Note for 20250817 - Acts - Part 28 - Acts 28

Acts

Note for 20250817 - Acts - Part 28 - Acts 28 - End Destination

1. Opening

Today, we read how Paul is received in Malta and how the locals are left in wonder when he survives the bite of a venomous viper. Now, the KJV explains them as barbarian, yet we learn that another ship of Alexandria wintered there.

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The House of Bread · Note for 20250817 - Acts - Part 28 - Acts 28 - End Destination

We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.

2. Scripture Text

Acts 28:1-31 KJV

[1] 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. [3] And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. [4] And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. [5] And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. [6] Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. [7] In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. [8] And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. [9] So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: [10] who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. [11] And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. [12] And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. [13] And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: [14] where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. [15] And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. [16] And when we came to 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. [17] And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. [18] Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. [19] But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. [20] For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. [21] And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judæa concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. [22] But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. [23] And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. [24] And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. [25] And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, [26] saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; And seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: [27] 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. [28] Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. [29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. [30] And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, [31] preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.28.1-31.KJV

3. Devotional Reflection

Today, additionally, marks the end of our reading of the Book of Acts, and Paul reaches his end destination in Rome, and he did testify to at least these Jews in the Biblical account. As we have it the following letters were written by Paul from Rome during this time period: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.

The letters to Titus and Timothy are believed to have been written later, during what is known as Paul's second imprisonment in Rome, after having done more evangelistic journeys. This only by hints in the epistles of Paul. But, even in today's reading, there seems to be some liberty granted to Paul at this point. We also learn that this was about two years that he remained in Rome, and with his imprisonment by Felix, who also kept him for about the same period and traveling to Rome, it brings this imprisonment to at least 4 years and 3 months.

Now, as yet, I have not received guidance yet with confirmation of where our morning devotionals will go next. So, in some small part, we have reached an end destination too today. I am hoping to continue with the letter to the Ephesians next, but will wait on guidance. Today, there are also some markers, friends. I want you to know this, and the book of Acts, was a marker for me at the beginning of our reading if it too, when I told you that I do not know how long I will still be doing this, writing to you in the way we have had for so long now. For record, at this point, I have written over 2000 A4 pages on BlogSpot and a further approximate 2000 A4 pages on paper in ink by my own hand. The latter is in my personal possession in a ready to travel bag. I state again, I mention this only for the sake of record, not for any form of boasting, for it is not in my power that any of these came, but I give our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ the glory and are indeed grateful that I have been permitted to be the hand by which it came.

With a heart and a love of GOD, it is my great hope that I may continue on this journey, sharing more with you; like Paul knew he would have to testify for Christ in Rome, I have known for a long time that I will at some point cease in my writing here to you in this way.

This morning, I was awakened at 4:30am to write here to you. It is my sincere hope that this is not the end destination of our journey together, but it might be, in this form, at least. It is thus not surprising to me that the Lord laid it on brother Philip (of whom I have spoken to you about that he is as my Timothy) to write something that will be going out tomorrow instead of my writing to you. (For those of you here on YouVersion, you will have to go to my Blog to find it in about two days time, GOD willing.)

So, with all of this in mind, working together as by a divine hand, this might be the end destination for this service here by me, and for me to carry on to what the Lord has prepared me for for years. Some markers for that are still outstanding, which might put me in a form of resting period. At this moment though, that is still unclear to me. While some markers for the period are still outstanding, I must also point out that some (quite a few) are in place.

Once more, for the sake of record. The first major marker came by the regime change in Syria, where the current leader came in by unconventional way, and an onslaught of Damascus that has left the city resembling a ruined heap of rubble.

Isaiah 17:1 KJV

[1] The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.17.1.KJV

This was a major marker for me that I have known about for decades. Another marker was that the European Central Bank (ECB) made the announcement (in March of 2025) that they will finish internal preparations for the digital euro, a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC,) with a deadline of October 2025. (https://www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/columns/economy/strengths-and-constraints-of-the-central-banks-digital-euro/) and subsequent announcements by the Bank of London.

Another marker was this “This menorah, which represents the eternal light of the world, is presented to President Donald J. Trump in honor and celebration of doing what no other man has ever done and that is to make peace between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan in the extraordinary Abraham Accords,” reads a plaque on the menorah’s base. (https://www.jns.org/jewish-org-presents-trump-with-menorah-in-appreciation-of-abraham-accords/) in February 2024. (Please note: it was a marker, not a political statement, and I only found out about it later, when indeed served as a marker)

Now, it is not my intention to list all of the markers here that pertains to a personal guideline I have received regarding the duties that I have been called to friends. And you know how the reports have come out about the trial red heifer sacrifice on the Mount of Olives recently (2025.) These are markers, as much as Rome was a marker for Paul, and after reaching it, he still remained there at least 2 years and still went on with further ministries.

This past Friday, there was a meeting between President Trump and Putin in Alaska, with a significant "fly over" at a historic meeting. It's a marker. Further more, there is not enough space here to mark them all, but remember also this:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 KJV

[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. [8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. [9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

https://bible.com/bible/1/1th.5.1-10.KJV

Friends, we have an end destination too. And, we were called to keep the watch, to look up when we see all of the things mentioned in passages like Matthew 24. There is an end destination.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 KJV

[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

https://bible.com/bible/1/1th.4.13-18.KJV

So, today, which is the last of the series on the Book of Acts, might very well be the last of the series devotionals. At some point, I will write my last devotional all together, and that day is in the hand of our Lord Jesus Christ. You see, I know I am not the Saviour, but only His servant and a messenger in these end times, the span of it, unknown, only knowing that the day of it comes like a thief in the night, though we stand in that season. I remind, again, to be weary of the servant that says, "My Lord delay his coming..." for that is not in me. But, I stand in agreement with the Word of GOD, that we should be ready at every moment to receive the Lord, oil and lamp in hand. For some of us will go to sleep in Christ, and still some caught up alive to join the Lord in the air, the day and the hour of it, still unknown. But as we journey here on earth, when we travel to a destination, we know that we should follow directions, even if those directions are familiar, still we should turn where we must and continue straight when no turning is required.

4. Verse of the Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

Hebrews 12:1 KJV

[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

https://bible.com/bible/1/heb.12.1.KJV

Friends, I remind you again that I read the Verse of the Day as it is sent out by YouVersion Bible App, after I have written the note for the day. And yes, even the closing section here is written before time, even before the “Optional Reading/Study Expansion” which at this point is also from an external source outside my control. I share this so you may wonder with me about the Greatness of GOD and Spiritual confirmations.

5. Optional Reading / Study Expansion

New identity in Christ (Part 4)

Imagine how amazed I was when the scripture of the day (in the NIV text) literally spoke of “marked out for us.” But, here in the study expansion and optional reading bit of today’s devotional, we also see how GOD set up the security of our Salvation. It is of GOD in Jesus Christ, and Christ testifies of the Father here in John 8 too.

John 8:25-36 KJV

[25] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. [26] I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. [27] They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. [28] Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. [29] And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. [30] As he spake these words, many believed on him. [31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [33] They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? [34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. [35] And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. [36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.8.25-36.KJV

“...the truth shall make you free.” What a wonderful thought and anchor to hold on to. As GOD leaves these markers for us of the route we must run, and remarkably informs us of those markers, we are also set free of fear and worry.Now, seeing that the nature of today’s devotional, it is important that I stipulate that those who do not read the Word of GOD and are not led by the Spirit of GOD is unaware of these markers. Then, apart from the shock of seeing something you might have heard somewhere by the Grace of GOD, you are left to your own devices to some degree.Sadly, to the greater degree, because of disobedience and rebellion against GOD’s Word.

In the Bible reading plan this just happens to be the very next text that was quoted, how we can know that we are not condemned by GOD, and it comes from, what I consider as one of the greatest chapters of direction and comfort for a believer, Romans 8

Romans 8:1-11 KJV

[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. [3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: [4] that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. [8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. [9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.1-11.KJV

Can you now see that we are left with one concern really, and that is to be in Jesus Christ. Okay, maybe two; for we are also to walk after the Spirit of GOD poured out in us, and not after the desires of the flesh, which is the make up of our daily struggle against our own flesh. But, GOD has given us of His Spirit, with the authority to rule with Christ over our own flesh (carnal desires.)

Now, as we head to the closing, I need to remind you that the closing was written before this section as well. So, written in the Spirit and confirmed by scripture that came outside my control. May it give you peace that GOD is indeed in control, and can work all matters together for good. (Romans 8:28 inspired)

6. Closing Paragraph

Paul made it all the way to Rome, just like the Angel of the Lord informed him, so will we arrive at the destination which Christ has set for us. We know there are only sheep and goats, with the wolves that scatter. There is only left and right, and Matthew 25 tells us all about it.

If this is then my last notice to you, then let it be significant. Find the Lord for yourself, as He has made Himself known to us on the Bible pages. Seek Him in the Spirit, as the Spirit of GOD was poured out on us. For the Word is to be received by the Spirit, so must we worship God, our Heavenly Father in Spirit and Truth, for “GOD is a Spirit.” (John 4:24)

Selah, Shalom.