Acts 28 מעשי השליחים

מעשי השליחים
Acts 28  Tree of Life Version (TLV)

From Malta to Rome

28 Once safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us unusual kindness. Because it had started raining and it was cold, they kindled a fire and welcomed us all.

Acts 28  King James Version (KJV)
28 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

1. Compare the vs. 1 & 2 in the KJV to the TLV – note the “they” vs. “we/us” statements, and what are three explanations as to why both are used in the traditional Greek according to the commentators?

2. Why would the Maltese natives consider Paul a “murderer”; explain their background, what would make them come to the conclusions they did about Paul?

3. How large was this island and who was Publius and what do we know about him, and why would he have hosted Paul and the group for 3 days?

4. What do we know about a common disease found on Malta that could be related to Publius’ father’s condition, what is it, and what do the Jewish sages say about healings in relation to certain sins the victim may have committed?

5. When did the crew now set sail from Malta, with the most possible accuracy what date would it have been most likely to occur; and explain what is the “Twin Brothers” mentioned in vs. 11?

6. What do we know about the city of Syracuse? (not NY)

7. Who were the “brothers” they met at Puteoli, why did they stay 7 days; and explain who the brothers at Rome were and the significance of where they came from and why it encouraged Paul?

8. Who did Paul later call to see after 3 days in Rome, how did he refer to them (what term is used to describe them), and what explanation did Paul give them for his imprisonment and how was that significant?

9. What is interesting about the council’s response to Paul that they’ve received “no news” about him, yet they do know about this “sect” of Jews (i.e. Messianic Jews) and somehow they know it is spoken against?  Explain this…

10. What is culturally “Jewish” in the description of the disagreements that arose among the Jews who later met to hear Paul share the Good News; and should vs. 28 be interpreted to mean that God is now finished trying to reach the Jews with this Good News, and only Gentiles will now listen?