Acts 26-28

Acts 26

Herod Agrippa II allows Paul the Apostle to speak. Paul begins respectfully because Agrippa understands Jewish customs and controversies.

Paul reviews his past

• strict Pharisee
• zealous Jew
• persecutor of Christians
  • He imprisoned believers and approved executions.

Paul says he is on trial because of the hope of the resurrection.

Paul retells the Damascus Road encounter.

• bright heavenly light
• Jesus speaks
• Paul falls to the ground
• Jesus says “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

Jesus says “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

• goads: sharp sticks used to direct animals
• resisting God only harms the person resisting.

Jesus appoints Paul to:

• open eyes
• turn people from darkness to light
• bring Gentiles to God

Paul says he obeyed Jesus He preached:

• repentance
• turning to God
• deeds fitting repentance

Central gospel message

• Christ would suffer
• rise from the dead
• proclaim light to Jews and Gentiles.

Porcius Festus interrupts “Paul, you are out of your mind!” Festus thinks Paul’s learning made him insane. Paul declares he speaks truth and reason.

Paul asks Agrippa directly “Do you believe the prophets?” Agrippa replies “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

Agrippa concludes Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment.

• But Paul already appealed to Caesar, so he must go to Rome.

Acts 27

from: https://www.conformingtojesus.com/images/webpages/pauls_voyage_to_rome_map1.jpg

Paul is placed on a ship under Julius the Centurion. Companions include Luke (use of “us”) and Aristarchus. Cities include: 

• Caesarea
• Sidon
•  Cyprus
• Myra
• Cnidus
• along Crete 
• Salmone
• Fair Havens (near Lasea)

Strong winds make sailing dangerous. Paul warns continuing the voyage will end badly. But the crew trusts the pilot over Paul.

A massive storm (“northeaster”) strikes. The crew throws cargo overboard.

• violent winds
• darkness
• loss of control
• hopelessness
• No food

An angel tells Paul:

• do not fear
• you will stand before Caesar
• everyone aboard will survive

Sailors attempt escape but Paul warns “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”

Paul tells them to eat and he gives thanks to God publicly before eating.

The ship strikes a reef and breaks apart.

• exactly as God promised, everyone reaches shore safely (all 276 people) 

Acts 28

The island is Malta, and the islanders show unusual kindness.

A viper bites Paul’s hand. 

• The people assume Paul must be cursed, but Paul suffers no harm.
• Then they think he is a god.

Paul heals the father of the chief Publius and many others come for healing. The islanders honor Paul and companions generously.

After three months on Malta, Paul finally reaches Rome. Believers come out to meet him. Paul thanks God and takes courage

Paul meets Jewish leaders in Rome. He explains:

• he has done nothing against Judaism
• he is imprisoned because of “the hope of Israel.”

Trying to persuade them about Jesus, Paul teaches from:

• the Law
• Prophets

Some believe, others reject.

Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10:

• hearts hardened
• hearing but not understanding

“this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

Paul remains under house arrest for two years.Yet he continues:

• preaching boldly
• teaching openly
• unhindered

The gospel advances “without hindrance.”

Application

We see God at hand despite the seemingly impossible. Paul and those aboard the ship are saved despite storms and low supplies. Paul is spared from a viper on the island. Lastly, Paul makes it to Rome and testifies before rulers.