Should Be Converted

 100625- Meditational Nuggets from the Book of Acts 28 KJV

For Mithcah Bible Baptist Church- Bahrain

Morning Online Devotional Bible Study and Group Prayer Fellowship Oct. 7, 2025

 

“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.”

 

Lesson: Should Be Converted

 

Acts 28:1-7 KJV - 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.

Acts Chapter 28: the last chapter of the book of Acts of the Apostles; of which book contains the transitional acts of all the called apostles of The LORD; from the twelve apostles of JESUS, whom He called at the beginning of His earthly ministry; whose commissioning was to the Jews; to the latter called Apostle Paul; after JESUS CHRIST ascended to Heaven and already in His Glorious Body; of whose calling was to preach the gospel of salvation by the grace of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, supposedly both to Jews and the Gentiles. But because of the hardened heart of the Jews, he was solely directed to be the apostle of the Gentile ancestry. 

But before we go farther, let’s take a look on how GOD works through Paul, touching the conversion of the Gentile people. 

From great to small, from familiar and unfamiliar, as well as from the peasant to those who are in power.

 
Herein, from these verses 1-7 were written the climactic event; where the supposedly sting of death inflicted Paul. 

That when he was bitten by the venomous viper on his hand, after he had gathered bundle of sticks for the fire; which was saw and witnessed by the warmly receiving islanders, of whom the bible called “barbarians”, they, upon seeing the deadly snake, with its fangs stuck biting Paul’s hand, (might be compared to cobra) already condemned Paul; that according to their presumptive thinking, it was an instant sentence of judgment from heaven for his sins: the cause of his imprisonment.

But lo. and behold! much to their amazement, Paul just shake off the snake to the fire, like it was just a normal none-venomous snake; nothing happen to him as how it should be; he simply continued what he has been doing. 

Instantaneously, just as how fast they condemned Paul within themselves, that he is a murderer, is as how fast they changed their mind, believing within themselves that he is god. 

A great lesson we must take in from these: 

1. The GOD and Savior Whom Paul preached and persistently convincing people to believe, is The LORD of amazingly magnificent grace! And all who serves Him radiates His Godly image. 

2. That death has no power to all whom were called by Him to serve. He might have allowed grievous things to happen, but those things happend, just to prove to all who sees and hears that GOD is still in control of everything. 

3. That Paul never was promised to get paid from the service he rendered for the LORD, but provisions comes unexpectedly from the voluntary charitable deeds of them who witnessed and became the recipient of GOD’s amazing works through him. Him healing the sick, preach the gospel of salvation and peace, teaching them that JESUS is the Son of GOD, and the Redeemer of all who believe. 

What Paul silently preached through these, is the fact that the sting of death should not be feared about; and that it has no power anymore over everyone who have determined to obey the calling of the LORD; that though they were never promised to get paid from their services, yet provisions will just come unexpectedly from them who have tasted the grace given by the LORD. Though sometimes it seems to come later than when it seems to be needed the most. 

Therefore, when disputations, disappointment even death seems to be clinging to weary us, or threatening to take our life away, and all means of comfort, or the prescribed medicines fails, yet we’re still breathing, KEEP HOLDING ON! 

The LORD might be working, and setting our struggles, as His portrayal of His providential grace even His miraculous healing power.

 Let us not be fast to speak out our mind about our desperation or even our negative judgement to others who are suffering, but consult to GOD in prayer, charge to Him everything, and see to it that we do not make ourselves judges or prophets in casting judgement within ourselves, nor speak words that sounds to be condemning others. 

The LORD’s ways are not our ways.

His will is always above our will.

His words always work without and within. 

Acts 28:8-14 KJV -

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.”

Paul’s journey to Rome, though it has been  compacted with deadly disasters, have been worthwhile. For though it was not mentioned how many got saved and have followed him in water baptism, the many wondrous miracles performed through his words and deeds, appeared to have brought those people, even us in this generation, into realization that, the HOLY SPIRIT worked through him in a very particular way. 

Met every need of the hour, and responded even the unspoken question arises within every situation; in saving lives, defying doubts and worries, healing the sick, comforting the weary.

Thoughts we must ponder from these passages:

 •   GOD gives power to all who are fearless and obedient. When Paul surrendered his all to GOD, no danger scared him, he constantly set his eyes to proceed where GOD led him.

  •  GOD grants provision of help and support from wholehearted volunteers.GOD provided Paul companions who were with his journey to support him and become his succourer in every aspect: Dr. Luke for wellness and writing of his deeds. Aristarchus as presumably silently assisting them of whatever bearing with them their burdens he is capable to bear.

  • GOD graciously pronounce His love through them who are the recipient of grace with their charitable acts. The islanders whom the bible addressed as barbarians, honored them by not only giving something; but lading them many things of what might they be needing along their voyaging.

This is what the LORD JESUS said in His teaching written by Dr. Luke in the book of Luke: Luke 6:38 KJV

“38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

If we give our all to GOD when He called us to serve, He will give us more than what we need. Sometimes the ministry might cause us discomfort and fear, we might sometimes find ourselves apprehended as how, we, many times have experienced to be in need of something beyond the capability of our hands is able to provide for us. 

Whatever situation we are going through, we must be encouraged and tell ourselves not to be disheartened, all our sorrows and pain will be rewarded; if the reason of our affliction is from our service to Him. It surely is worthy giving our all to Him. For our LORD and Master sees, hears, listens and answers our prayers in His perfect timing. 

No need to worry nor fear; for He is able to make all things abound, when all things seem to fail.

Have His way, and everything are on its way to be fine and okay.

 Acts 28:15-24 KJV

“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.”

Paul and the entire company reached Rome at last.

The other prisoners  were immediately brought by the centurion named Julius, to the captain of the guard. But Paul was allowed by this centurion to live by himself with the soldier that kept him. In our current term, he was apprehended with leniency, putting him in  “house arrest.”

 Presumptive for us to think, (but G0D knows) that this centurion got saved himself through the teachings and preaching of Paul, while they’re together within the period of their cataclysmic journey; as he witnessed the wondrous works of GOD in the midst of their calamity, wrought through the works and words of Paul. 

For he can’t be that lenient to Apostle Paul, if he did not wholehearted accepted in faith the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

 Because for us who are in CHRIST, we undoubtedly believed that upon having a personal relationship with JESUS, the heart of even the hardest ruler tenderly soften, to be favorable and give high regard to the one who lead him to the saving knowledge of CHRIST.

Obviously, Paul’s high regard to his people was also undoubted. For as soon as he was settled and rested, that after three days, he called the chief of the Jews, and explain to them what he have gone through in the hand of his people from Jerusalem; why he has to be in Rome, and expounded to them  about the commissioning he received from the Son of GOD JESUS CHRIST: the rumored sect everywhere was spoken against; persuading them that this JESUS of whom he preached is the One whom was written in the law of Moses.

Deuteronomy 18:15-19 KJV 

“15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.

18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”

Truth we must hold on to:

·   JESUS is not just a Sect.

·   JESUS is the Sent One from GOD.

·   JESUS is the promise Savior: the Redeemer of our sin.

·   JESUS is now our Sustainer of GOD’s grace.

Believe Him or not, it will never change.

If we believe that He is, we have in us GOD’s blessings. 

If not, we are among the most miserable created being, in this life, most of all, the life of or our eternal we soul after earthly living. 

And for you who are listening or reading this lesson; Let no one or nothing stops you from:

·    Accepting JESUS: The Gift of GOD; as your LORD and Savior.

·    Believing in His death, burial and resurrection.

·    Calling upon GOD in the Name of JESUS CHRIST alone.

·    Departing from the deceitful works of the Devil and live forever more.

·    Enter into the peace with GOD, and enjoy the privileges given only to the beloved children of GOD in JESUS CHRIST. 

 Acts 28:25-31 KJV 

 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.

Though the last verse of this book end in an unaccustomed way, leaving us the questions of what happened to other apostles, yet it gives us clear message about the cause of the inconsistency and disunity of the Jews. The chaos that happened in Jerusalem has not reached to the ears of the Jewish community in Rome. And when Paul called them and expounded to them the gospel of CHRIST, they listen in awe; some believed, but some departed confused. 

The response of them who were confused seems to saddened the heart of the LORD. For when they all should be converted into believing that the Son of GOD is JESUS, and that He came for them to abolish the curse of the law, yet some of them maintain their adherence to the law of Moses, not willing to accept the gift of GOD through His Only Begotten Son JESUS. 

But to us who knows well, these just clearly conveys that the spiritual blindness happened for the Jews; and the hardness of their heart, was considerably taken meticulously by GOD; taking us whom are not chosen to be among His beloved so that He will make them jealous; that as He stirred the heart of the Gentile people, and adopted our race to be His own, raising missionaries who will take His words to the whole world, the Jews will soon realize that, yes, their GOD, whose heart is not limited, is able to accommodate all souls, through JESUS CHRIST; extending to us His loving favor. 

For when their naked eyes should have seen the Promised Messiah has already been sent, and His words which their ears should have heard and hearkened to, have already is now echoing to everyone: His loving favor is not limited only for them, but even unto all souls residing even unto the far end of this world, very few of them believed and give heed to His call. Some still hardened their heart to accept their Messiah: JESUS as the Christ and Savior, not only for them, but for the whole world.

GOD’s message through Paul: all should be converted to the saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST our Savior. 

This last chapter of the book of Acts of the Apostles clearly gives message that the apostleship of Paul has been in the momentum of stirring the faith, reaching out even unto our generation.

 

All should be converted in the faith of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: our Blessed Redeemer. A message we should and keep telling to others.

We then, are looking forward for what should come next after we get converted. We all, both male and female, though we are one in JESUS, must know there are role we must properly play. And our Savior JESUS CHRIST: the LORD of life is looking and expecting that we must live according to His words, ways and will.  

 

Good morning.