October 28, 2026 - Acts 28

And so, the story wraps up; well, sort of . . .  But more on that in a moment.  Paul’s entourage had stopped on the island of Malta where they were warmly welcomed both relationally and actually:  the people showed great kindness and they provided a fire against the cold.  A fascinating anecdote, here.  A viper jumped out of the firewood and bit Paul.  When the islanders saw that he merely shook it off, they thought he was a god.  Paul healed the father of the man Publius and just received a very warm welcome on Malta.  After three days, they were off to Rome, again.  In Rome, he met with Jewish leaders, explaining to them, “I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain” (28:20).  Don’t you love Paul’s phrasing, “the hope of Israel!”  But they would have none of it, and Paul exclaimed, “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen” (28:28).  The hope of Israel.  The hope of the Gentiles.  The fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham:  “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).

We’ve a story to tell to the nations

that shall turn their hearts to the right,

a story of truth and mercy,

a story of peace and light,

a story of peace and light.

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,

and the dawning to noonday bright,

and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth—

the kingdom of love and light.   --H. Ernest Nichol (1896)