Barnes' New Testament Notes

Notes on the New Testament Explanatory and Practical
Part 46

By Albert Barnes

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 1

Verse 1. And when it was determined. By Festus, Ac 25:12 and when the time was come when it was convenient to send him.

That we should sail. The use of the term "we" here shows that the author of this book, Luke, was with Paul. He had been the companion of Paul; and though he had not been accused, yet it was resolved that he should still accompany him. Whether he went at his own expense, or whether he was sent at the expense of the Roman government, does not appear. There is a difference of reading here in the ancient versions. The Syriac reads it, "And thus Festus determined that he [Paul] should be sent to Caesar in Italy," etc. The Latin Vulgate and the Arabic also read "he" instead of "we." But the Greek manuscripts are uniform; and the correct reading is, doubtless, that which is in our version.

Into Italy. The country still bearing the same name, of which Rome was the capital.

And certain other prisoners. Who were probably also sent to Rome for a trial before the emperor. Dr. Lardner has proved that it was common to send prisoners from Judea and other provinces to Rome. Credibility, Part i., chap. x., & 10, pp. 248, 249.

A centurion. A commander of a hundred men.

Of Augustus' band. For the meaning of the word "band," See Barnes "Mt 27:27, See Barnes "Ac 10:1".

It was a division in the Roman army, consisting of from four to six hundred men. It was called "Augustus' band" in honour of the Roman emperor Augustus, See Barnes "Ac 25:21, and was probably distinguished in some way for the care in enlisting or selecting them. The Augustus cohort or band is mentioned by Suetonius in his Life of Nero, 20.

{b} "Paul" Ac 25:12,25 {*} "certain" "some"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 2

Verse 2. A ship of Adramyttium. A maritime town of Mysia, in Asia Minor, opposite to the island of Lesbos. This was a ship which had been built there, or which sailed from that port, but which was then in the port of Caesarea. It is evident, from Ac 27:6, that this ship was not expected to sail to Italy, but that the centurion expected to find some other vessel into which he could put the prisoners to take them to Rome.

We launched. We loosed from our anchorage; or we set sail. See Ac 13:13.

By the coasts of Asia. Of Asia Minor. Probably the owners of the ship designed to make a coasting voyage along the southern part of Asia Minor, and to engage in traffic with the maritime towns and cities.

One Aristarchus, a Macedonian. This man is mentioned as Paul's companion in travel, in Ac 19:29. He afterwards attended him to Macedonia, and returned with him to Asia, Ac 20:4. He now appears to have attended him, not as a prisoner, but as a voluntary companion, choosing to share with him his dangers, and to enjoy the benefit of his society and friendship. He went with him to Rome, and was a fellow-prisoner with him there, Col 4:10 and is mentioned Phm 1:24) as Paul's fellow-labourer. It was, doubtless, a great comfort to Paul to have with him two such valuable friends as Luke and Aristarchus; and it was an instance of great affection for him that they were not ashamed of his bonds, but were willing to share his dangers, and to expose themselves to peril for the sake of accompanying him to Rome.

{a} "Aristarchus" Ac 19:29

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 3

Verse 3 We touched at Sidon. See Barnes "Mt 11:21".

It was north of Caesarea.

And Julius courteously entreated Paul. Treated him kindly, or humanely.

And gave him liberty, etc. The same thing had been done by Felix, Ac 24:23.

Unto his friends. In Sidon. Paul had frequently travelled in that direction, in going to and returning from Jerusalem; and it is not improbable, therefore, that he had friends in all the principal cities.

To refresh himself. To enjoy the benefit of their kind care, to make his present situation and his voyage as comfortable as possible. It is probable that they would furnish him with many supplies which were needful to make his long and perilous voyage comfortable.

{b} "courteously entreated" Ac 24:23; 28:16

{*} "refresh himself" "Take refreshment"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 4

Verse 4. We sailed under Cyprus. For an account of Cyprus, See Barnes "Ac 4:36".

By sailing "under Cyprus" is meant that they sailed along its coasts; they kept near to it; they thus endeavoured to break off the violent winds. Instead of steering a direct course in the open sea, which would have exposed them to violent opposing winds, they kept near this large island, so that it was between them and the westerly winds. The force of the wind was thus broken, and the voyage rendered less difficult and dangerous. They went between Cyprus and Asia Minor, leaving Cyprus to the left. Had it not been for the strong western winds they would have left it on the right.

The winds were contrary. Were from the west, or south-west, which thus prevented their pursuing a direct course. See the Map.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 5

Verse 5. The sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia. The sea which lies off the coast from these two regions. For their situation, see the Map, and Notes, Ac 6:9; 13:13.

We came to Myra, a city of Lycia. Lycia was a province in the south-western part of Asia Minor, having Phrygia and Pisidia on the north, the Mediterranean on the south, Pamphylia on the east, and Caria on the west.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 6

Verse 6. A ship of Alexandria. A ship belonging to Alexandria. Alexandria was in Egypt, and was founded by Alexander the Great. It appears, from Ac 27:38, that the ship was laden with wheat. It is well known that great quantities of wheat were imported from Egypt to Rome; and it appears that this was one of the large ships which were employed for that purpose. Why the ship was on the coast of Asia Minor, is not known. But it is probable that it had been driven out of its way by adverse winds or tempests.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 7

Verse 7. Had sailed slowly. By reason of the prevalence of the western winds, Ac 27:4.

Over against Cnidus. This was a city standing on a promontory of the same name in Asia Minor, in the part of the province of Cans called Doris, and a little north-west of the island of Rhodes.

The wind not suffering us. The wind repelling us in that direction; not permitting us to hold on a direct course, we were driven off near to Crete.

We sailed under Crete. See Ac 27:4. We lay along near to Crete, so as to break the violence of the wind. For the situation of Crete, See Barnes "Ac 2:11".

Over against Salmone. Near to Salmone. This was the name of the promontory which formed the eastern extremity of the island of Crete.

{1} "under Crete" "Candy"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 8

Verse 8. And, hardly passing it. Scarcely being able to pass by it without being wrecked. Being almost driven on it. They passed round the east end of the island, because they had been unable to sail directly forward between the island and the main land.

The fair havens. This was on the south-eastern part of the island of Crete. It was probably not so much a harbour as an open kind of road, which afforded good anchorage for a time. It is called by Stephen, the geographer, "the fair shore."

{++} "whereunto" "near which"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 9

Verse 9. When much time was spent. In sailing along the coast of Asia; in contending with the contrary winds. It is evident that, when they started, they had hoped to reach Italy before the dangerous time of navigating the Mediterranean should arrive. But they had been detained and embarrassed contrary to their expectation, so that they were now sailing in the most dangerous and tempestuous time of the year.

Because the fast was now already past. By "the fast," here is evidently intended the fast which occurred among the Jews on the great day of atonement. That was the tenth of the month Tisri, which answers to a part of September and part of October. It was therefore the time of the autumnal equinox, and when the navigation of the Mediterranean was esteemed to be particularly dangerous, from the storms which usually occurred about that time. The ancients regarded this as a dangerous time to navigate the Mediterranean. See the proofs in Kuinoel on this place.

Paul admonished them. Paul exhorted, entreated, or persuaded them. He was somewhat accustomed to the navigation of that sea; and endeavoured to persuade them not to risk the danger of sailing at that season of the year.

{2} "fast" "The fast was on the tenth day of the seventh month, Le 23:27,29

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 10

Verse 10. Sirs. Greek, Men.

I perceive. It is not certain that Paul understood this by direct inspiration. He might have perceived it from his own knowledge of the danger of navigation at the autumnal equinox, and from what he saw of the ship as unfitted to a dangerous navigation. But there is nothing that should prevent our believing also that he was guided to this conclusion by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. Comp. Ac 27:23,24.

Will be with hurt. With injury, or hazard. It is not meant that their lives would be lost, but that they would jeoparded.

The lading. The freight of the ship. It was laden with wheat, Ac 27:38. Paul evidently, by this, intended to suggest the propriety of remaining where they were, until the time of dangerous navigation was past.

{1} "hurt" "injury"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 11

Verse 11. The master. The captain, or the pilot. The person who is here meant was the helmsman, who occupied, in ancient ships, a conspicuous place on the stern, and steered the ship, and gave directions to the crew.

The owner of the ship. Probably a different person from "the master." He had the general command of the ship as his own property, but had employed "the master," or the pilot, to direct and manage it. His counsel, in regard to the propriety of continuing the voyage, would be likely to be followed.

{a} "believed" Pr 27:12

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 12

Verse 12. The haven. The fair havens, Ac 27:8.

Was not commodious to winter in. Not safe or convenient to remain there. Probably it furnished rather a safe anchorage-ground in time of a storm, than a convenient place for a permanent harbour.

The more part. The greater part of the crew.

To Phenice. This was a port or harbour on the south side of Crete, and west of the fair havens. It was a more convenient harbour, and regarded as more safe. It appears, therefore, that the majority of persons on board concurred with Paul in the belief that it was not advisable to attempt the navigation of the sea, until the dangers of the winter had passed by.

And lieth toward. Greek, Looking toward; i.e., it was open in that direction.

The southwest. kata liba. Toward Libya, or Africa. That country was situated south-west of the mouth of the harbour. The entrance of the harbour was in a south-west direction.

And northwest. kata cwron. This word denotes a wind blowing from the north-west. The harbour was doubtless curved. Its entrance was in a south-west direction. It then turned so as to lie in a direction towards the north-west. It was thus rendered perfectly safe from the winds and heavy seas; and in that harbour they might pass the winter in security.

{*} "more part" "greater"

{b} "Crete" Ac 27:7

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 13

Verse 13. The south wind. The wind before had probably been a headwind, blowing from the west. When it veered round to the south, and when it blew gently, though not entirely favourable, yet it was so that they supposed they could sail along the coast of Crete.

Had obtained their purpose. The object of their desire; that is, to sail safely along the coast of Crete.

Loosing thence. Setting sail for the fair havens.

Close by Crete. Near the shore. It is evident that they designed, if possible, to make the harbour of Phenice, to winter there.

{c} "loosing thence" Ac 27:7.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 14

Verse 14. Arose. Beat violently.

Against it. Against the island of Crete.

A tempestuous wind. Turbulent, violent, strong.

Called Euroclydon. Interpreters have been much perplexed about the meaning of this word, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. The most probable supposition is, that it denotes a wind not blowing steadily from any quarter, but a hurricane, or wind veering about to different quarters. Such hurricanes are known to abound in the Mediterranean, and are now called Levanters, deriving their name from blowing chiefly in the Levant, or eastern part of the Mediterranean. The name Euroclydon is derived probably from two Greek words, eurov, wind, and kludwn, a wave; so called from its agitating and exciting the waves. It thus answers to the usual effects hurricane, or of a wind rapidly changing its points of compass.

{2} "arose" "beat"

{d} "tempestuous wind" Ps 107:25

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 15

Verse 15. The ship was caught. By the wind. It came suddenly upon them as a tempest.

Could not bear up, etc. Could not resist its violence, or could not direct the ship. It was seized by the wind, and driven with such violence that it became unmanageable.

We let her drive. We suffered the ship to be borne along by the wind, without attempting to control it.

{+} "caught" "Borne away"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 16

Verse 16. And running under. Running near to an island. They run near to it, where the violence of the wind was probably broken by the island.

Which is called Clauda. This is a small island southwest of Crete.

We had much work. Much difficulty; we were scarcely able to do it.

To come by the boat. This does not mean that they attempted here to land in the boat, but they had much difficulty in saving the small boat attached to the ship, from being staved to pieces. Whether it was carried in the ship or towed at the stern, does not appear; but it is evident that it was in danger of being broken to pieces, or lost, and that they had much difficulty in securing it. The importance of securing the small boat is known by all seamen.

{++} "much work" "difficulty"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 17

Verse 17. Which when they had taken up. When they had raised up the boat into the ship, so as to secure it.

They used helps. They used ropes, cables, stays, or chains, for the purpose of securing the ship. The danger was, that the ship would be destroyed; and they, therefore, made use of such aids as should prevent the loss of the ship.

Undergirding the ship. The ancients were accustomed to pass cables or strong ropes from one side of the ship to another, to keep the planks from springing or starting by the action of the sea. The rope was slipped under the prow, and passed along to any part of the keel which they pleased, and made fast on the deck. See cases mentioned in Kuinoel on this verse. An instance of the same kind is mentioned in Lord Anson's voyage round the world. Speaking of a Spanish man-of-war in a storm, he says, "They were obliged to throw overboard all their upper-deck guns, and take six turns of the cable round the ship, to prevent her opening." (Clark.)

Lest they should fall into the quicksands. There were two celebrated syrtes, or quicksands, on the coast of Africa, called the greater and lesser. They were vast beds of sand driven up by the sea, and constantly shifting their position, so that they could not know certainly where the danger was, and guard against it. As they were constantly changing their position, they could not be accurately laid down in a chart. They were afraid, therefore, that they should be driven on one of those banks of sand, and thus be lost.

Strake sail. Or, rather, lowered or took down the mast, or the yards to which the sails were attached. There has been a great variety of interpretations proposed on this passage. The most probable is, that they took down the mast, by cutting or otherwise, as is now done in storms at sea, to save the ship. They were at the mercy of the wind and waves; and their only hope was by taking away their sails.

And so were driven. By the wind and waves. The ship was unmanageable, and they suffered it to be driven before the wind.

{e} "fall into the quicksands" Ps 107:25

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 18

Verse 18. They lightened the ship. By throwing out a part of the cargo.

{f} "tossed" Ps 107:27

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 19

Verse 19. The tackling of the ship. The anchor, sails, cables, baggage, etc. That is, they threw over everything that was not indispensable to its preservation, for it seems still Ac 27:29.

{g} "cast out" Job 2:4; Jon 1:5

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 20

Verse 20. Neither sun nor stars, etc. As they could see neither sun nor stars, they could make no observations; and as they had no compass, they would be totally ignorant of their situation, and gave up all is lost.

{i} "all hope" Eze 37:11

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 21

Verse 21. But after long abstinence. By the violence of the storm, by their long-continued labour, and by their apprehension of danger, they had a long time abstained from food.

And to have gained this harm. To have procured this harm, or have subjected yourselves to it. Had you remained there, you would have been safe. It seems to be bad English to speak of gaining a loss, but it is a correct translation of the original, kerdhsai, which expresses the idea of acquiring or procuring, whether good or evil. See Ac 27:9,10.

{a} "hearkened" Ac 27:10

{b} "have loosed" Ac 27:13

{*} "gained" "procured"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 21

Verse 21. But after long abstinence. By the violence of the storm, by their long-continued labour, and by their apprehension of danger, they had a long time abstained from food.

And to have gained this harm. To have procured this harm, or have subjected yourselves to it. Had you remained there, you would have been safe. It seems to be bad English to speak of gaining a loss, but it is a correct translation of the original, kerdhsai, which expresses the idea of acquiring or procuring, whether good or evil. See Ac 27:9,10.

{a} "hearkened" Ac 27:10

{b} "have loosed" Ac 27:13

{*} "gained" "procured"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 23

Verse 23. There stood by me. There appeared to me.

The angel of God. The message of God were often communicated by angels. See Heb 1:14. This does not mean that there was any particular angel, but simply an angel.

Whose I am. Of the God to whom I belong. This is an expression of Paul's entire devotedness to him.

Whom I serve. In the gospel. To whom and to whose cause I am entirely devoted.

{d} "this night the angel" Ac 22:11

{e} "angel of God" Heb 1:14

{f} "whom I serve" De 32:9; Ps 135:4; Isa 44:5; Mal 3:17; Joh 17:9,10 1 Co 6:20; 1 Pe 2:9,10

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 24

Verse 24. Fear not, Paul. Do not be alarmed with the danger of the loss of life.

Thou must be brought, etc. And therefore thy life will be spared.

God hath given thee all, etc. That is, they shall all be preserved with thee. None of their lives shall be lost. It does not mean that they should be converted; but that their lives should be preserved. It is implied here that it was for the sake of Paul, or that the leading purpose of the Divine interposition to rescue them from danger was to save his life. The wicked often derive important benefits from being connected with Christians; and God often confers important favours on them in his general purposes to benefit his own people. The lives of impenitent men are often spared because God interposes to save his own people.

{h} "given thee" Ge 19:21,29

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 25

Verse 25. No Barnes text on this verse.

{+} "good cheer" "courage"

{i} "For I believe God" Lu 1:45; Ro 4:20,21; 2 Ti 1:12

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 26

Verse 26. Howbeit. Nevertheless.

Upon a certain island. Malta. See Ac 28:1

{k} "certain island" Ac 28:1

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 27

Verse 27. The fourteenth night. From the time when the tempest commenced.

In Adria. In the Adriatic Sea. This sea is properly situated between Italy and Dalmatia, now called the Adriatic Gulf. But, among the ancients, the name was given not only to that gulf, but to the whole sea lying between Greece, Italy, and Africa, including the Sicilian and Ionian Sea. It is evident, from the narrative, that they were not in the Adriatic Gulf, but somewhere in the vicinity of Malta. See the Map.

Deemed. Judged. Probably by the appearance of the sea.

{&} "Adria" "The Adriatic Sea"

{|} "shipmen deemed" "The sailors thought"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 28

Verse 28. And sounded. To sound is to make use of a line and lead to ascertain the depth of water.

Twenty fathoms. A fathom is six feet, or the distance from the extremity of the middle finger on one hand to the extremity of the other, when the arms are extended. The depth, therefore, was about one hundred and twenty feet.

Fifteen fathoms. They knew, therefore, that they were drawing near to shore.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 29

Verse 29. They cast four anchors. On account of the violence of the storm and waves, to make if possible the ship secure.

And wished for the day. To discern more accurately their situation and danger.

{l} "wished for the day" Ps 130:6

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 30

Verse 30. The shipmen. The sailors, leaving the prisoners.

Under colour. Under pretence. They pretended that it was necessary to get into the boat, and carry the anchors ahead of the ship so as to make it secure, but with a real intention to make for the shore.

Out of the foreship. From the prow, so as to make the fore part of the ship secure. The reason why they did this was, probably, that they expected the ship would go to pieces; and as all on board could not be saved in one small boat, they resolved to escaped to a place of safety as soon as possible.

{%} "shipmen" "sailors"

{**} "flee" "escape"

{++} "under colour" "pretence"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 31

Verse 31. Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers. The centurion had, it appears, the general direction of the ship, Ac 27:11. Probably it had been pressed into the service of the government.

Except these. These seamen. The soldiers and the centurion were unqualified to manage the ship, and the presence of the sailors was therefore indispensable to the preservation of any.

Abide in the ship. Remain on board.

Ye cannot be saved. You cannot be preserved from death. You will have no hope of managing the ship so as to be secure from death. It will be remembered that Paul had been informed by the angel, and had assured then, Ac 27:22-24, that no lives should be lost. But it was only in the use of the proper means that their lives would be safe, yet this did not, in his view, prevent the use of the proper means to secure it. From this we lay learn,

(1.) that the certainty of an event does not render it improper to use means to obtain it.

(2.) That though the event may be determined, yet the use of the means may be indispensable. The event is rendered no more certain than the means requisite to accomplish it.

(3.). That the doctrine of the Divine purposes or decrees, making certain future events, does not make the use of man's agency unnecessary or improper. The means are determined as well as the end; and the one will not be secured without the other.

(4.) The same is true in regard to the decrees respecting salvation. The end is not determined without the means; and as God has resolved that his people shall be saved, so he has also determined the means. He has ordained that they shall repent, shall believe, shall be holy, and shall thus be saved.

(5.) We have in this case a full answer to the objection that a belief in the decrees of God will make men neglect the means of salvation, and lead to licentiousness. It has just the contrary tendency. Here is a case in which Paul certainly believed in the purpose of God to save these men; in which he was assured that it was fully determined; and yet the effect was not to produce inattention and unconcern, but to prompt him to use strenuous efforts to accomplish the very effect which God had determined should take place. So it is always. A belief that God has purposes of mercy; that he designs, and has always designed, to save some, will prompt to the use of all proper means to secure it. If we had no evidence that God had any such purpose, effort would be vain. We should have no inducement in exertion. Where we have such evidence, it operates as it did in the case of Paul, to produce great and strenuous endeavours to secure the object.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 32

Verse 32. Cut off the ropes, etc. It is evident that the mariners had not yet got on board the boat. They had let it down into the sea, Ac 27:30, and were about to go on board. By thus cutting the ropes which fastened the boat to the ship, and letting it go, they removed all possibility of their fleeing from the ship, and compelled them to remain on board.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 33

Verse 33. And while the day was coming on. At daybreak. It was before they had sufficient light to discern what they should do.

To take meat. Food. The word meat was formerly used to denote food of any kind.

That ye have tarried. That you have remained or been fasting.

Having taken nothing. No regular meal. It cannot mean that they had lived entirely without food; but that they had been so much in danger, so constantly engaged, and so anxious about their safety, that they had taken no regular meal; and that what they had taken had been at irregular intervals, and had been a scanty allowance. "Appian speaks of an army which for twenty days together had neither food nor sleep; by which he must mean that they neither made full meals, nor slept whole nights together. The same interpretation must be given to this phrase." (Doddridge.) The effect of this must have been, that they would be weak and exhausted, and little able to endure the fatigues which yet remained.

{*} "meat" "food"

{+} "tarried" "waited"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 34

Verse 34. Not an hair fall from the head, This is a proverbial expression, denoting that they should be preserved safe; that none of them should be lost; and that in their persons they should not experience the least damage, 1 Sa 14:45, 1 Ki 1:52.

{a} "for your health" Mt 15:32; 1 Ti 5:23

{b} "shall not an hair fall" 1 Ki 1:52; Mt 10:30; Lu 12:7; 21:18

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 35

Verse 35. And gave thanks, etc. This was the usual custom among the Hebrews. See Barnes "Mt 14:19".

Paul was among those who were not Christians. But he was not ashamed of the proper acknowledgment of God, and was not afraid to avow his dependence on him, and to express his gratitude for his mercy.

{c} "gave thanks" 1 Sa 9:13; Mt 15:36; Mr 8:6; Joh 6:11,23; 1 Ti 4:3,4

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 36

Verse 36. No Barnes text on this verse.

{+} "good cheer" "courage"

{*} "meat" "food"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 37

Verse 37. No Barnes text on this verse.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 38

Verse 38. They lightened the ship. By casting the wheat into the sea. As they had no hope of saving the cargo, and had no further use for it, they hoped that by throwing the wheat overboard, the ship would draw less water, and that thus they would be able to come nearer to the shore.

{&} "wheat" "corn"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 39

Verse 39. They knew not the land. They had been driven with a tempest, without being able to make any observation; and it is probable that they were entire strangers to the coast, and to the whole island.

A certain creek with a shore. Greek, A certain bosom—kolpon—or bay. By its having a shore is probably meant that it had a level shore, or one that was convenient for landing. It was not a high bluff of rocks, but was accessible. Kuinoel thinks that the passage should be construed, "they found a certain shore, having a bay," etc.

Were minded. Were resolved.

{|} "minded" "determined"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 40

Verse 40. Had taken up the anchors. The four anchors with which they had moored the ship, Ac 27:29. See the margin. The expression may mean that they slipped or cut their cables, and that thus they left the anchors in the sea. This is the most probable interpretation.

And loosed the rudder-bands. The rudder in navigation is that by which a ship is steered. It is that part of the helm which consists of a piece of timber, broad at the bottom, which enters the water, and is attached by hinges to the stern-post on which it turns. (Webster.) But what was the precise form of the rudder, among the ancients, is not certainly known. Sometimes a vessel might be steered by oars. In most ships they appear to have had a rudder at the prow as well as at the stern. In some instances also they had them on the sides. The word used here in the Greek is in the plural—twn phdaliwn—and it is evident that they had in this ship more than one rudder. The bands mentioned here were probably the cords or fastenings, by which the rudder could be made secure to the sides of the ship, or could be raised up out of the water in a violent storm, to prevent its being carried away. And as in the tempest the rudders had become useless, (Ac 27:15,17,) they were probably either raised out of the water, or made fast. Now that the storm was passed, and they could be used again, they were loosed, and they endeavoured to direct the vessel into port.

The mainsail. artemona. There have been various explanations of this word. Luther translates it, the mast. Erasmus, the yards. Grotius, who supposes that the mainmast had been cast away, (Ac 27:17,) thinks that this must mean the foremast or bowsprit. The word usually means the mainsail. The Syriac and Arabic understand it of a small sail, that was hoisted for a temporary purpose.

{1} "taken up the anchors" "Or, cut the anchors, they left them in the sea"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 41

Verse 41. And falling. Being carried by the wind and waves.

Into a place where two seas met. Gr., Into a place of a double sea. Diyalasson. That is, a place which is washed on both sides by the sea. It refers properly to an isthmus, tongue of land, or a sand-bar, stretching out from the main land, and which was washed on both sides by the waves. It is evident that this was not properly an isthmus that was above the waves, but was probably a long sandbank that stretched far out into the sea, and which they did not perceive. In endeavouring to make the harbour, they ran on this bar or sand-bank.

They ran the ship aground. Not designedly, but in endeavouring to reach the harbour, Ac 27:39.

The hinder part was broken. The stern was broken or staved in. By this means the company was furnished with boards, etc., on which they were safely conveyed to the shore, Ac 27:44.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 41

Verse 41. And falling. Being carried by the wind and waves.

Into a place where two seas met. Gr., Into a place of a double sea. Diyalasson. That is, a place which is washed on both sides by the sea. It refers properly to an isthmus, tongue of land, or a sand-bar, stretching out from the main land, and which was washed on both sides by the waves. It is evident that this was not properly an isthmus that was above the waves, but was probably a long sandbank that stretched far out into the sea, and which they did not perceive. In endeavouring to make the harbour, they ran on this bar or sand-bank.

They ran the ship aground. Not designedly, but in endeavouring to reach the harbour, Ac 27:39.

The hinder part was broken. The stern was broken or staved in. By this means the company was furnished with boards, etc., on which they were safely conveyed to the shore, Ac 27:44.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 43

Verse 43. But the centurion, willing to save Paul. He had at first been disposed to treat Paul with kindness, Ac 27:3. And his conduct on board the ship; the wisdom of his advice, Ac 27:10; the prudence of his conduct in the agitation and danger of the tempest; and not improbably the belief that he was under the Divine protection and blessing, disposed him to spare his life.

Kept them from their purpose. Thus, for the sake of this one righteous man, the lives of all were spared. The instance here shows,

(1.) that it is possible for a pious man, like Paul, so to conduct in the various trying scenes of life—the agitations, difficulties, and temptations of this world—as to conciliate the favour of the men of this world; and,

(2.) that important benefits often result to sinners from the righteous. Paul's being on board was the means of saving the lives of many prisoners; and God often confers important blessings on the wicked for the sake of the pious relatives, friends, and neighbours with whom they are connected. Ten righteous men would have saved Sodom, Ge 18:32; and Christians are in more ways than one the salt of the earth, and light of the world, Mt 5:13,14. It is a privilege to be related to the friends of God—to be the children of pious parents, or to be connected with pious partners in life. It is a privilege to be connected with the friends of God in business, or to dwell near them, or to be associated with them in the various walks and dangers of life. The streams of blessings which flow to fertilize their lands, flow also to bless others; the dews of heaven which descend on their habitations, descend on all around; and the God which crowns them with loving-kindness, often fills the abodes of their neighbours and friends with the blessings of peace and salvation.

And commanded. Probably they were released from their chains.

{e} "save Paul" 2 Co 11:25

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 27 - Verse 44

Verse 44. And the rest. Those who could not swim.

They escaped all safe to land. According to the promise which was made to Paul, Ac 27:22. This was done by the special Providence of God. It was a remarkable instance of Divine interposition to save so many through so long-continued dangers; and it shows that God can defend in any perils, and can accomplish all his purposes. On the ocean or the land, we are safe in his keeping; and he can devise ways that shall fulfil all his purposes, and that can protect his people from danger.

{a} "so it came to pass" Ac 27:22; Ps 107:28-30.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 1

Verse 1. They knew. Either from their former acquaintance with the island, or from the information of the inhabitants.

Was called Melita. Now called Malta. It was celebrated formerly for producing large quantities of honey, and is supposed to have been called Melita from the Greek word signifying honey. It is about twenty miles in length from east to west, and twelve miles in breadth from north to south, and about sixty miles in circumference. It is about sixty miles from the coast of Sicily. The island is an immense rock of white soft free-stone, with a covering of earth about one foot in depth, which has been brought from the island of Sicily. There was also another island formerly called Melita, now called Meleda, in the Adriatic Sea, near the coast of Illyricum; and some have supposed that Paul was shipwrecked on that island. But tradition has uniformly said that it was on the island now called Malta. Besides, the other Melita would have been far out of the usual tract in going to Italy; and it is further evident that Malta was the place, because, from the place of his shipwreck, he went directly to Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli, thus sailing in a direct course to Rome. In sailing from the other Melita to Rhegium, Syracuse would be far out of the direct course. The island now is in the possession of the British.

{b} "island" Ac 27:26

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 2

Verse 2. And the barbarous people. See Barnes "Ro 1:14".

The Greeks regarded all as barbarians who did not speak their language; and applied the name to all other nations but their own. It does not denote, as it does sometimes with us, people of savage, uncultivated, and cruel habits, but simply those whose speech was unintelligible. See 1 Co 14:11. The island is supposed to have been peopled at first by the Phoecians, afterwards by the Phoenicians, and afterwards by a colony from Carthage. The language of the Maltese was that of Africa, and hence it was called by the Greeks the language of barbarians. It was a language which was unintelligible to the Greeks and Latins.

The rain. The continuance of the storm.

And of the cold. The exposure to the water in getting to the shore, and probably to the coldness of the weather. It was now in the month of October.

{c} "barbarous people" Ro 1:14; Col 3:11

{d} "received us every one" Mt 10:42; Heb 13:2

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 3

Verse 3. Had gathered a bundle of sticks. For the purpose of making a fire.

There came a viper. A poisonous serpent. See Barnes "Mt 3:7".

The viper was, doubtless, in the bundle of sticks or limbs of trees which Paul had gathered, but was concealed, and was torpid. But when the bundle was laid on the fire, the viper became warmed by the heat, and ran out, and fastened on the hand of Paul.

And fastened on his hand. Kayhqe. This word properly means, to join one's self to; to touch; to adhere to. It might have been by coiling around his hand and arm; or by fastening its fangs in his hand. It is not expressly affirmed that Paul was bitten by the viper, yet it is evidently implied; and it is wholly incredible that a viper, unless miraculously prevented, should fasten himself to the hand without biting.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 4

Verse 4. The venomous beast. The word beast we apply usually to an animal of larger size than a viper. But the original word—yhrion— is applicable to animals of any kind, and especially applied by Greek writers to serpents. See Schleusner.

No doubt. The fact that the viper had fastened on him, and that, as they supposed, he must now certainly die, was the proof from which they inferred his guilt.

Is a murderer. Why they thought he was a murderer rather than guilty of some other crime, is not known. It might have been,

(1.) because they inferred that he must have been guilty of some very atrocious crime; and as murder was the highest crime that man could commit, they inferred that he had been guilty of this. Or,

(2.) more probably, they had an opinion that when Divine vengeance overtook a man, he would be punished in a manner similar to the offence; and as murder is committed usually with the hand, and as the viper had fastened on the hand of Paul, they inferred that he had been guilty of taking life. It was supposed among the ancients, that persons were often punished by Divine vengeance in that part of the body which had been the instrument of the sin.

Whom, though he hath escaped the sea. They supposed that vengeance and justice would still follow the guilty; that though he might escape one form of punishment, yet he would be exposed to another. And this, to a certain extent, is true. These barbarians reasoned from great original principles, written on the hearts of all men by nature, that there is a God of justice, and that the guilty would be punished. They reasoned incorrectly, as many do, only because that they supposed that every calamity is a judgment for some particular sin. Men often draw this conclusion; and suppose that suffering is to be traced to some particular crime, and to be regarded as a direct judgment from heaven. See Barnes "Joh 9:1, Joh 9:2-3. The general proposition, that all sin will be punished at some time is true; but we are not qualified to affirm of particular calamities always that they are direct judgments for sin. In some cases we may. In the case of the drunkard, the gambler, and the profligate, we cannot doubt that the loss of property, health, and reputation is the direct result of specific crime. In the ordinary calamities of life, however, it requires a more profound acquaintance with the principles of Divine government than we possess, to affirm of each instance of suffering that it is a particular judgment for some crime.

Yet vengeance. dikh Dike, or justice, was represented by the heathen as a goddess, the daughter of Jupiter, whose office it was to take vengeance, or to inflict punishment for crimes.

Suffereth not to live. They regarded him as already a dead man. They supposed the effect of the bite of the viper would be so certainly fatal, that they might speak of him as already in effect dead.—Beza.

{*} "venomous beast" "serpent"

{e} "No doubt" Joh 7:24

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 5

Verse 5. And he shook off, etc. In this was remarkably fulfilled the promise of the Saviour; "They shall take up serpents," etc. Mr 16:18.

{*} "beast" "serpent"

{f} "no harm" Mr 16:18; Lu 10:19

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 6

Verse 6. When he should have swollen. When they expected he would have swollen from the bite of the viper. The poison of the viper is rapid; and they expected that he would die soon. The word rendered "swollen"—pimprasyai—means, properly, to burn, to be inflamed, and then to be swollen from inflammation. This was what they expected here, that the poison would produce a violent inflammation.

Or fallen down dead suddenly. As is sometimes the case from the bite of the serpent, when a vital part is affected.

They changed their minds. They saw he was uninjured, and miraculously preserved; and they supposed that none but a god could be thus kept from death.

That he was a god. That the Maltese were idolaters there can be no doubt. But what gods they worshipped is unknown, and conjecture would be useless. It was natural that they should attribute such a preservation to the presence of a divinity. A similar instance occurred at Lystra. See Barnes "Ac 14:11".

{+} "Howbeit" "However"

{++} "looked" "expected"

{g} "that he was a god" Ac 14:11

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 7

Verse 7. In the same quarters. In that place, or that part of the island.

Possessions. Property. His place of residence.

The chief man. Gr. The first man. Probably he was the governor of the island.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 8

Verse 8. A bloody flux. Gr. Dysentery.

And laid his hand on him, In accordance with the promise of the Saviour, Mr 16:18. This miracle was a suitable return for the hospitality of Publius, and would serve to conciliate further the kindness of the people, and prepare the way for the usefulness of Paul.

{a} "Paul entered" Jas 5:14,15

{b} "laid his hands" Mt 9:18; Mr 6:5-7,32; 16:18; Lu 4:40; Ac 19:11; 1 Co 12:9,22

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 9

Verse 9. No Barnes text on this verse.

{*} "healed" "cured"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 10

Verse 10. Who also honoured us. As men who were favoured of heaven, and who had been the means of conferring important benefits on them in healing the sick, etc. Probably the word "honours" here means gifts, or marks of favour.

They laded us. They gave us, or conferred on us. They furnished us with such things as were necessary for us on our journey.

{c} "honoured us" 1 Th 2:6; 1 Ti 5:17

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 11

Verse 11. And after three months. Probably they remained there so long, because there was no favourable opportunity for them to go to Rome. If they arrived there, as is commonly supposed, in October, they left for Rome in January.

In a ship of Alexandria. See Barnes "Ac 27:6".

Whose sign. Which was ornamented with an image of Castor and Pollux. It was common to place on the prow of the ship the image Of some person, or god, whose name the ship bore. This custom is still observed.

Castor and Pollux. These were two semi-deities. They were reputed to be twin brothers, sons of Jupiter and Leda, the wife of Tyndarus, king of Sparta. After their death, they are fabled to have been translated to heaven, and made constellations under the name of gemini, or the twins. They then received divine honours, and were called the sons of Jupiter. They were supposed to preside over sailors, and to be their protectors; hence it was not uncommon to place their image on ships. See authorities in Lempriere's Dictionary.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 12

Verse 12. And landing at Syracuse. Syracuse was the capital of the island of Sicily, on the eastern coast. it was in the direct course from Malta to Rome. It contains at present about 18,000 inhabitants.

{+} "tarried" "remained"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 13

Verse 13. We fetched a compass. We coasted about; or we coasted along the eastern side of Sicily. The course can be seen on the Map.

And came to Rhegium. This was a city of Italy, in the kingdom of Naples, on the coast near the south-west extremity of Italy. It was nearly opposite to Messina, in Sicily. It is now called Reggio. See the Map.

The south wind. A wind favourable for their voyage.

To Puteoli. The wells. It was celebrated for its warm baths; and from these, and its springs, it is supposed to have derived its name of the wells. It is now called Pozzuoli, and is in the campania of Naples, on the northern side of the bay, and about eight miles north-west from Naples. The town contains at present about 10,000 inhabitants.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 14

Verse 14. Brethren. Christian brethren. But by whom the gospel had been preached there is unknown.

{&} "tarry" "remain"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 15

Verse 15. And from thence. From Puteoli.

When the brethren heard of us. The Christians who were at Rome.

As far as Appii forum. This was a city about fifty-six miles from Rome. The remains of an ancient city are still seen there. It is on the borders of the Pontine marshes. The city was built on the celebrated Appian way, or road from Rome to Capua. The road was made by Appius Claudius, and probably the city also. It was called the forum or market-place of Appius, because it was a convenient place for travellers on the Appian way to stop for purposes of refreshment. It was also a famous resort for pedlars and merchants. See Horace, b. i. sat. 5.3.

And The three taverns. This place was about eight or ten miles nearer Rome than Appii forum. Cicero ad Att. ii. 10. It undoubtedly received its name because it was distinguished as a place of refreshment on the Appian way. Probably the greater part of the company of Christians remained at this place, while the remainder went forward to meet Paul, and to attend him of his way. The Christians at Rome had doubtless heard much of Paul. His epistle to them had been written about A. D. 57, or at least five years before this time. The interest which the Roman Christians felt in the apostle was thus manifested by their coming so far to meet him, though he was a prisoner.

He thanked God. He had long ardently desired to see the Christians of Rome, Ro 1:9-11; 15:23,32.

He was now grateful to God that the object of his long desire was at last granted to him, and that he was permitted to see them, though in bonds.

And took courage. From their society and counsel. The presence and counsel of Christian brethren is often of inestimable value in encouraging and strengthening us in the toils and trials of life.

{e} "came to meet us" Ac 21:5; 3 Jo 1:6,8

{f} "courage" Jos 1:6,7,9; 1 Sa 30:6; Ps 27:14

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 16

Verse 16. The captain of the guard. The commander of the Pretorian cohort, or guard. The custom was, that those who were sent from the provinces to Rome for trial were delivered to the custody of this guard. The name of the prefect or captain of the guard, at this time, was Burrhas Afranius. Tacit. Ann. 12, 42, 1.

But Paul was suffered, etc. Evidently by the permission of the centurion, whose favour he had so much conciliated on the voyage. See Ac 27:43.

With a soldier that kept him. That is, in the custody of a soldier, to whom he was chained, and who, of course, constantly attended him. See Ac 24:23. See Barnes "Ac 12:6".

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 17

Verse 17. Paul called the chief of the Jews. He probably had two objects in this: one was to vindicate himself from the suspicion of crime, or to convince them that the charges alleged against him were false; and the other, to explain to them the gospel of Christ. In accordance with his custom everywhere, he seized the excellent opportunity of making the gospel known to his own countrymen; and he naturally supposed that charges highly unfavourable to his character had been sent forward against him to the Jews at Rome by those in Judea.

Against the people. Against the Jews, Ac 24:12.

Or customs, etc. The religious rites of the nation. See Barnes "Ac 24:12".

Was I delivered prisoner, etc. By the Jews, Ac 21:33, etc.

{|} "come together" "assembled"

{h} "though I have committed" Ac 24:12,13; 25:8

{i} "delivered prisoner" Ac 21:33

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 18

Verse 18. When they had examined me, etc. Ac 24:10-17, Ac 25, Ac 26.

No cause of death. No crime worthy of death.

{k} "Who" Ac 24:10; 26:31

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 19

Verse 19. The Jews spake against it. Against my being set at liberty.

I was constrained. By a regard to my own safety and character.

To appeal unto Caesar. See Barnes "Ac 25:11".

Not that I had ought, etc. I did it for my own preservation and safety; not that I wished to accuse my own countrymen. It was not from motives of revenge, but for safety. Paul had been unjustly accused and injured; yet, with the true spirit of the Christian religion, he here says that he cherished no unkind feelings towards them.

{a} "appeal" Ac 25:11

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 20

Verse 20. Because that for the hope of Israel. On account of the hope which the Jews cherished of the coming of the Messiah; of the resurrection; and of the future state through him. See Barnes "Ac 23:6".

I am bound with this chain. See Barnes "Ac 26:29".

Probably he was attached constantly to a soldier by a chain.

{b} "hope of Israel" Ac 26:6,7

{c} "chain" Ac 26:29; Eph 3:1; 4:1; 6:20; 2 Ti 1:16; 2:9; Phm 1:10,13.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 21

Verse 21. We neither received letters, etc. Why the Jews in Judea had not forwarded the accusation against Paul to their brethren at Rome, that they might continue the prosecution before the emperor, is not known. It is probable that they regarded their cause as hopeless, and chose to abandon the prosecution. Paul had been acquitted successively by Lysias, Felix, Festus, Agrippa; and as they had not succeeded in procuring his condemnation before them, they saw no prospect of doing it at Rome, and chose therefore not to press the prosecution any farther.

Neither any of the brethren that came. Any of the Jews. There was a very constant intercourse between Judea and Rome; but it seems that the Jews, who had come before Paul had arrived, had not mentioned his case, so as to prejudice them against him.

{*} "shewed" "related"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 22

Verse 22. What thou thinkest. What your belief is; or what are the doctrines of Christians respecting the Messiah.

This sect. The sect of Christians.

Spoken against. Particularly by Jews. This was the case then, and, to a great extent, is the case still. It has been the common lot of the followers of Christ to be spoken of with contempt. Comp. Ac 24:5.

{d} "every where" Lu 2:34; Ac 24:5,14; 1 Pe 2:12; 4:14

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 23

Verse 23. Appointed him a day. A day when they would hear him.

To his lodging. To the house where he resided, Ac 28:30.

He expounded. He explained or declared the principles of the Christian religion.

And testified the kingdom of God. Bore witness to, or declared the principles and doctrines of the reign of the Messiah. See Barnes "Mt 3:2".

Persuading them concerning Jesus. Endeavouring to convince them that Jesus was the Messiah.

Both out of the law of Moses. Endeavouring to convince them that he corresponded with the predictions respecting the Messiah in the books of Moses, Ge 49:10; De 18:18, and with the types which Moses had instituted to prefigure the Messiah.

And out of the prophets. Showing that he corresponded with the predictions of the prophets. See Barnes "Ac 17:3".

From morning till evening. An instance of Paul's indefatigable toil in endeavouring to win his own countrymen to Jesus as the Messiah.

{e} "lodging" Phm 1:2

{f} "expounded" Lu 24:27; Ac 17:3; 19:8

{g} "law and prophets" Ac 26:6,22

{+} "testified" "bore testimony to"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 24

Verse 24. And some believed, etc. See Barnes "Ac 14:4".

{h} "some believed" Ac 14:1; 17:4; 19:9; Ro 3:3

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 25

Verse 25. Had spoken one word. One declaration of solemn prophecy, reminding them that it was the characteristic of the nation to reject the testimony of God, and that it was to be expected. It was the last solemn warning which we know Paul to have delivered to his countrymen the Jews.

Well spake. Or he spoke the truth; he justly described the character of the Jewish people. The passage here quoted was as applicable in the time of Paul as of Isaiah.

The Holy Ghost. A full proof of the inspiration of Isaiah.

By Esaias. By Isaiah. Isa 6:9,10.

{++} "Holy Ghost" "Holy Spirit"

{&} "Esias" "Isaiah"

{i} "the prophet" Ps 81:11; Isa 6:9; Jer 5:21; Eze 3:6,7; 12:2; Mt 13:14,15; Ro 11:8

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 26

Verse 26. Saying, etc. See this passage explained; See Barnes "Mt 13:14" See Barnes "Joh 12:39,40".

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 27

Verse 27. No Barnes text on this verse.

{|} "waxed gross" "become"

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 28

Verse 28. The salvation of God. The knowledge of God's mode of saving men.

Is sent unto the Gentiles. Since you have rejected it, it will be offered to them. See Barnes "Ac 13:46".

And that they will hear it. They will embrace it. Paul was never discouraged. If the gospel was rejected by one class of people, he was ready to offer it to another. If his own countrymen rejected and despised it, he never allowed himself to suppose that Christ had died in vain, but believed that others would be inclined to embrace its saving benefits. How happy would it be if all Christians had the same unwavering faith and zeal as Paul!

{k} "Gentiles" Mt 21:41; Ac 13:46,47; 18:6; 22:21; 26:17,18; Ro 11:11

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 29

Verse 29. And had great reasoning. Great discussion or debates. That is, the part which believed that Jesus was the Messiah, Ac 28:24, discussed the subject warmly with those who did not believe. This whole verse is wanting in the Syriac version and in some Greek Mss., and is supposed by Mill and Griesbach to be spurious.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 30

Verse 30. Paul dwelt two whole years. Doubtless in the custody of the soldiers. Why he was not prosecuted before the emperor during this time is not known. It is evident, however, Ac 28:21, that the Jews were not disposed to carry the case before Nero; and the matter, during this time, was suffered quietly to sleep. There is great probability that the Jews durst not prosecute him before the emperor. It is clear that they had never been in favour of the appeal to Rome, and that they had no hope of gaining their cause. Probably they might remember the former treatment of the Roman emperor of their people, See Barnes "Ac 18:2" they might remember that they were despised at the Roman capital, and not choose to encounter the scorn and indignation of the Roman court; and as there was no prosecution, Paul was suffered to live in quietness and safety. Lardner, however, supposes (vol. v. pp. 528, 529, Edit. 8vo. Lond. 1829) that the case of Paul was soon brought before Nero, and decided; and that the method of confinement was ordered by the emperor himself. Lightfoot also supposes that Paul's "accusers, who had come from Judea to lay their charge against him, would be urgent to get their business despatched, that they might be returning to their own home again, and so would bring him to trial as soon as they could." But nothing certain is known on the subject. It is evident, indeed, from 2 Ti 4:16, that he was at some time arraigned before the emperor; but when it was, or what was the decision, or why he was at last set at liberty, are all involved in impenetrable obscurity.

In his own hired house. In a house which he was permitted to hire, and occupy as his own. Probably in this he was assisted by the kindness of his Roman friends.

And received all, etc. Received all hospitably and kindly who came to him to show him kindness, or to listen to his instructions. It is evident from this, that he was still a prisoner, and was not permitted to go at large.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 28 - Verse 31

Verse 31. Preaching the kingdom of God. See Barnes "Ac 20:25".

With all confidence. Openly and boldly, without any one to hinder him. It is known, also, that Paul was not unsuccessful even when a prisoner at Rome. Several persons were converted by his preaching even in the court of the emperor. The things which had happened to him, he says, Php 1:12-14, had fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel, so that his bonds in Christ were manifested in all the palace, and in all other places; and many brethren in the Lord, says he, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. In this situation he was remembered with deep interest by the church of Philippi, who sent Epaphroditus to him with a contribution to supply his wants. Of their kindness he speaks in terms of the tenderest gratitude in Php 2:25; 4:18. During his confinement, also, he was the means of the conversion of Onesimus, a runaway slave of Philemon, of Colosse in Phrygia, Phm 1:10 whom he sent back to his master with a letter to himself, and with an epistle to the church at that place. Col 4:8,9,18.

During this imprisonment he wrote, according to Lardner, the following epistles, in the following order and time, viz :—

Ephesians, April, A. D .......................... 61
2 Timothy, May .................................... 61
Philippians, before the end of .............. 62
Colossians ........................................... 62
Philemon .............................................. 62
Hebrews, spring of ............................. 63

Here closes the inspired account of the propagation of Christianity, of the organization of the Christian church, and of the toils and persecutions of the apostle Paul. Who can but be deeply affected when he comes to the conclusion of this inspired book of revivals, and of the history of the spread of the Christian religion, and of the account of that wonderful man—the apostle Paul? Who can help heaving the sigh of regret, that this interesting historian did not carry forward the history of Paul till his death; and that henceforward, in the history of the church, we want this faithful, inspired guide; and that, from the close of this book, everything becomes at once so involved in obscurity and uncertainty? Instead, however, of pouring forth the sigh of unavailing regret that the sacred historian has carried us no farther onward, we should rather speak the language of praise that he has given, by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, a history of the church for thirty years after the ascension of the Saviour; that he has recorded the accounts of the first great revivals of religion; that he has presented us the examples of the early missionary zeal; that he has informed us how the early Christians endured persecution and toil; that he has conducted us from land to land, and from city to city, showing us everywhere how the gospel was propagated, until we are led to the seat of the Roman power, and see the great apostle of Christianity there proclaiming, in that mighty capital of the world, the name of Jesus as the Saviour of men. Perhaps there could be no more appropriate close to the book of the inspired history, than thus to have conducted the apostle of the Gentiles, and to have recorded the spread of Christianity, to the capital of the Roman world, and to leave the principal agent in the establishment of the Christian religion in that seat of intelligence, and influence, and power. It is the conducting of Christianity to the very height of its earthly victories; and having shown its power in the provinces of the empire, it was proper for the inspired author of this ecclesiastical history to close the account with the record of its achievements in the capital.

Why Luke closed his history here is not known. It may have been that he was not afterwards the companion of Paul; or that he might have been himself removed by death. It is agreed on all hands that he did not attend Paul in his subsequent travels; and we should infer, from the conclusion of this book, that he did not survive the apostle, as it is almost incredible, if he did, that he did not mention his release and death. It is the uniform account of antiquity, that Luke, after the transactions with which the Acts of the Apostles closes, passed over into Achaia, where he lived a year or two, and there died at the age of eighty-four years.

Everything in regard to the apostle Paul, after the account with which Luke closes this book, is involved in doubt and uncertainty. By what means he was set at liberty is not known; and there is a great contradiction of statements in regard to his subsequent travels, and even the time of his death. It is generally agreed, indeed, that he was set at liberty in the year of our Lord 63. After this, some of the Fathers assert that he travelled over Italy, and passed into Spain. But this account is involved in great uncertainty. Lardner, who has examined all the statements with care, and than whom no one is better qualified to pronounce an opinion on these subjects, gives the following account of the subsequent life of Paul. (Works, vol. v. 331—336. Ed. Loud. 1829.) He supposes that, after his release, he went from Rome to Jerusalem as soon as possible; that he then went to Ephesus, and from thence to Laodicea and Colosse; and that he returned to Rome by Troas, Philippi, and Corinth. The reason why he returned to Rome, Lardner supposes, was that he regarded that city as opening before him the widest and most important field of labour; and that therefore he proposed there to spend the remainder of his life.

In the year of our Lord 64, a dreadful fire happened at Rome, which continued for six or seven days. It was generally supposed that the city had been set on fire by order of the emperor Nero. In order to divert the attention of the people from this charge against himself, he accused the Christians of having been the authors of the conflagration, and excited against them a most furious and bloody persecution. In this persecution, it is generally supposed that Paul and Peter suffered death; the former by being beheaded, and the latter by crucifixion. Paul is supposed to have been beheaded rather than crucified, because he was a Roman citizen, and because it was unlawful to put a Roman citizen to death on a cross. Lardner thinks that this occurred in the year 65. Where Paul was beheaded is not certainly known. It is generally supposed to have occurred at a place called the Salvian Waters, about three miles from Rome, and that he was buried in the Ostian Way, where a magnificent church was afterwards built. But of this there is no absolute certainty.

It is far more important and interesting for us to be assured, from the character which he evinced, and from the proofs of his zeal and toil in the cause of the Lord Jesus, that his spirit rested in the bosom of his Saviour and his God. Wherever he died, his spirit, we doubt not, is in heaven. And where that body rested at last, which he laboured "to keep under," and which he sought to bring "into subjection," 1 Co 9:27, and which was to him so much the source of conflict and of sin, Ro 7:5,23 is a matter of little consequence. It will be watched and guarded by the eye of that Saviour whom he served, and will be raised up to eternal life. In his own inimitable language, it was sown in corruption, it shall be raised in incorruption; it was sown in dishonour, it shall be raised in glory; it was sown in weakness, it shall be raised in power; it was sown a natural body, it shall be raised a spiritual body, 1 Co 15:42-44. And in regard to him, and to all other saints, when that corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and that mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory," 1 Co 15:54. To Paul now, what are all his sorrows, and persecutions, and toils in the cause of his Master? What but a source of thanksgiving that he was permitted thus to labour to spread the gospel through the world? So may we live, imitating his life of zeal, and self-denial, and faithfulness, that, when he rises from the dead, we may participate with him in the glories of the resurrection of the just!

{a} "kingdom of Jesus" Ac 4:31; Eph 6:19

BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CONDENSED FROM THE LATE REV. JOHN BROWN, OF HADDINGTON \-

I.—Brief history of Christ after his death, 1—8; his ascension to heaven, 9—11. The disciples' return to Jerusalem, 12—14. Peter relates the history of Judas' wickedness and ruin; Matthias chosen an apostle by lot, 15—26.

II.—The Holy Ghost poured out upon the disciples, 1—4. Multitudes crowd to see and hear them; part are astonished, and others deride, 5—13. Peter vindicates himself and brethren, and shows that this was promised by Joel, and bestowed in consequence of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, 14—36. Three thousand converted to Christ, 37—41. These primitive Christians remarkably pious and charitable, and God blesses them, 42—47.

III.—Peter and John cure a lame man by a word, 1—11. Peter takes occasion to represent Christ's power, and their sin in crucifying him, 12—18. He exhorts and encourages them to repent and believe in him, 19—26.

IV.—Peter and John are imprisoned; but five thousand are converted to Christ, 1—4. Being examined touching their cure of the lame man, they avow that they had done it by the authority and power of Jesus Christ, 8—12. The Jewish rulers dismiss them, and prohibit them from preaching, 13—22. The two apostles and brethren ask of God further operations of his grace; and are answered by a repeated descent of the Holy Ghost, 23—31. The believers knit together in love, and abound in piety and charity, 31—37.

V.—Ananias and Sapphira struck dead, 1—11. The apostles work many miracles, 12—16. Are again imprisoned, but delivered by an angel, and go on in preaching, 17—25. Being again brought before the sanhedrim, they boldly avow Jesus to be the exalted Messiah, 26—33. By the advice of Gamaliel, they are dismissed, after being scourged, 34—40. They depart, rejoicing in their persecution, and proceed in their work of preaching Christ, 41, 42.

VI.—Seven deacons chosen and ordained for the distribution of alms, 1—6. Many priests and others converted; Stephen actively bestirs himself for Christ —is disputed against, accused, and appears before the sanhedrim, 7—15.

VII.—By an historical account of the Hebrew nation under Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, 1—16: under Moses, 17—4!: under Joshua, David, and Solomon, 44—50: and under their judges and kings, 42; 43: Stephen shows that the temple and ceremonies were but typical; and that, for their wickedness, God had threatened to disperse their nation. He charges his persecutors with wickedness, 51—53. Enraged, they stone him to death; he commits himself to Christ, and prays for his murderers, 54—60,

VIII.—While Stephen is buried and lamented, the Christians at Jerusalem are terribly persecuted by Saul and others, 1—3. The church enlarged by the dispersion of the persecuted preachers, who spread the gospel abroad; particularly Philip in Samaria, 4—13. Peter and John confirm the new converts there, and reprove Simon, 14—25. Philip converts and baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, 26—38. The eunuch joyfully pursues his journey homeward; Philip preaches along the western borders of Canaan, 39,40.

IX.—Saul, going to persecute the Christians at Damascus, is, by Christ's voice from heaven, converted, 1—9. After some reluctance, Ananias baptizes him, 10—19. Saul preaches Christ at Damascus, 20—22. The Jews attempt to murder him, and he narrowly escapes, 23—25. After three years, he is admitted among the Christians at Jerusalem, 26—28. To escape the fury of the Hellenist Jews, he retires to Tarsus, while the church greatly flourishes, 29—31. Peter cures Eneas of a palsy, and restores Dorcas to life, 32—43.

X.—The long-promised calling of the Gentiles into the gospel church. Directed by a vision, Cornelius sends to Joppa for Peter, 1—8. Directed by a vision of beasts and a voice from heaven, Peter readily goes, 9—23. Peter and Cornelius relate the substance of their respective visions, 24—33. Peter represents that the distinction of Jews and Gentiles was now abolished by God; and exhibits Christ crucified, and now exalted, as the Messiah foretold by the prophets, and the Saviour of the world, 34—43. The Holy Ghost descends upon Cornelius and his friends, and they are baptized, 44—48.

XI.—Peter accused by his Christian brethren at Jerusalem, 1—5. He vindicates himself, and abundantly satisfies them, 6—18. The gospel published at Antioch in Syria, with great success, 19—21. Barnabas is sent thither; and, finding Paul, goes with him to help forward the work: the converts are there first named Christians, 22—26. Agabus having foretold a famine, the Syrian converts agree to contribute to their poor brethren at Jerusalem, 27—30.

XII.—Herod Agrippa persecutes the Christians, murders the apostle James, and imprisons Peter, 1—4. Peter liberated by an angel, 5—19. Herod struck by an angel, and dies miserably, 20—23. After his death the gospel has great success, and Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, 24, 25.

XIII.—Paul and Barnabas are solemnly separated to preach the gospel, 1—3. Beginning at Seleucia, they proceed to Cyprus, 4—7. They strike Elymas the sorcerer with blindness, and convert Sergius Paulus, 8—12. Coming from Cyprus, they arrive at Antioch in Pisidia; where Paul gives the Jews a history of their nation, from the deliverance from Egypt to David; represents the crucified Jesus as risen again and exalted to glory, and as the only Saviour of men, 13—41. On the next sabbath, some were converted; but other Jews contradicting and blaspheming, Paul and Barnabas pronounce them obstinate unbelievers, and preach to the Gentiles with great success, 42—49. Departing thence, they testify against their persecutors, and come to Iconium, 50—52.

XIV.—After successfully preaching the gospel at Iconium, persecution makes Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra, Derbe, etc., 1—7. At Lystra they heal a lame man; upon which the people could scarcely be restrained from worshipping them as gods, 8—18. Quickly after, instigated by the Jews, they stoned Paul till they thought he was dead, 19, 20. They visit the churches lately planted, 21—23. They report what the Lord had done, 24—28.

XV.—A dispute at Antioch about circumcising Gentile converts; Paul and Barnabas sent to Jerusalem to have the matter decided, 1—5. The apostles and elders meet to consider it; after Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James had spoken, a decision is made against circumcising Gentiles; but requiring them to abstain from things offered to idols, from things strangled, from blood, and from fornication, 6—-29. Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, where the decree is received with great joy, 30—35. They propose a second journey, but contend about John Mark, and take different routes, 36—41.

XVI.—Paul finds Timothy at Lystra, circumcises him, takes him for an assistant, and visits the churches, delivering the decrees, 1—5. The Holy Ghost prohibits their preaching in Proconsular Asia and Bithynia, but directs them to Macedonia, 6—12. Lydia is converted at Philippi, and entertains them kindly, 13—15. Paul casts out a spirit of divination, for which he and Silas are scourged and imprisoned, 16—24. They sing praises in the prison, an earthquake opens the doors, and the jailer and his family are converted and baptized, 25—33. Paul and Silas oblige the magistrates to liberate and dismiss them honourably as Roman citizens, 34—40.

XVII.—Paul comes to Thessalonica, and preaches with great success; is persecuted by the Jews, 1—9. Flees to Berea, and preaches till the Jews drive him thence, 10—14. Conducted to Athens, he preaches Christ and the resurrection, and disputes with the heathen, 15—31. Converts but few, 32—34.

XVIII.—Paul goes from Athens to Corinth: preaches first to the Jews, 1—6; and afterwards to the Gentiles with great success, and encouraged by a vision, 6—11. Accused before Gallio, who refuses to hear the accusation, 19—17. Returns through Ephesus, Antioch, and other places, 18—23. Apollos, instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, preaches in Ephesus and Achaia, 24—28.

XIX.—Paul returns to Ephesus, and imparts the Holy Ghost to some of John's disciples. 1—7. Preaches three months in the Jews' synagogue; but meeting there with great opposition, he preaches two years in the school of Tyrannus, 8—12. Some Jewish exorcists confounded, and many other practisers of devilish arts converted, 13—20. Paul defers his intended journey, 21, 22. Demetrius and his brethren raise a mob to cry up Diana, but the town clerk disperses it by a sensible remonstrance, 23—41.

XX.—Paul travels through Macedonia, Greece, and Asia, till he comes to Troas, 1—6. Preaches at Troas, administers the Lord's Supper, and raises Eutychus, 7—12. Leaves for Jerusalem, and comes to Miletus, 13—16. Sends for the elders of Ephesus, and charges them to take the care of their church, 17—35. Takes a most solemn and affectionate farewell, 86—38.

XXI.—Paul and his friends, sailing southward from Miletus, touch at Patara, Tyre, Ptolemais, and arrive at Caesarea, 1—8. Lodged in Philip's house, and urged in vain to forbear going up to Jerusalem, 8—14. Coming to Jerusalem, Paul salutes the brethren; reports his success; and at their advice, purifies himself after the custom of the Jews, 15—25. Some Asiatic Jews, seeing him in the temple, incense the multitude to apprehend him, 27—30. Being in danger of his life, he is rescued by the Roman captain, 31—40. XXII.—By an affectionate address in the Hebrew tongue, Paul procures attention, 1,2. He gives an account of his parentage and early life, 3—5; of his conversion, 6—11; of his being baptized, and further instructed by Ananias, 12—16; of his call from heaven to preach to the Gentiles, 17—1; which greatly enrages the Jews, 22, 23. The chief captain again rescues him, and orders him to be bound and scourged, 24, 25. Paul claims his privileges, is freed from his bonds, and brought to the Jewish council, 26—30.

XXIII.—Paul, before the council, professes his continued integrity; rebukes the high priest, and foretells his ruin, 1—5. He prudently creates a division among his enemies, 6—9; and is carried away by the chief captain, 10. Christ, by a vision, encourages him, and warns him of further trouble at Rome; plot of the Jews to murder him, 11—15. Paul's nephew informs him and the chief captain of the plot, 16—22. Its execution prevented, 23—35.

XXIV.—The high priest and elders, with Tertullus, come to Caesarea, and accuse Paul before Felix, 1—9. Paul clears himself, and defends his behaviour and doctrine, 10—21. Felix defers the decision, and gives Paul more liberty, 22, 23; trembles at his discourse, 24, 25; but he leaves him a prisoner, 26, 27.

XXV.—Paul again accused before Festus, 1—7. He again vindicates himself, and appeals to the Roman emperor, 8—12. Festus relates the case to king Agrippa, who desires to hear Paul, 13—23. Festus presents Paul; acquits him of the charges, and leaves him to answer for himself, 23—27.

XXVI.—After a polite address to Agrippa, 1—3; Paul gives an account of his parentage, Pharisaical profession, belief of the resurrection, inveterate rage against Christ and his followers, 4-11. Relates the manner of his conversion and call to the apostleship; his preaching Christ afterwards, 12—23. Festus pronounces him mad; but Paul maintains the contrary, 24—26. Agrippa almost persuaded to be a Christian; declares Paul innocent, 27—32.

XXVII.—Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner: the beginning calm and prosperous, 1—8. Paul warns them of a storm, but in vain, 9—11. They meet it, and are nearly wrecked, 12—20. Paul assures them that their lives would be preserved, 21—26. They all escape to land at Malta, 27—44.

XXVIII.—Paul and his companions hospitably entertained at Malta, 1, 2. Miraculously preserved from a viper, 3—6. Heals Publius' father, and others, 7—10. After three months, they sail by Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli; Paul travels to Rome, 11—16. He sends for some principal Jews, and shows them the injustice of his imprisonment, 17—20. He afterwards preaches the gospel with partial success, 21—29. As a prisoner in his own hired house, he preaches unmolested to all that come to him, 30, 31.