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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 28:11–16. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here the progress of Paul's voyage towards Rome, and his arrival there at length. A rough and dangerous voyage he had hitherto had, and narrowly escaped with his life; but after a storm comes a calm: the latter part of his voyage was easy and quiet.
Per varios casus, per tot discrimina rerum,
Tendimus ad Latium -
Through various hazards and events we move
To Latium.
Tendimus ad coelum.
We make for heaven.
- Dabit Deus his quoque finem.
To these a period will be fixed by Heaven.
We have here,
I.Their leaving Malta.
That island was a happy shelter to them, but it was not their home; when they are refreshed they must put to sea again. The difficulties and discouragements we have met with in our Christian course must not hinder us from pressing forward. Notice is here taken,
1.Of the time of their departure: After three months, the three winter months. Better lie by, though they lay upon charges, than go forward while the season was dangerous. Paul had warned them against venturing to sea in winter weather, and they would not take the warning; but, now that they had learned it by the difficulties and dangers they had gone through, he needed not to warn them: their learning did them good when they had paid dearly for it. Experience is therefore called the mistress of fools, because those are fools that will not learn till experience has taught them.
2.Of the ship in which they departed. It was in a ship of Alexandria; so was that which was cast away, Act 27:6. This ship had wintered in that isle, and was safe. See what different issues there are of men's undertakings in this world. Here were two ships, both of Alexandria, both bound for Italy, both thrown upon the same island, but one is wrecked there and the other is saved. Such occurrences may often be observed. Providence sometimes favours those that deal in the world, and prospers them, that people may be encouraged to set their hands to worldly business; at other times Providence crosses them, that people may be warned not to set their hearts upon it. Events are thus varied, that we may learn both how to want and how to abound. The historian takes notice of the sign of the ship, which probably gave it its name: it was Castor and Pollux. Those little foolish pagan deities, which the poets had made to preside over storms and to protect seafaring men, as gods of the sea, were painted or graven upon the fore-part of the ship, and thence the ship took its name. I suppose this is observed for no other reason than for the better ascertaining of the story, that ship being well known by that name and sign by all that dealt between Egypt and Italy. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that Luke mentions this circumstance to intimate the men's superstition, that they hoped they should have better sailing under this badge than they had had before.
II.Their landing in or about Italy, and the pursuing of their journey towards Rome.
1.They landed first at Syracuse in Sicily, the chief city of that island. There they tarried three days, probably having some goods to put ashore, or some merchandise to make there; for it seems to have been a trading voyage that this ship made. Paul had now his curiosity gratified with the sight of places he had often heard of and wished to see, particularly Syracuse, a place of great antiquity and note; and yet, it should seem, there were no Christians there.
2.From Syracuse they came to Rhegium, a city in Italy, directly opposite to Messina in Sicily, belonging to the kingdom of Calabria or Naples. There, it seems they staid one day; and a very formal story the Romish legends tell of Paul's preaching here at this time, and the fish coming to the shore to hear him, - that with a candle he set a stone pillar on fire, and by that miracle convinced the people of the truth of his doctrine, and they were many of them baptized, and he ordained Stephen, one of his companions in this voyage, to be their bishop, - and all this, they tell you, was done in this one day; whereas it does not appear that they did so much as go ashore, but only came to an anchor in the road.
3.From Rhegium they came to Puteoli, a sea-port town not far from Naples, now called Pozzolana. The ship of Alexandria was bound for that port, and therefore there Paul, and the rest that were bound for Rome, were put ashore, and went the remainder of their way by land. At Puteoli they found brethren, Christians. Who brought the knowledge of Christ hither we are not told, but here it was, so wonderfully did the leaven of the gospel diffuse itself. God has many that serve and worship him in places where we little think he has. And observe,
(1.)Though it is probable there were but few brethren in Puteoli, yet Paul found them out; either they heard of him, or he enquired them out, but as it were by instinct they got together. Brethren in Christ should find out one another, and keep up communion with each other, as those of the same country do in a foreign land.
(2.)They desired Paul and his companions to tarry with them seven days, that is, to forecast to stay at least one Lord's day with them, and to assist them in their public worship that day. They knew not whether ever they should see Paul at Puteoli again, and therefore he must not go without giving them a sermon or two, or more. And Paul was willing to allow them so much of his time; and the centurion under whose command Paul now was, perhaps having himself friends or business at Puteoli, agreed to stay one week there, to oblige Paul.
4.From Puteoli they went forward towards Rome; whether they travelled on foot, or whether they had beasts provided for them to ride on (as Act 23:24), does not appear; but to Rome they must go, and this was their last stage.
III.The meeting which the Christians at Rome gave to Paul.
It is probable that notice was sent to them by the Christians at Puteoli, as soon as ever Paul had come thither, how long he intended to stay there, and when he would set forward for Rome, which gave an opportunity for this interview. Observe,
1.The great honour they did to Paul. They had heard much of his fame, what use God had made of him, and what eminent service he had done to the kingdom of Christ in the world, and to what multitudes of souls he had been a spiritual father. They had heard of his sufferings, and how God had owned him in them, and therefore they not only longed to see him, but thought themselves obliged to show him all possible respect, as a glorious advocate for the cause of Christ. He had some time ago written a long epistle to them, and a most excellent one, the epistle to the Romans, in which he had not only expressed his great kindness for them, but had given them a great many useful instructions, in return for which they show him this respect. They went to meet him, that they might bring him in state, as ambassadors and judges make their public entry, though he was a prisoner. Some of them went as far as Appiiforum, which was fifty-one miles from Rome; others to a place called the Three Taverns, which was twenty-eight miles (some reckon it thirty-three miles) from Rome. They are to be commended for it, that they were so far from being ashamed of him, or afraid of owning him, because he was a prisoner, that for that very reason they counted him worthy of double honour, and were the more careful to show him respect.
2.The great comfort Paul had in this. Now that he was drawing near to Rome, and perhaps heard at Puteoli what character the emperor Nero now had, and what a tyrant he had of late become, he began to have some melancholy thoughts about his appeal to Caesar, and the consequences of it. He was drawing near to Rome, where he had never been, where there were few that knew him or that he knew, and what things might befall him here he could not tell; but he began to grow dull upon it, till he met with these good people that came from Rome to show him respect; and when he saw them,
(1.)He thanked God. We may suppose he thanked them for their civility, told them again and again how kindly he took it; but this was not all: he thanked God. Note, If our friends be kind to us, it is God that makes them so, that puts it into their hearts, and into the power of their hands, to be so, and we must give him the glory of it. He thanked God, no doubt, for the civility and generosity of the barbarous people at Melita, but much more for the pious care of the Christian people at Rome for him. When he saw so many Christians that were of Rome, he thanked God that the gospel of Christ had had such wonderful success there in the metropolis of the empire. When we go abroad, or but look abroad, into the world, and meet with those, even in strange places, that bear up Christ's name, and fear God, and serve him, we should lift up our hearts to heaven in thanksgiving; blessed be God that there are so many excellent ones on this earth, bad as it is. Paul had thanked God for the Christians at Rome before he had ever seen them, upon the report he had heard concerning them (Rom 1:8): I thank my God for you all. But now that he saw them (and perhaps they appeared more fashionable and genteel people than most he had conversed with, or more grave, serious, and intelligent, than most) he thanked God. But this was not all:
(2.)He took courage. It put new life into him, cheered up his spirits, and banished his melancholy, and now he can enter Rome a prisoner as cheerfully as ever he had entered Jerusalem at liberty. he finds there are those there who love and value him, and whom he may both converse with and consult with as his friends, which will take off much of the tediousness of his imprisonment, and the terror of his appearing before Nero. Note, it is an encouragement to those who are travelling towards heaven to meet with their fellow travellers, who are their companions in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. When we see the numerous and serious assemblies of good Christians, we should not only give thanks to God, but take courage to ourselves. And this is a good reason why respect should be shown to good ministers, especially when they are in sufferings, and have contempt put upon them, that it encourages them, and makes both their sufferings and their services more easy. Yet it is observable that though the Christians at Rome were now so respectful to Paul, and he had promised himself so much from their respect, yet they failed him when he most needed them; for he says (Ti2 4:16), At my first answer, no man stood with me, but all men forsook me. They could easily take a ride of forty or fifty miles to go and meet Paul, for the pleasantness of the journey; but to venture the displeasure of the emperor and the disobliging of other great men, by appearing in defence of Paul and giving evidence for him, here they desire to be excused; when it comes to this, they will rather ride as far out of town to miss him as now they did to meet him, which is an intimation to us to cease from man, and to encourage ourselves in the Lord our God. The courage we take from his promises will never fail us, when we shall be ashamed of that which we took from men's compliments. Let God be true, but every man a liar.
IV.The delivering of Paul into custody at Rome, Act 28:16. He is now come to his journey's end. And,
1.He is still a prisoner. He had longed to see Rome, but, when he comes there, he is delivered, with other prisoners, to the captain of the guard, and can see no more of Rome than he will permit him. How many great men had made their entry into Rome, crowned and in triumph, who really were the plagues of their generation! But here a good man makes his entry into Rome, chained and triumphed over as a poor captive, who was really the greatest blessing to his generation. This thought is enough to put one for ever out of conceit with this world.
2.Yet he has some favour shown him. He is a prisoner, but not a close prisoner, not in the common jail: Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, in some convenient private lodgings which his friends there provided for him, and a soldier was appointed to be his guard, who, we hope, was civil to him, and let him take all the liberty that could be allowed to a prisoner, for he must be very ill-natured indeed that could be so to such a courteous obliging man as Paul. Paul, being suffered to dwell by himself, could the better enjoy himself, and his friends, and his God, than if he had been lodged with the other prisoners. Note, This may encourage God's prisoners, that he can give them favour in the eyes of those that carry them captive (Psa 106:46), as Joseph in the eyes of his keeper (Gen 39:21), and Jehoiachin in the eyes of the king of Babylon, Kg2 25:27, Kg2 25:28. When God does not deliver his people presently out of bondage, yet, if he either make it easy to them or them easy under it, they have reason to be thankful.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Observe them tarrying a while, and again hasting onwards.
"Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome." Already the preaching has reached to Sicily: see how it has run through even to those lands: at Puteoli also they found some: others also came to meet them. Such was the eagerness of the brethren, it nothing disconcerted them, that Paul was in bonds.
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Summary
Acts 28:14 records a pivotal, yet brief, interlude in the Apostle Paul's arduous journey to Rome, marking his arrival at Puteoli, a significant port city. Having survived a harrowing shipwreck and a three-month stay on Malta, Paul and his companions unexpectedly encountered fellow believers in this bustling pagan city. This discovery led to an invitation for a week-long stay, providing much-needed rest and spiritual refreshment before they continued their divinely orchestrated progression toward the imperial capital, highlighting God's providential care and the widespread reach of the early Christian community.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows Paul's departure from Malta, where he had spent three months after his shipwreck. The preceding verses (Acts 28:11-13) detail his voyage on an Alexandrian ship, stopping first at Syracuse for three days, then Rhegium, and finally arriving at Puteoli. Acts 28:14 acts as a bridge, transitioning from the perils of the sea journey to the final leg of the overland journey to Rome. The narrative subtly shifts from external dangers and miraculous interventions to the internal strength and support found within the Christian community, setting the stage for Paul's eventual arrival in Rome and his ministry there, as described in Acts 28:15-31.
Historical & Cultural Context
Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli) was a major commercial port on the Bay of Naples, serving as Rome's primary maritime gateway for trade with the East. It was a bustling, cosmopolitan city, making the presence of a Christian community there unsurprising, given the constant flow of people and ideas. The Roman Empire, at this time, was a vast network of roads and sea lanes, facilitating both trade and the spread of new philosophies and religions, including Christianity. Paul, though a prisoner, was traveling under Roman escort, which afforded him a certain degree of protection and, paradoxically, access. The practice of hospitality was deeply ingrained in ancient Mediterranean culture, especially among fellow believers, who often relied on one another for lodging and support while traveling. The "seven days" stay would have allowed for Sabbath observance and extended fellowship, a common practice in the early church.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Providence, demonstrating how God meticulously guides Paul's journey despite imprisonment and hardship, ensuring his safe arrival and providing timely refreshment. Secondly, it highlights the Pervasiveness of the Gospel, showcasing how the Christian faith had already taken root in strategic locations like Puteoli, even before Paul's direct evangelistic efforts in Italy. This suggests the organic growth of the church, perhaps through early converts from Pentecost (Acts 2:10) or other travelers. Lastly, and most prominently, it emphasizes the vital theme of Christian Fellowship and Hospitality. The spontaneous welcome and invitation to "tarry" for seven days exemplify the strong bonds of mutual support and love that characterized the early church, where believers were truly "brethren" to one another, offering solace and encouragement on their shared spiritual journey, echoing the call for hospitality found in passages like Romans 12:13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (G2147) means "to find (literally or figuratively); to get, obtain, perceive, see." In this context, it conveys the sense of an unexpected discovery. Paul and his companions did not necessarily set out to find Christians in Puteoli; rather, they "found" them, suggesting a providential encounter. This highlights the widespread, organic growth of the early church, where communities of believers existed even in places Paul had not directly evangelized.
This word (G3870) is rich in meaning, encompassing "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation); to beseech, call for, comfort, desire, exhort, intreat, pray." Here, it signifies a strong, earnest invitation. The "brethren" did not merely permit Paul to stay; they actively "desired" him to, indicating a deep longing for fellowship, spiritual encouragement, and perhaps an opportunity to learn from such a renowned apostle, even in his imprisoned state.
Derived from epí (upon) and ménō (to remain), this verb (G1961) means "to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere)." The invitation to "tarry" for seven days suggests a significant period of rest and extended fellowship, not just a brief overnight stop. It implies a deliberate and sustained period of shared life, worship, and mutual encouragement, allowing Paul and his companions to recover fully from their arduous journey and the Puteoli believers to benefit from their presence.
Verse Breakdown
"Where we found brethren,"
This clause immediately establishes the unexpected and providential nature of the encounter. The "brethren" refers to fellow Christians, indicating that a community of believers was already established in Puteoli, a major Roman port. This discovery underscores the remarkable spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, often through unsung individuals or early converts returning home.
"and were desired to tarry with them seven days:"
This phrase reveals the warmth and depth of the hospitality extended. The Greek verb "desired" (parakaléō) implies an earnest invitation, not just a casual offer. The duration of "seven days" is significant, allowing for a full week of rest, fellowship, and perhaps even participation in their Sabbath worship and other gatherings, providing spiritual refreshment after the perils of the journey.
"and so we went toward Rome."
This concluding clause succinctly states the continuation of the journey, emphasizing that despite the pleasant interlude, the ultimate destination and divine purpose remained clear. The "so" (hoútō) indicates a logical progression, implying that after this period of rest and fellowship, they were renewed and ready to complete the final leg of their journey to the imperial capital, fulfilling the divine mandate for Paul to bear witness in Rome.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Understatement and Juxtaposition by presenting a calm, hospitable encounter immediately following the dramatic and life-threatening shipwreck. This contrast highlights the secure and comforting reality of Christian fellowship amidst the unpredictable dangers of the world. The phrase "found brethren" also functions as Synecdoche, where "brethren" (a part) stands for the entire Christian community in Puteoli, emphasizing their spiritual kinship. Furthermore, the verse serves as a crucial point of Narrative Progression, marking the transition from Paul's sea voyage to his overland journey, steadily advancing the plot towards his ultimate arrival in Rome, which has been the underlying goal since Acts 19:21 and divinely affirmed in Acts 23:11.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 28:14 beautifully illustrates the pervasive reality of Christian community and divine providence in the early church. Despite Paul's status as a prisoner and the dangers he faced, God orchestrated a moment of profound spiritual and physical refreshment through the unexpected encounter with fellow believers. This highlights the New Testament emphasis on mutual care, hospitality, and the spiritual unity that transcends geographical and social barriers. The "brethren" in Puteoli, though likely unknown to Paul previously, immediately recognized a bond of faith, demonstrating the universal nature of the body of Christ and the spontaneous outpouring of love and support that characterized early Christian life. This encounter served not only as a physical respite but also as a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness in guiding His servants and providing for their needs, even in the most challenging circumstances, ensuring the advancement of His kingdom.
Reflection and Application
Acts 28:14 serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring power and necessity of Christian community in our lives. In a world that often fosters isolation and weariness, the church is called to be a vibrant hub of welcome, rest, and mutual encouragement. Just as Paul, a weary traveler and prisoner, found unexpected solace and strength in the fellowship of believers in Puteoli, so too can we find spiritual and emotional refreshment within the body of Christ today. This verse challenges us to actively seek out and cultivate such relationships, to open our homes and our hearts to fellow believers, especially those who are on difficult journeys or in need of support. It also encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that even in our trials, He often provides unexpected oases of grace and connection, guiding us toward His ultimate purposes. Our journey of faith is not meant to be traveled alone, but in the comforting and strengthening presence of our spiritual family.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were the "brethren" Paul found in Puteoli?
The "brethren" were fellow Christians, members of the early church community in Puteoli. While the Bible doesn't specify how this community was established, it's highly probable that Christianity had spread to this major port city through early converts who traveled for trade or other reasons, perhaps even some who had been present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, where visitors from Rome were among those who heard Peter's sermon and were converted (Acts 2:10). Their presence demonstrates the organic and rapid expansion of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, even in places Paul had not yet visited.
Why did Paul and his companions stay for "seven days"?
The "seven days" stay was likely a period of significant rest and extended fellowship. It would have allowed Paul and his companions to fully recover from their arduous sea journey and the recent shipwreck. Culturally, a week-long stay would have provided ample time for shared meals, worship, and mutual encouragement. For the Puteoli believers, it was an opportunity to host and learn from the renowned Apostle Paul, even though he was a prisoner. This extended period highlights the depth of the hospitality and the genuine desire for spiritual communion within the early Christian community.
What was the significance of Puteoli as a stop on Paul's journey?
Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli) was Rome's primary port on the Bay of Naples, making it a crucial strategic location. Its bustling commercial activity meant a constant flow of people and goods, making it a natural hub for the spread of new ideas, including Christianity. For Paul, it was the final port of call before the overland journey to Rome. The discovery of a thriving Christian community there not only provided him with much-needed rest and spiritual refreshment but also served as a powerful testament to the Gospel's reach, confirming that the seeds of faith had already taken root even in the heartland of the Roman Empire, preparing the way for his ministry in Rome itself.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 28:14, though a seemingly simple logistical detail in Paul's journey, resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The unexpected discovery of "brethren" and the warm invitation to "tarry" for seven days foreshadow the ultimate hospitality offered by Christ Himself. Just as Paul found a community of believers ready to welcome him, so too does Christ, through His atoning work, welcome all who believe into His eternal family. He is the ultimate Host, preparing a place for us in His Father's house (John 14:2-3). The fellowship experienced in Puteoli points to the deeper reality of the Church as the body of Christ, a spiritual family where believers are united by the Holy Spirit and called to offer mutual support and love, reflecting the very nature of God as a relational Trinity. Moreover, Paul's journey "toward Rome" mirrors Christ's purposeful journey toward the cross and resurrection, a divinely ordained path to accomplish salvation. Every step of Paul's journey, even the unexpected detours and periods of rest, was under God's sovereign hand, just as Christ's entire earthly life was a perfect fulfillment of divine purpose, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice to gather His "brethren" from every nation (Hebrews 2:11-12). Thus, this brief interlude in Acts is a beautiful microcosm of God's providential care, Christ's welcoming embrace, and the enduring power of His Church to provide spiritual sanctuary in a weary world.