Acts 28:1-16
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Worship Notes:
Waving palms together on Palm Sunday is always one of the sweetest moments of the church year. Though our sermon series on the book of Acts continues, nearing its conclusion, the service this morning will feature many of the great hymns of the faith that walk us through Christ’s passion. We’ll sing hymns like All Glory, Laud And Honor, which narrates the events of Palm Sunday, and And Let This Feeble Body Fail, which uses the imagery of a palm waving procession. In Sing Hosanna and We Will Glorify, we’ll join with the crowds of disciples shouting “Hosanna.” Lift Up Your Heads Ye Mighty Gates uses imagery found in Psalm 118, one of the traditional passages from the Old Testament that anticipates Jesus’ triumphal entry. Thine Be The Glory and At The Name Of Jesus both describe His victory over death, while Crown Him With Many Crowns celebrates Him as the risen Lamb seated on His throne in Heaven. The lowly prophet that entered the city on the back of a donkey, and was subsequently humbled and pierced for our sakes, is the Lord of all the universe. We remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem while looking forward to the promised day when He comes again with His Father’s glory and His angel train.
—Henry C. Haffner
Key Words: We, Us, Malta, Honored, Syracuse, Brothers, Courage, Rome
Keystone Verses: On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. (Acts 28:15)
