Acts 28:1-31

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This week we come to the conclusion of Dr. Luke’s two-volume work of Luke/Acts. For those who like statistics, this is the 49th message in the book of Acts, which began on May 3, 2015. It has been a long, adventuresome journey, especially following in the wake of Paul’s relentless energy, spreading the gospel over 10,000 miles, visiting 29 cities, 8 provinces and 2 continents. With great skill, Luke has captured our imagination and held us in suspense, through countless trials, beatings, riots and finally shipwreck, leaving us wondering: How will it all end? Will Paul get to testify before Caesar? Will he be vindicated or condemned? How will the church in Rome respond to his letter? Will he be released for further ministry (i.e. Spain)? How will Paul die? Luke Timothy Johnson explains, “If the endings of books, like beginnings, deserve special attention from those seeking clues to an author’s intentions, then Luke’s ought in some sense provide a satisfying closure to his narrative argument.”1 On the surface, Luke’s ending seems abrupt and inconclusive, leaving many of our questions unanswered. But on closer examination, his ending fits his purposes perfectly, reminding us who the true hero is and pulling us into the drama in ways we could have never imagined.

The final chapter divides into three sections. It begins with a much-needed break from the violent storms, both figurative and literal, to enjoy the embrace and hospitality of a pagan community. In the second section, Paul and his colleagues enjoy rich fellowship on final leg of their journey to Rome. And in final section, Paul gives his defense of the gospel to the Jews in Rome.

I. Ministry in Malta: Hospitality and healing with non-believers (28:1–6)

II. Journey to Rome: Bonds of fellowship with brothers (28:7–16)

III. House arrest in Rome: Apology to the Jews (28:17–31)

The portrait of Paul that Luke paints in this final chapter is iconic of the breadth of Paul’s ministry and, by application, of how God desires to shape us to have influence in the world—which we will see as we take in three vistas during this story. To help us enter into the story, I want you to imagine you are Julius, the centurion of the elite imperial Cohort, into whose care Paul was entrusted as a prisoner to be transferred to Rome. You’ve just survived a shipwreck and are reflecting on the past several weeks. As a Roman citizen and the ship’s ranking officer, you had the dual responsibility to transport the prisoners and the ship’s cargo to Rome safely and as quickly as possible. Before boarding you received a dossier on Paul, explaining that he posed no threat to Roman law but was being transported to Rome solely because he appealed his case to Caesar, knowing he would not get a fair trial in Jerusalem.

When it was time to board, you noticed Paul wasn’t traveling alone. Two friends, one of whom was a doctor, took the time and expense to journey with him. Normally, when someone faces charges by the state, their friends withdraw, but Paul’s friends were not ashamed of his chains. Observing Paul and his colleagues relating with a warmth and intimacy that transcended family, you found your heart strangely stirred. When the ship stopped to unload cargo in Sidon, you granted Paul the freedom to go ashore to visit his friends, a sign of unusual trust in a prisoner. You were not disappointed, for in seven days they returned generously laden with gifts and supplies for the journey, so you didn’t have to requisition more supplies on their behalf. In all your years of service, you never saw a prisoner supported which such loving and sacrificial care.

With the onset of winter and dangerous seas, it was a difficult sail to Fair Havens. Throughout the journey Paul watched the sea with concern, and he respectfully advised you against going further, fearing the loss of the ship and all on board. Like Paul, you wer