The Reporter     Volume 46 # 46,  --  November  17, 2006

 

The Journey Ended In Rome
– Acts Twenty-Eight –

 

   The people on the Island of Melita were very kind to those that were shipwrecked. They built a fire for them because of the rain and the cold. The conduct of these people condemns many that are even more able to help. The true Christian spirit is that of doing what you can with the opportunities you have.

 

   As Paul gathered sticks for the fire a poisonous viper attached itself to his hand. The people thought that Paul must surely be a murderer. The people of Melita believed that the wicked are punished in this life. Paul was able to shake off the viper and feel no harm. The people of Melita then "changed their minds, and said that he was a god."

 

   The chief man of the island was named Publius. Paul healed his father of a fever and a bloody flux. He prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him. He also healed others on the island. When they departed from the island the people gave them such things as they needed.

 

   After three months they departed for Italy on a ship of Alexandria. When they reached "Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him." While in  Rome Paul  also met  with the  Jews to teach them about the hope of Israel -- the resurrection from the dead. "Some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not." Paul again explained that "salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles." The book of Acts closed with "Paul dwelling two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

 

   Paul kindly received at Melita – Acts 28:1-10: The 276 people all safely reached the shore on the island of (Melita) Malta. The local people received them and were friendly to them. They were willing to help them; they built a fire because of the rain and cold. Paul gathered some wood to put on the fire. He was not content to let someone else do for him what he could help do for himself.

 

   As he gathered the wood a snake bit him on the hand. When the local people saw the snake hanging on Paul's hand they said, "This man must be a murderer!" They felt that even though Paul had escaped the sea, vengeance would not allow him to live. Paul shook the snake in the fire and felt no harm. The people watched Paul expecting him to swell up or die. When nothing happened they said, "This man is a god." 

 

   The chief man of the Island welcomed Paul into his house. Publius' father was sick and Paul healed him of his disease. Many others brought sick people to Paul and by the power of God he healed them all. When Paul and the others sailed away the people were very kind to them and gave them everything they needed.

 

   Paul finally reached Rome – Acts 28:11-16: They were on the Island for three months. They departed for Italy on a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered there, whose sign was Castor and Pollux – “The Twin Gods." As they made the journey to Rome they met with other Christians at Puteoli. When they came toward Italy some Christians came "as far as Appii forum, and the three taverns" to meet Paul.  When Paul saw this "he thanked God, and took courage." Let us do all that we can to encourage others.

 

   When they reached Rome "Paul was allowed to live in a house by himself with a soldier to guard him." Apparently, by the permission of Julius, Paul was allowed this freedom. There was always a soldier that kept him. He may have even been chained to him. There was always someone present for Paul to teach!

 

   Paul's conference with the Jews – Acts 28:17-22: Immediately after Paul reached Rome (three days), he called together some of the Jews. He explained that he had done nothing against the Jews or the customs of the Jews. Yet he was "delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans." Paul said that he was tried and found innocent. But because the Jews objected so much it became necessary for him to appeal to Caesar.

  

   Paul had nothing against the Jewish nation. He said he was bound because of what Israel had hoped for. He wanted to talk to these Jews about the hope of Israel. These Jews had received no report against Paul from Jerusalem. They were willing to hear more about Christianity. They said, "We understand that people everywhere are against this sect."

 

   Paul remained a prisoner at Rome – Acts 28:23-31: Many Jews came to Paul's house. He used the Law and the Prophets to talk to them about God's kingdom (church). His goal was to "persuade them concerning Jesus." Our goal must also be to try to win people over to Jesus. "Some of the leaders agreed with what Paul said, but others did not." When some began to leave, Paul reminded them of words spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying, "Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." Sadly the Jews would not listen. But Paul said you can be sure that God wants to save the Gentiles and they will listen.

 

   The book of Acts closed without giving us details about what finally happened to Paul. The closing words were, "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." Paul was allowed to live in quietness and safety. He received all hospitably and kindly. Some came to show him kindness, and others to listen to his teaching. Paul preached Christ and His kingdom openly and boldly. Paul wrote, "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel...many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." (Philippians 1:12-14) Thank God!

 

   Being a Christian is a serious responsibility. It might cost you your life. However, Christianity involves your eternal salvation. To become a Christian, you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repent of sins (Acts 2:38), confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism the challenge for every Christian is to be steadfast under circumstances whether good or bad.

 

- - - - Charles Box

 

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: In Need Of Prayers: Mary Alexander, Sue Barlow, Linda Bender, Dannie Box, Janice Box, Gary Bozeman, Emily Cain, Meryln Carter, Marie Curlee, Roy Goodwin, Ramona Gravely, Montine Hardin, Evelyn Hargrove, Evan Hartsell, Robert Homlberg, Donnie Huckaboa, Frank Johnson, Darrell Jones, Mary Lawrence, Joyce Massey, Jim & Steve Osborne (son’s of Catherine Osborne), Hunter & Hannah Owens, Glen Phillips, Mary Powell, Meg Sellers, Roger Strange, Doris Taylor, Winston Temple, Brittany Till, Corrine Till, Leroy Waller, Ricky White, and Jodi Whittington. Crowne Health Care: Laura Ellis, Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Pine Needle: Mildred Johnson, Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, Wilmer Howell. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Ethel Gafford, and Jean Hayes.

 

2. Baptized Into Christ: We welcome Pat O’Connor into the body of Christ. He was baptized on Wednesday. Pat’s wife is Jane. They live at 7682 Wesley Chapel Road, Georgiana, Alabama 36033 – Phone 334-376-9747. Pat’s birthday is September 26^th. Jane’s birthday is January 29^th. Please show them lots of love and make them feel welcome.

 

3. Please Pray For: (a) Sam Sanders, son of Jerry Sanders is serving in the Iraq area. His address is SSG Jerry Samuel Sanders, 1/117 FA SECFOR, Box 540, APO AE 09898. (b) Jason Godwin, son of Barbara Walker is serving in Iraq. Jason’s address in Iraq is CW2 Jason E Godwin, C1-111^th AVN, ALI Air Base, Tallil, Iraq, APO AE 09331. His e-mail address is jason.e.godwin@us.army.mil.

 

4. Crowne Health Care: (a) Our Christmas party for the residents of Crowne Health Care will be December 21^st. Plan to do what you can to help. (b) We will not have classes at Crowne Health Care on Saturday, November 25^th or Saturday, December 30^th. Thanks to all of you that take a part in our classes each week!

 

5. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: November 19^th Thomas Till, November 20^th Beverly Lassiter, November 23^rd Hunter Till, and November 25^th Joe Arnold, Randy Fullington, and Horace Martin.

 

6. Triplets Update: The Herring triplets are doing well. Remember the food list and also keep filling the box in the foyer with needed supplies. The item for this week is Diapers. They weigh almost ten pounds so purchase the diapers accordingly.

 

7. House Fires: Two families need our prayers and help as a result of house fires. Please pray for and do what you can to help and encourage (a) The family of Daniel & Angela Coplen (see bulletin board for things need), and (b) Emily Crawford and her family (granddaughter of Nelson & Nell Daughtry).

 

8. Visitation Program: Our visitation program meets on Tuesday nights at 6:00. Both men and women are invited to participate. Please be a part of this good work.

 

9. Area Wide Devotional: Last Sunday night the teens attended the area Wide at the University Church of Christ in Montgomery. At these events, held every second Sunday, teens from more than ten congregations share in the evening worship service, a song service and/or devotional afterwards, as well as a fellowship meal. Next month, the Dalraida Church of Church in Montgomery will be hosting the Area Wide Devotional.

 

10. Teenage/College Age Devotional: Sunday, November 19^th after evening service, all teenagers and college ages will have a joint devotional. Afterwards, we will go eat speedy food and play basketball.

 

11. Thursday Night Theology: There will not be a Thursday Night Theology meeting for the teens on Thanksgiving Day, but there will be one on the 30^th. Please mark this on your calendar and plan to attend.

 

 

Why Wouldn’t A Person Seek God’s Forgiveness?

 

   “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Lk 2:10-11). The greatest news any ear ever will hear is the message of hope that arrived with the birth of our Lord, and culminated with his death, burial, and resurrection. When one learns that everyone sins (Rom 3:23), and that for those sins all are owed the penalty of death (Rom 6:23), it is natural to be grateful for the provisions God has made for sinners to be forgiven. However, it is often the case that those who learn of this forgiveness do not take hold of it. Let’s examine a few of the things that might hinder a person from accepting God’s gift.

 

   Some are ashamed and feel unworthy to ask for God’s forgiveness. James wrote “You do not have because you do not ask” (Jas 4:2). And the Bible teaches that a Christian who confesses his/her sins can be cleansed of “all unrighteousness” (I Jn 1:9). God would not have offered this if he didn’t want us to be forgiven.

 

   Some are not willing to seek forgiveness because of the earthly consequences that they would have to face. For instance, those who commit crimes that are punishable by law may be afraid to repent and face the consequences. Or a man/woman who has been living in adultery may be afraid to repent and stop living a life of lies. But the glory of forgiveness and the wonder of heaven outweigh any of these fears. “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Mk 8:36). Those consequences will be the farthest thing from your mind when you’ve been in heaven for 100’s or 1,000’s of years.   

       

   Sadly, most people will never even step into Christ where forgiveness and the reward of heaven reside.  Faith (Heb 11:6), Repentance (Lk 13:3), Confession (Rom 10:9-10), and Baptism (Gal 3:27) are all that are necessary to become a New Testament Christian. Then, live a faithful life, and prepare to meet God. What is your reason for not seeking God’s forgiveness?

                                            - - - - Darrell Powell

 

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551