Page 1 of 6

February 2017 (Adult CG Sermon 26)

FAITHFUL TILL THE END

Rom. 5:3-4 Paul could “glory in tribulations” because he knew that God was
using his trials to shape his character into Christlikeness.
- When we go through a trial trusting in God, our faith is
proven.

In the final chapter of Acts, we see Paul’s faith, optimism and trust in God
despite the many tribulations he had to go through.

Acts 28:1 God had brought all 276 passengers onboard the ship to safety
on the island of Malta.
- Once again, God’s promises to Paul held true ― none was
lost.

v2 In those days, shipwrecked survivors were usually taken as slaves by

those who lived on the land.
- It was another miracle that the natives showed unusual kindness to
the group … they could have been very hostile toward them.
- These natives were helpful and kindled a fire to keep them warm.

v3 After all that he had done, Paul could have demanded that the rest
served him.
- But he was a servant, like Jesus, who “did not come to be served, but
to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
- So Paul was gathering sticks to help keep the fire burning … suddenly,
a viper came and bit Paul’s hand.

v4-6 Years of walking in faith (confidence) and perseverance (composure)

caused Paul's reaction to seem nonchalant.
- He simply shook off the creature into the fire!
- This also confirmed what Jesus had promised … Mark 16:15-18.

The Maltese first thought that Paul must have been a criminal … and Justice,
one of their goddesses, had finally caught up with him.
- But when Paul did not have any swelling or drop dead, they decided that
he must be a god!
- Such is the reasoning of people who judge by appearances.
 Page 2 of 6

This episode of the viper reminds us of Paul’s experience in Lystra (Acts 14:6-
18).
- When Paul healed a man crippled from birth, the people worshiped him
as god.
- They said he was Hermes in the flesh and wanted to sacrifice oxen to
him!

DISCUSSION: In groups of two or three, discuss:

- It is human nature to judge a person or matter by external
appearances … what are some ways we can avoid such prejudices?
- Also, if others judge us unfairly, how should we respond? Get a few
members to share.

Acts 28:7-8 Paul then healed Publius’ father of fever and dysentery.
- Dysentery is a severe intestinal infection that results in
diarrhea with blood, and it is potentially fatal.

v9 After witnessing the miracle, many came to Paul and his team (Dr.
Luke and Aristarchus) for healing.

This word “healed” in v9 is not the usual word for miraculous, divine
healing (Gr. iaomai).
- It is the Greek word therapeuo, which means healing through
medical therapy.

God makes people whole through divine healing, medical cure or

simple natural recuperation.
- There is absolutely no contradiction as He is the ultimate Source
of all healings … and His will is that we are in health (3 John 2).

v10 Because of their effective ministry to the Maltese, Paul and his team
received the necessary help to carry on their journey to Rome.

Matt. 10:1, 8 The preaching of the gospel must be accompanied by signs,

wonders and miracles, especially healings and deliverance.
- Healing is an essential ingredient to the Great
Commission … Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38.
- Healing opens the hearts of the unbelievers to the reality
of a living God!
 Page 3 of 6

Acts 28:11-13 After 3 months on the island of Malta, Paul resumed his
journey to Rome.
- When they reached the Italian harbor Puteoli, their
grueling sea voyage had finally ended.
- Centurion Julius led Paul and his team, and the rest of
the prisoners via the famous Appian Way to Rome.
(The Appian Way was the most famous road in the
Roman Empire.)

Words got out that Paul was traveling to Rome, and some believers made
their way to meet with Paul:
(1) One group of Christians met Paul at the Appii Forum, 69 KM from
Rome.
(2) Another group met him at the Three Inns, 50 KM from Rome.

Paul was greatly encouraged when he met them because there is power in
the fellowship of the saints.
- As believers, we are to thoughtfully consider how we may encourage one
another in order to “stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24).

v16 When Paul arrived in Rome, he was permitted to dwell by himself

under house arrest ― at all times, he had a soldier guarding him.

In his house, Paul was given the freedom to receive guests and preach the
gospel.
- Since he was chained to a guard, who was relieved every 6 hours, they
had to listen to Paul’s preaching, teaching and prayers.
- As a result, many of the prison guards were converted to Christ (Phil.
1:12-14; 4:22).

17-20 As a Jew, Paul’s concern was his witness to the Jews in Rome … so he
met them to explain himself.
- The apostle made it clear that his appeal to Caesar was not to
shame his own nation, Israel.
- Rather, he was a prisoner for “the hope of Israel” ― Jesus Christ.

v21-22 The Jews in Rome had received no special word about Paul, but they
did hear about rumors against the “Christian” sect.
 Page 4 of 6

v23-24 On the appointed day, Paul explained the Scripture “from morning till
evening” and revealed Christ in the Law and the Prophets.
- Some were persuaded, while others were not.
 We must always be prepared that not everyone would be open
and friendly to the message we preach.

v25-26 When Paul mentioned Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the hardness of

heart among the Jews, and the salvation of God to the Gentiles …
- The Roman Jews left the meeting in anger!
- Like the Jews in Jerusalem and elsewhere, they just couldn’t
accept that in God’s sight, Gentiles could be equal to Jews.

This is one of the major themes of Acts: how the gospel of Jesus Christ has
moved from the Jews to the Gentiles ― from Jerusalem to Rome.

v30-31 The Book of Acts ended exactly how it started ― “preaching the
kingdom of God.”
- Acts began with Jesus gathering His disciples, “speaking of the
things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).
- About 30 years later, it ended by saying that, even in chains, Paul
was “preaching the kingdom of God.”

Paul spent 2 years under house arrest in Rome till his court appeal before
Emperor Nero Caesar.
- During this time, he wrote the books of Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians
and Philemon.

Dr. Luke ended this book before Paul’s actual court appeal before Caesar.
- At the end of A.D. 62, Paul was able to make his defense before Caesar
and was acquitted of all charges.
- He resumed his ministry, traveling as far as Spain (Rom. 15:24, 28),
bringing the gospel to literally all of the Western world.

3 years later, in A.D. 65, Paul was rearrested and imprisoned again in Rome for
about another year.
- Sometime in A.D. 66, Paul was beheaded by the order of Nero Caesar.

The lesson of the Book of Acts can be summed up in one sentence:

- God’s people, fulfilling God’s will, can never be stopped, in spite of
difficulties that may come their way.
 Page 5 of 6

In a sense, there is no end to the story of the Book of Acts … because this
same story is repeated again and again throughout Church history:
(1) People trusting in Jesus Christ.
(2) People relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of
the Heavenly Father.
(3) The Word of God continuing to spread without hindrance, and
changing lives for the glory of God.

Consider Paul ― he had more than sufficient reason for discouragement.

- His desire was simply to love and serve the Lord Jesus, yet every step of
his way was blocked by Satan’s schemes.
- But Paul persevered by faith and, in the end, conquered all obstacles
which could have defeated him.

Rom. 8:35-37 In this lifetime, and in all of eternity, we will never be

separated from the love of Jesus Christ.

Even in hardships, we are “more than conquerors” or hupernikao in Greek ―

huper, meaning “over and above”; nikao, meaning “to conquer.”
 This phrase describes someone who is super victorious, who doesn’t just
win an ordinary victory, but is overpowering in his/her abundant victory.
- This is not the language of pride, but of confidence ― Christ’s love
conquered death, and because of His love, we are hupernikao.

1 John 5:4-5 The Book of Acts calls us to a life of bold faith!

- The lives of the men and women in Acts challenge us to
believe in our great God to do great things in a great
way!

DISCUSSION: In groups of two or three, discuss and share:

(1) Which aspects of the Book of Acts have most impacted your walk of
faith?
(2) From the teachings of the Book of Acts, name 2 or 3 things you think
we should be doing more in our CG.

MINISTRY

Spend some time praying in the Holy Spirit.

- Pray for greater clarity of God’s calling and purpose for our lives.
 Page 6 of 6

- Since we are still writing the Book of Acts, pray for an outpouring of the
Holy Spirit’s faith and power to fulfill our life assignments.