Thematic Bible

Themes in Acts 28

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Themes in Acts 28

Acts 28:1 (show verse)

After we escaped [from the sinking ship] we became aware that the island [on which we had landed] was Melita [i.e., present-day Malta].

Acts 28:2 (show verse)

The natives [there] showed us uncommon kindness. It had begun to rain and was [getting] cold, so they built a fire and made us feel welcome.

Bible stories for children » Three young men who would not bend, budge, or burn da 3 » Shaking off vipers
Brotherly kindness » Examples of » The barbarians
Christian ministers » Hospitality to » The foreigners to paul
Compassion » Examples of human » The barbarians
Kindness » Examples of » The barbarians
Melita (malta) » Paul shipwrecked on the coast of
Meteorology » Storms » Rain
Meteorology » Cold
Paul » Kind treatment by the inhabitants of the island
Rain » Storms
Social duties » Compassion » The barbarians
Storms » Rain

Acts 28:3 (show verse)

But as Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and was placing them on the fire, a snake crawled out because of the heat and clung to his hand.

Bible stories for children » Three young men who would not bend, budge, or burn da 3 » Shaking off vipers
Christian ministers » Hospitality to » The foreigners to paul
Fire » In houses » Made of wood
Melita (malta) » Paul shipwrecked on the coast of
Paul » Is bitten by a viper and miraculously unharmed
Reptiles » Mentioned in scripture » Viper
Viper » Fastens on paul's hand

And when the natives saw the poisonous creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "This man must be a murderer because, even though he escaped from the sea, [divine] justice is not going to allow him to live."

Acts 28:5 (show verse)

However, Paul shook off the creature into the fire without suffering any harm.

Bible stories for children » Three young men who would not bend, budge, or burn da 3 » Shaking off vipers
Christian ministers » Hospitality to » The foreigners to paul
Melita (malta) » Paul shipwrecked on the coast of
Miracles » Of paul » Vipers bite
Miracles » Of the disciples of jesus » Paul » Shakes a viper off his hand and is unharmed
Miracles wrought through servants of God » Paul » Viper's bite made harmless
Paul » Apostleship of miracles of » Vipers bite
Paul » Is bitten by a viper and miraculously unharmed
Serpent » Venom of
Serpent » The apostles given power over

Acts 28:6 (show verse)

But the natives expected him to swell up [from snake bite] or fall dead suddenly, but after expecting this for a long time and not seeing any harm come to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

Bible stories for children » Three young men who would not bend, budge, or burn da 3 » Shaking off vipers
Christian ministers » Hospitality to » The foreigners to paul
Images » Other objects of worship » Men deified and worshipped
Man's » Deification
Melita (malta) » Paul shipwrecked on the coast of
Paul » Is bitten by a viper and miraculously unharmed
Serpent » Venom of
Superstition » Instances of » The people of the island of melita (malta), in assuming that paul was some sort of God
Worship » Brazen serpent » Of man
false Worship » Other objects of worship » Men deified and worshipped
FALSE » Other objects of worship » Men deified and worshipped

Acts 28:7 (show verse)

Now in that general vicinity there was property belonging to the chief of the island, a man named Publius, who welcomed us courteously and entertained us for three days.

Christian ministers » Hospitality to » The foreigners to paul
Courtesy » General references to
Melita (malta) » Paul shipwrecked on the coast of
Paul » Heals the ruler's father and others
Publius » Father of, healed by paul
Social duties » Compassion » Courtesy, general references to

Acts 28:8 (show verse)

And it happened that Publius' father lay sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul went [to his house] and, after praying and placing hands on him, healed him.

Apostles » Persecution of » Healing, examples of apostolic
Christian ministers » Hospitality to » The foreigners to paul
Disciples » Heal persecution of » Heal
Disease » Healed » Examples of apostolic
Diseases » Disease, different forms of » Fever
Diseases » Mentioned in scripture » Dysentery
Diseases » Other diseases mentioned » Dysentery
hands » Laying on of » In healing
disease Healed » Examples of apostolic
Imposition of hands » In healing
Laying on of hands » In healing
Melita (malta) » Paul shipwrecked on the coast of
Miracles » Miracles performed by the disciples and apostles » Miracles performed by the disciples and apostles
Miracles » Of the disciples of jesus » Paul » Throws out evil spirits, and cures sick people
Miracles » Of paul » Father of publius healed
Miracles wrought through servants of God » Paul » Father of publius healed
Paul » Heals the ruler's father and others
Paul » Apostleship of miracles of » Father of publius healed
Prayer, answers to » Paul
Publius » Father of, healed by paul
Sickness » Healing » Examples of apostolic
Sickness » Pray for those afflicted with

Acts 28:9 (show verse)

When he had done this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases, [also] came and were healed.

Christian ministers » Hospitality to » The foreigners to paul
Melita (malta) » Paul shipwrecked on the coast of
Miracles » Of the disciples of jesus » Paul » Throws out evil spirits, and cures sick people
Paul » Heals the ruler's father and others

Acts 28:10 (show verse)

These people also showered many honors on us and when we sailed [away], they brought the provisions we needed and put them aboard [the ship].

Awe » For the aged » For men of God
Christian ministers » Hospitality to » The foreigners to paul
Gratitude » To men, examples of
Liberality » Instances of » People of melita (malta) to paul
Melita (malta) » Paul shipwrecked on the coast of
Paul » Heals the ruler's father and others
Reverence » For men of God
Reverence » For servants of God
Thankfulness » Of man to man » The people of the island of melita (malta), to paul

Acts 28:11 (show verse)

After three months we set sail on a ship that had spent the winter on the island [of Melita]. This ship had originated from Alexandria and was designated as "Twin Brothers" [Note: The ship may have been named this because of its prow containing the figures of the mythical twin gods of sailors, Castor and Pollux].

Alexandria » Ships of
Castor and pollux » Name of a ship
Paul » Malta » Syracuse » Rhegium » Puteoli
Paul » delays
ship » Used in commerce » For passenger traffic
ship » Figurehead
Ships » Employed in » Carrying passengers
Ships » Usually distinguished by signs or figure heads
Winter » Ships were laid up in port during
Winter » Shipping suspended in, on the mediterranean sea

Acts 28:12 (show verse)

And docking at Syracuse [i.e., a town on the eastern shore of Sicily], we stayed there three days.

Paul » Malta » Syracuse » Rhegium » Puteoli
Paul » delays
Syracuse » Paul visits

Acts 28:13 (show verse)

From there we sailed around [and then north] until we arrived at Rhegium [i.e., a town on the "toe" of Italy]. The next day a south wind began blowing, and on the second day we arrived at Puteoli [i.e., a town about half-way to Rome],

Paul » Malta » Syracuse » Rhegium » Puteoli
Paul » delays
Puteoli » Paul stays a week at
Rhegium » Visited by paul on the way to rome

Acts 28:14 (show verse)

where we found [some Christian] brothers. They urged us to stay with them for seven days. So, [that is how] we finally got to Rome.

Paul » Arrives » Rome
Periods and numbers » Forty days » Seven days
Puteoli » Paul stays a week at
Seven » Certainties, seven that face the unrepentant sinner » Days
Seven » Days » Paul stays at puteoli for

Acts 28:15 (show verse)

[So], hearing that we were coming, the brothers [from Rome] traveled from there as far [south] as "The Market of Appius" and "The Three Inns" to meet us. When Paul saw them he thanked God and was [very] encouraged.

Appii-forum » A market town in italy
Love » Instances of » Roman Christians for paul
Paul » Arrives » Rome
Thankfulness » Examples of
Thankfulness » Exemplified » Paul
Thanksgiving » Exemplified » Paul
Three taverns » Roman Christians meet paul in

Acts 28:16 (show verse)

When we entered Rome [itself] Paul was permitted to live alone except for a soldier who guarded him.

Armies » March in ranks » Roman army » Centurions
Paul » Arrives » Rome
Prisoners » Kindness to » By julius, the centurion
Prisons » Places used as » Prisoner's own house, where he was kept bound to a soldier
The Roman empire » Allusions to judicial affairs of » Prisoners chained to soldiers for safety
Soldiers » Perform escort duty
Soldiers » Guard prisoners

Acts 28:17 (show verse)

And it happened after three days that Paul called together those who were the leading Jews, and when they assembled he said to them, "Brothers, although I had done nothing against the [Jewish] people or the customs of our forefathers, yet I was made a prisoner at Jerusalem, being placed in the custody of the Romans [while there].

Paul » expounds » The gospel

Acts 28:18 (show verse)

After questioning me, they wanted to release me because they could not find any grounds for sentencing me to death.

Paul » expounds » The gospel

Acts 28:19 (show verse)

But when the Jews objected to this, I was compelled to appeal [my case] to Caesar, even though I had done nothing against my country.

Appeal » Paul makes, to caesar
Courts of justice » Of the romans in judea » Appeals from, made to the emperor
Paul » expounds » The gospel

Acts 28:20 (show verse)

It was for this reason that I requested to see you and talk with you, for I am wearing this chain because of the hope held by the Israelites."

Chains » Used to confine prisoners
Fetters » Good men bound with
Paul » expounds » The gospel

Acts 28:21 (show verse)

Then they said to him, "We did not receive any letters from Judea about you, nor did any of the brothers come here to report anything bad about you.

Paul » expounds » The gospel

Acts 28:22 (show verse)

But we would like to hear what you think, for according to our knowledge, this sect [you belong to] is being spoken against everywhere."

Paul » expounds » The gospel

Acts 28:23 (show verse)

And when they had arranged a day, large numbers of people came to Paul's house. He explained [everything to them], testifying from morning until evening concerning the kingdom of God and concerning [the Messiahship of] Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from [the writings of] the prophets.

Dream » Instances of » Concerning the shipwreck, and the safety of all on board
Instruction » Examples of spiritual
Kingdom » Preaching of
spiritual Kingdom » Eternal the growth of » Preaching of
Law » Prophecies in, of the messiah
Paul » expounds » The gospel
Spiritual » Instruction » Examples of spiritual
Spiritual » Eternal the growth of » Preaching of
The word of God » Taught by the apostles

Acts 28:24 (show verse)

And some people believed what Paul said and some refused to believe.

The call of God » Rejection of, leads to » Judicial blindness
Dream » Instances of » Concerning the shipwreck, and the safety of all on board
Faith » Instances of faith in Christ » Jews at rome
Paul » expounds » The gospel

Acts 28:25 (show verse)

And when they could not agree among themselves they left, after hearing Paul make this one [important] statement: "The Holy Spirit has spoken truthfully to your forefathers through Isaiah the prophet,

The call of God » Rejection of, leads to » Judicial blindness
Gentiles/heathen » Salvation coming to the gentiles
God's word » Divinely inspired
Holy spirit » Fruits of » Inspiring the word
Holy spirit » As jehovah of hosts
Inspiration » Examples of » Of the bible
the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit » Design of » To reveal future events
Paul » expounds » The gospel
Prophecy » They who uttered » Spake by the holy ghost
Prophecy » Miscellaneous, fulfilled » That blindness fulfilled
Salvation » Salvation coming to the gentiles
The word of God » Despised by the foolish » Divinely inspired
Witness of the holy ghost » Borne against all unbelievers

Acts 28:26 (show verse)

saying, [Isa. 6:9-10], 'Go to these people and say, you will hear all right, but you will not understand [what you hear]. You will see all right, but you will not perceive [what you see].

The call of God » Rejection of, leads to » Judicial blindness
Deafness » Spiritual
Deafness » Figurative » Of moral insensibility
Gentiles/heathen » Salvation coming to the gentiles
Heart » The unregenerate » Is judicially hardened
character of the unrenewed Heart » Often judicially stupefied
Paul » expounds » The gospel
Prophecy » Miscellaneous, fulfilled » That blindness fulfilled
Salvation » Salvation coming to the gentiles
Spiritual » Crowns » Deafness
Witness of the holy ghost » Borne against all unbelievers

Acts 28:27 (show verse)

For these people's minds are dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes. For, if this were not the case, they would perceive what they see with their eyes, and understand what they hear with their ears, and comprehend with their minds, and would turn [back to God] again and I [God] would heal them [from their sins].'

The call of God » Rejection of, leads to » Judicial blindness
Deafness » Figurative » Of moral insensibility
Dullness » General examples of
Gentiles/heathen » Salvation coming to the gentiles
Heart » The unregenerate » Is judicially hardened
character of the unrenewed Heart » Often judicially stupefied
Paul » expounds » The gospel
Prophecy » Miscellaneous, fulfilled » That blindness fulfilled
Salvation » Salvation coming to the gentiles
Salvation » Neglect of » Insensibility
Witness of the holy ghost » Borne against all unbelievers

Acts 28:28 (show verse)

Then let it be known to you that salvation from God is [now] being announced to the Gentiles. They will listen [to it]." {{Some ancient manuscripts insert verse

Conversion » Of the gentiles » Examples of
Gentiles » Conversion of » Examples of
Gentiles/heathen » Salvation coming to the gentiles
the Heathen » Salvation provided for
Paul » expounds » The gospel
Salvation » The salvation of the lord
Salvation » Salvation coming to the gentiles

Acts 28:29 (show verse)

And when he had said these words, the Jews left, disputing about the matter among themselves.}}

Paul » expounds » The gospel

Acts 28:30 (show verse)

Then Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house and welcomed everyone who visited him.

Leaders » Support of » Self-support as practised by paul
Paul » Lives in his own rented house for two years, preaching and teaching
Paul's » Voyage to rome - with luke, aristarchus, and others ac 27-28 » Self-support
Prisoners » Kindness to » By julius, the centurion
Prisons » Places used as » Prisoner's own house, where he was kept bound to a soldier
Religious » Support of » Self-support as practised by paul
Renting » Houses

Acts 28:31 (show verse)

He preached to them about the kingdom of God and taught things about the Lord Jesus Christ, with no one preventing him.

Boldness » Boldness, holy » Examples of
Leaders » Support of unfaithful » Affliction of
Ministers » Work of preaching » Examples of
Ministers » Faithful--exemplified » Paul
Paul » Lives in his own rented house for two years, preaching and teaching
Preaching » Examples of
Prisoners » Kindness to » By julius, the centurion
Religious » Support of unfaithful » Affliction of
Divine Teacher » Christian
Toleration » Religions