The Story Continues
June 20, 2021
Jay Haugh
Acts 28
Faithfulness of God to Provide
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. —Acts 28:1
Faithfulness of God to Guide
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. —Acts 28:1
Hospitality
The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. —Acts 28:2
When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. —Acts 28:3
Karma teaches that the sum of a person’s actions decides their fate in the future.
“If, then” worldview
When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” —Acts 28:4
No condemnation
He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. —Acts 28:5
They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. —Acts 28:66
God opens an unplanned ministry door
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. —Acts 28:7-8
And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. —Acts 28:9
They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed. After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. —Acts 28:10-11
And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.Acts 28:15-16
Paul’s ministry model
After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.” —Acts 28:17
The message has been vilified
And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” —Acts 28:21-22
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. —Acts 28:23
And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. —Acts 28:24
And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet…” —Acts 28:25
“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” —Acts 28:28
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. —Acts 28:30-31
Paul continues to share Jesus and equip the saints in prison
BIG IDEA
The message of salvation is the power of God and continues to save and transform
SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE
Lectio Divina 5
The Story Continues
Acts 28
Lectio Divina is a spiritual practice developed by St. Benedict in the sixth century as a way to meditate on and engage with the Word of God. As a group you will read through a passage of Scripture slowly three times, pausing between each reading to reflect and share. While theology may inform what you hear, this encounter is meant to highlight what the Word is brushing up against right now in your life. Expect this practice to take 15-20 minutes. Specific details for your group are laid out below.
Step One
Select one person to read Acts 28:1-10. Take a 10-15 second pause before you begin reading slowly through the passage. If you are not the one reading, feel free to follow along in your own Bible. While the passage is read, pay attention for a word or phrase that jumps out to you. When the passage is complete, pause for another 10-15 seconds. Go around your group and invite everyone to simply share the word or phrase that stuck out to them or say
“pass.”
Step Two
Select a new person to read Acts 28:1-10. Pause for 10-15 seconds before beginning to read slowly through the passage. During this reading let an image come to mind. This image may or may not be literal; figurative images can help you process the passage and hear what God has to say. Not everyone has a visual mind, so if an image doesn’t surface, that’s ok. When the passage is complete, pause for another 10-15 seconds. Again, go around your group and invite everyone to share the image that came to mind. If nothing came to mind or you do not want to share, just say “pass.”
Step Three
Select a new person to read Acts 28:1-10. Again, pause for 10-15 seconds before starting. This time listen for an invitation from God. To what is He inviting you today? At the end of this reading, pause for 30-45 seconds to allow everyone a few moments to be still and quiet with God. Invite everyone to share what they experienced during this time through the passage. Limit this time of sharing to just one minute per person so everyone gets a chance to share.
Next
Open the conversation to the group. Are there ways God is trying to activate you or your group? The “activated” group processing questions (page 6) are a helpful guide as your group engages with this material and with God.
ACTIVATED: GROUP PROGRESS
How is God activating your group this week?
Share how you are sensing God’s call on your 2 life this week. Listen as others share with you.
Lean into the Holy Spirit and spur Leading By Example
one another on. This may include encouragement or asking questions.
Pray over these specific activations in the lives of one another.
What did you enjoy about this group experience?
What was uncomfortable?
How do you think a regular practice of this could
benefit our group?
SELF-REFLECTION
How did God get your attention during your personal rhythms with Him this week?
What is one thing God brought to your attention while listening to the sermon this week?
How do you think a regular practice of this could benefit our group?