Acts 28

1 Paul and they sayled with him come safe to the Island Melitam where they are courteously entertained. 3 An adder coming out of the fire, abides hanging on Pauls hand, which he shakes off without hurt, 6 whereat the Islanders admiring, hold him for a God. 7 Paul cureth the Father of Publius of the fever and bloody flux, 9 and many Islanders of their diseases, 10 having been well entertained three months, they sayle towards Italy, over Syracuse to hegium, from thence to Puteoli, and so travelling forward over Appij-market and the three Taverns, they come to Rome, 16 where Paul being delivered over to the Generall of the Army is kept by a souldier. 17 He calleth unto him the chiefest of the Jews there, and relates unto them wherefore he was so sent prisoner to Rome, 21 who had received no tidings of it, and desired to understand his opinion concerning Religion, 23 which Paul declares in a great Assembly of Jews from morning until evening, proving out of Moses and the Prophets that Jesus was Christ, 24 which some believed and others not, 25 whom Paul seriously reproves out of Gods word, and foretelleth them that they should be rejected, and the Gentiles be called in their place. 30 Paul remaineth there two years, preaching the Gospell boldly, and without hindrance.

1. And when they were escaped then they understood that the Island was called Melita. [An Island betwixt Africa and Sicily, now called Malta.]

2. And the Barbarians [So the Greeks and Romans called all other nations which were not of theirs, because of their strange manners, and unknown languages which they spake. See Romans 1:14. 1 Cor. 14. 11.from whence it seems that yet at this day that part of Africa which lyeth over against Sicily and Malta is called Barbary] shewed us no ordinary friendship. For having kindled a great fire [Gr.pyra, which signifieth an heap of wood or other matter fit for to burn] they took us all in , because of the rain which came upon (us,) and because of the cold.

3. And when Paul had gathered a heap of sticks together [The Greek word properly signifies dry vine branches, and such like boughtes which easily burn] and laid (them) on the fire, there came out an adder [a very venomous serpent, which kill men not only with biting and stinging, but sometimes also, only with its breathing on. See thereof Matthew 3:7.] by reason of the heat, and caught hold of his hand.

4. And when the Barbarians saw the beast [Gr.Therion, whereby are signified all manner of wild beasts but especially the beasts which by biting and stinging shoot their poison and kill men like as this serpent. From which word it is thought that the Antidote called Theriacum or treacle, hath its name, either because it is also made of this serpent, or because it resists the poyson of this and such like venomous beasts] hang on his hand, they said one to another, this man is certainly a murderer, whom vengeance [Or justice i.e. divine righteousness] suffereth not to live although he be escaped out of the Sea.

5. But he shook off the beast into the fire, and suffered no evill.

6. And they looked that he should swell up [Or, be inflamed, set on fire: namely, by the poyson] or immediately fall down dead, but when they had long expected, and saw that no aile befell him [Gr.nothing absurd or inconvenient] they were altered and said that he was a God. [Namely, who was come unto them in humane shape. See the like unstedfast judgement of the Gentiles concerning Paul and Barnabas Acts 14.ver.11.19.]

7. And here, about the same place the principall (man) of the Island [Gr.the first] by name Publius, [this name is Roman name, from whence some think that he was a Governour of the Romans over this Island. Howsoever it appears that he was a mighty man, who fed and lodged 276 men for three daies] had his) lands, (lying) whi received us, and lodged us kindly three daies.

8. And it came to pass that the Father of Publius, being taken with fevers and the bloody flix was bedrid unto whom Paul went in, and when he had prayed, he laid hands on him, and made him whole.

9. When this therefore was done, there came also unto him the others who had diseases in the Island, and were cured.

10. Who also honoured us with much honour, and when we were to depart, they provided (us) that which was needful, [Namely, for our further journey towards Italy.]

11. And after three moneths [What Paul did further in Melita those three moneths is not here set down, but it is certain that he constituted a Church there, which was always one of the most stedfast Christian Churches as the Eclesiaticall histories testifie] we sayled away in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintred in the Island having for a sign [namely, on the former or hinder part of the ship, from which it had its name; as at this day great ships have their names from Cities Countrys or persons which send them, or whence they sayle forth, to distinguish them one from another] Castor and Pollux. [Gr.Dioscourois i.e. Jupiters sons: These were two heathen Idols or stars so called: from the sign of which this ship had its name, because it should be the better protected by them as they thought: and still at this day the name of Saints departed are by some given to ships, for this same end.]

12. And when we were arrived at Syracuse [The chief City of Sicily situate toward the Sea] we abode (there) three days.

13. From whence we sayled about [Namely, about the corner of the Island of Sicily towards Italy] and arrived at Rhegium: [a very noted City and haven of Italy over against Sicily: so called as many Ancients think because Sicily in former times was joined fast unto Italy by that corner, and by great tempests and water floods were rent one from another in this straightness] and seeing after one day the wind was South, we came the second day to Puteoli. [a City in Campania lying on the Sea on the Sea not far from Naples where sayling along the coast of Italy, they arrived: from whence there was a very convenient and beaten road to travel to Rome by land.]

14. Where we found brethren [That is, Christians] and were intreated to abide with them seven days: and so we went towards Rome. [This City is well known. See Romans 1:7. Revel. 17. 18.]

15. And from thence [Namely, from Rome] the brethren [that is, some of the Christian Church which was there already before Paul came thither, as appears also from the Epistle of Paul written before to the Romans. Now by whom it was constituted the Scripture no where faith, save that on the day of Pentecost there were also at Jerusalem outlandish Romans. Acts 2:10.] having heard of our matters, came to meet us Appij forum [a place in the field of Setine about sixteen hours journey from Rome, so called from one Appius Claudius, who in his life time had caused a paved way to be made from Rome even unto that place] and the three Taverns, [a small City, lying about five or six hours journey nearer Rome on the same way: so that some of the brethren expected Paul there, some were gone yet further to meet him, even unto the Appij-fo-rum] whom Paul seeing, thanked God, and took courage. [namely, seeing so good a zeal of so many Christians of whom he should find help and comfort in this his imprisonment.]

16. And when we were come to Rome, the Captain delivered over the prisoners to the Commander of the Army, [This seems to have been the Commander of the Emperours guard, which kept watch not only in the Emperours palace, but also on the one side of the City lay in the fortified palace some thousands strong, to be always at the Emperours service in all troubles that might befall. The Latines call him Praefectum praetorio] but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself, [namely, in his own hired dwelling, see v.30. This freedome he seems to have obtained of this Commander, for the good reports made to him by Julius, but without doubt by Gods special providence, that so Paul might be the better able to spread abroad the Gospel, and every one might have access to him. See v.30, 31.] with the souldier which kept him. [carrying for this purpose on the right hand an inron chain, which he girded about him when he was in the house to go the more freely: but going forth he was bound with the same to the left hand of the souldier. See v.20.and Acts 12:6. Ephes. 6. 20.]

17. And it came to pass after three daies [Namely, when being wearied with the journey, he had rested some time] that Paul called together [namely, because he being in prison could not go into their Synagogue] those that were the principal of the Jews: And when they were come together, he said unto them, Men, Brethren, I who have done nothing against the people, or the customes of our Fathers, am delivered over bound from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romanes.

18. Who having examined me, would have released (me) because there was no guilt of death in me.

19. But when the Jews spake against (this) I was necessitated to appeal unto Cesar, (yet) not as if I had any thing to accuse my nation. [Namely, intended or determined. For although Paul had cause enough to accuse the Jews for their violence and injustice, notwithstanding he hereby shews before the Jews, that he had no such intent, but only duly to defend himself.]

20. For this cause therefore I have called you unto me, to see (you) and speak to you: for by reason of the hope of Israel [That is, the hope of eternal salvation, promised to the people of Israel by the Messiah] am I compassed with this chain.

21. But they said unto him, we neither received letters from Judea concerning thee: neither did any of the brethren being come hither tell or speak any evill of thee. [Which is a sign that the Rulers of the Jews at Jerusalem, took not much care how it went with the Jews which dwelt out of the land of Judea, so they might keep their quiet and respect in their own land.]

22. But we desire indeed to bear thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, [So they call the Christian Religion. See ACTS 24. 5, 14.] it is known to us, that it is every where [namely, as well amongst the Jews, as amongst the Gentiles, Luke 2:34.] spoken against.

23. And when they had appointed him a day, there came into (his) dwelling, [namely, which he had hired.v.16. 30.] to whom he expounded the Kingdome of God, [that is, the setting up of the Kingdome of God by the promised Messiah] and testified, [that is, he sought to convince them by testimonies out of the holy Scripture. See Acts 2:40.and 20. 21.] and endeavoured to move them unto the faith of Jesus [Gr.to the things of Jesus, or concerning Jesus] both out of the law of Moses, and the Prophets, from the morning early, until the evening.

24. And some indeed believed that which was spoken, but some believed not.

25. And being at discord one against another, they parted, [Or they were left by him, namely, with a purpose not to call the stiffnecked unto him any more, except they bethought themselves better] when Paul had said this (one) word, [that is, speech or warning; for with this following warning he let them go, go to leave them this prick in their heart; if perhaps they might afterwards bethink themselves and repent] (namely) well spake the Holy Ghost [he that speaks these words, Esa. 6.9.is the Lord of glory, set upon his Throne, being compassed about of his Angels: from whence it appears therefore that the Holy Ghost is this same Lord of glory, as this same is also testified of the Son of God, John 12:41. Therefore the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one only God as concerning their essence, although distinguished in persons] by Esaia the Prophet unto our Fathers.

26. Saying, Go thy way unto this people, and say, with the hearing ye shall hear, [See the exposition of this place Matthew 13:14.] and in no wise understand: and seeing ye shall see and in no wise take notice.

27. For the heart of this people is become thick, [Or fat] and with the ears they have heard heavily, and their eyes they have closed: left at any time they should see with the eys, and hear with the ears, and understand with the heart, and they should be conversed, and I should heal them.

28. Be it known unto you therefore that the salvation of God [That is, the salvation which according to Gods promise is procured for us and declared unto us by Jesus Christ: or Jesus Christ who is the Author of salvation, Luke 2:30.] is sent to the Gentiles [according to Christs command, Luke 24.v.47.seeing ye Jews reject it, Acts 13.v. 46.] and the same shall hear.

29. And when he had said this, the Jews went away, having much contention one amongst another. [Or difference, to wit those that believed Paul against those that believed not, v.24.]

30. And Paul abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all which came unto him.

31. Preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ, [Gr.teaching the things of the Lord Jesus Christ, or concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, this last expounds the first, For the doctrine of the setting up the Kingdome of God, is the doctrine of Christ: wherefore that is also called the word, and the Gospel of the Kingdome, Mat.4.23.and chapter 13.v.19.] with all boldness [namely, notwithstanding his imprisonment, and the danger which might arise to him thereby with the Emperour] unhindered. [namely, God so ordering the business, that he suffered no impediment on the Emperours part these two years, Yet afterwards he was by the Emperour Nero condemned to death for this at Rome, as the ancient Ecclesiastical Histories testifie. Euseb.lib.2.Hist.Eccles.cap.26.and he himself foretells, 2 Tim. 4.v.6. See also hereof the annotation on Phil.1.v.25.]