ACC ~ Acts 28 v11 - 16

OVERVIEW:

The final stage of the journey is described undramatically; no mention is given of how the brothers knew Paul was coming. Laconically, Luke announces the fulfillment of Jesus’ words to Paul and indeed his prediction that the mission would reach “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) by simply stating, “And so we came to Rome.” The notice of the terms of Paul’s captivity prepare for the final scene, the meeting with the Jewish leaders in Rome. The two comments from Chrysostom focus on the effects of the spread of the gospel, in that it creates an extended family bonded together in affection that strengthens its members. Here is the visible effect of the gospel message that spreads peace in society among its members even when they do not know one another. Our worldly status, whether imprisoned or free, is not the basis of our relations but our bond in Christ.

28:13 | We Came to Puteoli

THE MESSAGE HAD PRECEDED HIM. CHRYSOSTOM: The preaching had already reached Sicily. See how it ran: in Puteoli they found some brothers and met them and others. The affection of the brothers was such that they were not troubled by the fact that Paul was in chains. CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 28.11-13.

28:15 | Paul Thanked God and Took Courage

PAUL RECEIVES COMFORT AS OTHER PEOPLE DO. CHRYSOSTOM: Observe, if you please, how Paul himself was affected in a human way. “On seeing them,” it says, “he took courage.” In spite of all the miracles he had worked, the sight of the brothers still afforded him assistance. From this we learn that he received comfort and its opposite as other people do. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 54.