Acts 28:11-31 | It's Just the BeginningSample

Back to Sea

This is the last of our 5-day reading plans through Acts. We’ve come to the end as Luke wraps up his story.

After wintering on shipwreck island, Paul and his companions set out yet again on another ship under the figurehead of Roman gods Castor and Pollux, finally making it to Rome. Here Paul reaches out to the local Jewish leaders who don’t know anything about the controversy surrounding him and are eager to hear more about Christ and his way. Luke recounts the tension and conflict that the gospel of Jesus stirs among them, and leaves us wondering and waiting for what happens next.

Two plans ago (Acts 27) we saw the significance of the sea. In Acts 28:11, "Castor and Pollux" are mentioned because they were considered the protectors of sailors, and the Alexandrian ship they were on bore their image. Luke highlights the pagan culture of the Roman world where Paul was ministering, and contrasting it with God's ultimate control and protection over the journey.

It might appear Paul was under other powers (whether pagan gods or Rome). But do you remember what Jesus said to Paul when he was first arrested in Jerusalem at the start of this whole off-to-Rome prison journey? “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11, NIV). Yes, it might appear Paul was under other powers. But appearances can be deceiving. Paul is going as an ambassador of the Kingdom under the authority of Christ.

It was Christ who rescued them from the storm at sea (Acts 27) and the venomous viper (Acts 28:3-5). It was Christ who told Paul “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you” (Acts 27:24, NIV). The idols were powerless on Malta’s reefs, and whatever hope the sailors put in them proved powerless. Christ saved every soul.

God’s purposes prevail even when surrounded by false hopes and false gods. But Christ’s promises? They never fail.

And so the gospel advances. Into the heart of Rome.