Hanover Baptist Church

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Acts, Lesson 13

6.4.06 Mark Walker

Acts 28:11-31

I.                The Long Awaited Trip to Rome

a.    First vision of Rome in Ephesus – Acts 19:21

b.    Letter to Romans written three years prior to this – Romans 1:10-15.. Paul’s heart’s intent was to:

                                                    i.     Impart some spiritual gift – v 11

                                                  ii.     That they be “established” – v 11

                                                iii.     Comforted by mutual faith – v 12

                                                iv.     Have fruit - v 13

                                                  v.     Preach the gospel – v 15

c.     The time is 60 AD.  The journey itself will influence the visit to Rome.  Paul left Caesarea a prisoner, but notice how even the soldiers revolve around their prisoner.

II.              Points on the Journey

a.    From Melita (east of Malta) to Syracuse – on the east coast of Sicily

b.    From Syracuse to Rhegium – on the tip of the Italian peninsula

c.     From Rhegium to Puteoli – on the west coast of Italy

d.    The road between Puteoli and Rome was 150 miles.  This walk on the Appian Way usually took five days.

III.            The Visit from Brethren - v. 15

a.    Paul had written to them three years before

b.    Paul wanted to be a blessing

c.     They came to Paul

d.    Paul was encouraged.  How important would this be in days ahead?

IV.           Rome

a.    House arrest – v. 16

b.    Paul’s custom changed.  He usually went first to the synagogue, but in this instance he calls for the “chief of the Jews” – v. 17

c.     Defends himself – v. 17-20

d.    Case had not been made against Paul, but against the gospel – v.21-22

e.    Paul will preach Christ from his lodging – v. 20, 23

f.      The reaction – division

g.    Concludes the v. 28

“Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.”

V.  The End?