the island now called Malta, or another in the Adriatick sea, bearing the name of Melita. However, by far the most general opinion is, that the island of Malta is meant. This island is situated in the Mediterranean sea, between Sicily and Africa, but nearer to Sicily, and on the southeastern side of it. It has been celebrated in modern history for having been possessed by the knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who were thence called the knights of Malta. One principal consideration which determines for the island of Malta being intended, is, that St. Paul and his company, after having wintered at Melita, landed at Syracuse (ver. 12, 13) in Sicily, and thence went to Rhegium in Italy. But, if Melita had been the island near the Illyrian coast in the Adriatick sea, the proper course of the ship would have been direct to Rhegium, without touching at Syracuse at all. On the other hand, in a voyage from the present Malta to Italy, it was necessary to pass Syracuse, before they could arrive at Rhegium. In addition to this, constant tradition has pointed to the island of Malta, as the place where St. Paul was shipwrecked. Bp. Pearce, Dr. Wells.

— yet vengeance suffereth not to live.] Vengeance or Divine justice, which was personified by the heathens, and placed among their divinities. Beansobre.

The word rendered “suffereth not” signifies more properly ‘hath not suffered.’ They considered him as in effect a dead man, having been bitten by the venomous creature. Beau.

— with a soldier that kept him.] To whom he was bound by a chain, according to the custom of the Romans, ver. 20. See note at chap. xxvi. 29. St. Paul frequently mentions this chain in his Epistles, Coloss. iv. 18; Phil. i. 7, 13, 16; 2 Tim. ii. 9; Philem. ver. 10, 13. Grotius.

Acts 27:2

2.—the barbarous people] The inhabitants of this island were originally a colony of Phenicians or Carthaginians, and had still their ancient language in use, though mixed, perhaps, with some Roman and Greek words: and it was the custom of the Romans and Greeks to give the name of “barbarians” to those people who spoke a language with which they were not acquainted. Bp. Pearce. —shewed us no little kindness:] These beathens, though called by the name of “barbarians,” proved themselves by their actions to be far superior in point of humanity to many of those who pass for civilized people. Certainly, hospitality to strangers, compassion to persons in distress, are not only amiable qualities as we are men, but are our distinguishing ornaments as we are Christians. Bp. Newton.

Acts 27:3

3.—out of the heat,] Obviously meaning, from among the sticks, when they began to grow warm by the fire. Bp. Pearce.

Acts 27:4

4.—the venomous beast] Rather, ’the venomous animal.’ —No doubt this man is a murderer,] Thus it appears that this barbarous people had some notions of a God and a providence, and of a particular vengeance that was due to murder, and did not fail to pursue it. Indeed there is hardly any nation to be found destitute of some general notions of religion; so careful has God been not to leave Himself without witness. This passage should serve as a caution to us, how we interpret the misfortunes of others as punishments for their sins. As this life is designed only for a state of probation, and the next for a state of retribution; as here men are only placed upon their trial, and hereafter shall receive the reward of their works; it is impossible for us in many cases “to know either love or hatred,” mercy or judgment, “by all that is before us,” Eccles. ix. 1: there may be “just men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked,” Eccles. viii. 14; and there may be “wicked men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous.” Not but temporal punishments are often inflicted upon men for their wickedness; and sometimes we may plainly discern the hand of God in the execution of His judgments. But, generally speaking, we cannot be too cautious and tender in making such reflections: we know too little of men and things, to say for certain what is a judgment, and what is not: there may be mercy in judgment, as there may be judgment in mercy; and it would better become us to err on the modest and charitable side, than on the presumptuous and uncharitable; for presumptuous such conclusions He healeth many diseases in the island. CHAP. XXVIII. His arrival at Rome. Anno DOMINI 62.

Acts 27:5

5. And he shook off the beast &c.] We have here a specimen of that miraculous power which accompanied the Apostles, agreeably to the prediction and promise of our Saviour, Mark xvi. 17, 18. Thus here was not merely a miracle performed, but one which had been signified beforehand by the spirit of prophecy. This miracle was well calculated to awaken the consideration of the people of the island, to convince them that an extraordinary person was come among them, and to procure the greater reverence to his person, and attention to his doctrine. And this, no doubt, with the other miracles which he wrought, contributed greatly to the easier reception of Christianity among them. So wonderfully do all events conspire to the glory of God; and so seasonably was the Apostle preserved in the crisis of imminent danger. Bp. Newton.

Acts 27:6

6. — and said that he was a god.] See an instance of a similar change of sentiments in the common people at chap. xiv. 11, 12, &c. Hercules was worshipped in this island, and the power of curing the bite of serpents was attributed to him. Bp. Pearce, Beansobre.

Acts 27:7

7. — the chief man] The governour of the island. The word in the original is, ’the first man of the people of Melita;’ and it so happens that this very term is used, in an ancient inscription found in the island, to denote the governour. Grotius.

Acts 27:10

10. — honoured us with many honours.] Or ‘presented us with many gifts,’ as is frequently the meaning of the words here in the original. Drs. Lightfoot and Whitby.

Acts 27:11

11. — whose sign was Castor and Pollux.] Meaning

that figures of these two supposed deities were painted on the forepart of the ship; they were thought to be propitious to mariners. Dr. Whitby.

Acts 27:12

12. — Syracuse.] This city, lying on the eastern side of Sicily, was formerly the capital of the island; being a seaport with an excellent harbour. It still bears the same name. Dr. Wells.

Acts 27:13

13. — we fetched a compass.] Meaning that, instead of pursuing a straight course, they kept along the coast of the island of Sicily. Bp. Mann.

— to Rhegium:] A town in that part of Italy which is nearest to Sicily; now called Reggio.

— Puteoli:] Now called Possuoli, a town not far from Naples.

Acts 27:14

14. Where we found brethren.] Puteoli was a city of great trade and commerce; whence it is not surprising that Christian converts should be found there, on account of the resort and concourse of strangers. Dr. Lightfoot.

Acts 27:15

15. — when the brethren heard of us.] By “the brethren” are here meant the Christians that were at Rome. Bp. Mann. As Christianity had now continued twenty-eight years from the ascension of our Lord, and the sound of it had gone through all the world, Rom. x. 18, it is reasonable to suppose that, as it converted Cornelius and his kinsman to the faith, so it would prevail on other Romans in various places; and that, as Rome was a place to which there was a general conflux from all places of the world, it should abound with Christian brethren from various parts. Dr. Whitby.

— Appii forum. — The three taverns:] The former place being about fifty miles from Rome, and the latter about thirty. Dr. Wells.

Acts 27:16

16. — the captain of the guard.] In the Greek, the commander of the camp; probably the officer who commanded the part of the army stationed at Rome, called the Pretorian cohorts. Beansobre.

— was suffered to dwell by himself] This kindness was probably shewn to him, either from the testimony the centurion had given of him, as a good and virtuous

Paul preacheth Christ to the Jews. Their unbelief. Anno DOMINI 63.

Acts 27:17

17. — against the people.] Meaning, against the nation of the Jews. Bp. Mann.

Acts 27:19

19. — not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.] The Apostle acted here as he had before done on similar occasions: he made his first offers in every place to the native or conforming Jews. With that courtesy which always marks his character, he acquaints them with all the circumstances which had led him into his present situation, and asserts his own innocence, without bringing any accusation against his countrymen. Brewster.

Acts 27:20

20. — for the hope of Israel] That is, for preaching the coming of the Messiah, and a future state. Pyle.

Acts 27:22

22. — we know that every where it is spoken against.] We should here observe the strict veracity of the historian, in publishing such an expression of the opponents of Christianity; and his confidence in the truth of the Gospel. Abp. Newcome.

Acts 27:23

23. — testified the kingdom of God.] Testified that the kingdom of God, which they expected, Luke ii. 25, 38; xix. 11, was already come, and persuaded them of the truth of the things which he asserted concerning the birth, life, miracles, &c. of Jesus Christ. He expounded to them what related to these subjects out of the Law and the Prophets, as Christ had done to His disciples after His resurrection, Luke xxiv. 26, 27. Dr. Whitby.

Acts 27:24

24. And some believed—and some believed not.] We cannot possibly have a stronger proof of candour, or less disposition to extol and magnify, than in this declaration of the effect of St. Paul’s preaching to the Jews from morning till evening, on his first arrival at Rome. Archdeacon Fuley.

Acts 27:25

25. — by Esaias the prophet] This passage from Isai. vi. 9, is applied by Christ, and occurs four times in the Gospels, (see the marginal references,) and is once again employed by St. Paul in the Epistle to the Romans, Rom. xi. 8. Dr. Doddridge.

Acts 27:27

27. — and I should heal them.] That is, I should heal their spiritual diseases, (which would be the effect of their conversion:) St. Mark, chap. iv. 12, gives the words, “Lest they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.” Bp. Pearce.

Acts 27:30

30. — dwelt two whole years] Thus this history ends at the twenty-seventh year of St. Paul, after his conversion. Bp. Pearce.

Acts 27:31

31. — Except,—ye cannot be saved.] Meaning that, without the assistance of these men remaining in the vessel, all would be lost. Bp. Mann.

This does not at all contradict the observation which the Apostle made before, that there should be “no loss;” as he implied that God would bless the exertions which should be made. These were the conditions of safety. We have every reason on all occasions to rely on the Divine promise: but we must at the same time remember, that God requires us to do, in all ordinary cases, whatever the abilities which He hath given us will permit. When we neglect these means of assisting ourselves, we tempt God. Brewster.

Acts 27:33

33. — and continued fasting.] A strong expression, implying that they had taken very little nourishment, as indeed is generally the case during a storm at sea. Beausobre. The meaning seems to be, that they had no set times of eating, but had taken only short, scanty, and irregular meals. Dr. Whitby.

Acts 27:34

34. — for this is for your health. &c.] Having exhausted your spirits and strength by the fatigue you have undergone, food is absolutely necessary for your support: for much labour still remains for you; however, do not despair, you will all escape at last unhurt. Bp. Mann.

— not on hair fall] A proverbial expression, implying complete and perfect safety, Luke xxi. 18; 1 Sam. xiv. 45, &c. Beausobre.

Acts 27:35

35. — gave thanks to God] The behaviour of St. Paul on this occasion exhibits, in a very striking manner, his true and genuine piety. Though placed in circumstances of imminent and pressing danger, he does not forget to return his grateful thanks to God for the sustenance with which His bounteous providence supplied him; and, in so doing, he affords to all Christians an example of religious gratitude, which they will do well seriously to consider, and carefully to imitate.

— in presence of them all:] The whole ship’s company were witnesses to the piety of St. Paul: the good effects therefore might be proportionably extensive, and his example might be visible, when he himself should be no longer present. They saw his heart in his actions: and, heathens as they were, doubtless they would for the future think reverently of the God of St. Paul; and some of them, perhaps, might be led to the true worship of Him, whom they were thus taught to respect. Brewster.

Acts 27:36

36. Then were they all of good cheer.] We should well observe what comfort and encouragement are derived to the whole ship’s company from the presence of St. Paul. We see this blessed Apostle infusing confidence, and even cheerfulness, into those, from whom hope itself was departed. The reason why many sink into despair, and are lost in a troubled sea of sorrow, is, that they have no friend to administer properly the comforts of religion; none to raise their thoughts from the storm that beats upon them to the mercy of that God who stileteth the raging of the sea. See how the Apostle performs this office to those, who had brought him into all this danger, by neglecting his advice. Instead of being offended at their past perverseness, he considers their present distress, informs them how they are all to be given to his prayers, encourages them to eat with thankfulness for their necessary refreshment, and sets them the example in his own person. Jones of Nayland.

Acts 27:38

38. — cast out the wheat] This vessel of Alexandria (ver. 6) seems to have been laden with wheat, to carry to Rome, as was frequently done. Beausobre.

Acts 27:40

40. — and loosed the rudder bands.] In the original, “the bands of the rudders,” the term “rudders” being plural. It appears from several passages in ancient authors, that some of the ships of the ancients had more rudders than one. By the term “bands” seem to be meant such ropes as were used for fastening the rudders in some particular position. Bp. Pearce.

Acts 27:42

42. — the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners.] They all come safe to land. Paul is kindly entertained at Melita. AND DOMINI 62. pose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: