What can we learn from the believers' welcome in Acts 28:14? The Text: Acts 28:14 “ There we found some brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.” Setting the Scene • Paul has survived shipwreck (Acts 27) and reached Italy. • Before arriving in Rome for trial, he encounters believers at Puteoli. • Luke simply calls them “brothers,” signaling immediate family connection in Christ. Lessons on Christian Hospitality • Hospitality is a ministry, not a mere courtesy. – Romans 12:13: “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – 1 Peter 4:9: “Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” • Welcoming traveling saints opens homes—and hearts—to God’s purposes. • A seven-day stay shows generosity: food, lodging, and fellowship were provided at real cost to the hosts. • Hospitality strengthens the entire Church; when one part is blessed, all benefit (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26). Lessons on Family Identity • Luke’s use of “brothers” underscores that believers are family, not acquaintances. • Galatians 6:10: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.” • Geographic distance is erased by spiritual kinship; Paul feels at home even in a foreign port. • Unity across cultures testifies to the gospel’s power (John 17:20-23). Lessons on Mutual Encouragement • Paul arrives as an apostle, yet he receives encouragement from ordinary saints. – Romans 1:11-12: mutual encouragement “each by the other’s faith.” • The believers in Puteoli hear first-hand missionary stories, while Paul gains fresh strength for upcoming trials. • Shared time (a full week) allows teaching, worship, and edification—an echo of Acts 2:42 fellowship. Lessons on Mission Momentum • God stations believers in strategic locations ahead of time. – Acts 18:9-10: the Lord assures Paul, “I have many people in this city.” • The gospel already reached Puteoli, illustrating rapid spread beyond apostles’ direct labor. • Hospitality supplies practical rest so Paul can arrive in Rome physically and spiritually prepared to witness before Caesar (Acts 23:11). Lessons on Trusting God’s Sovereignty • After storms and uncertainty, the unexpected welcome confirms God’s hand guiding every step. • Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs,” proven here through the believers’ generosity. • What seemed like a detour becomes a divine appointment, reinforcing Paul’s confidence in God’s plan. Putting It Into Practice • Keep your home open to God’s people; your table may refresh a weary servant. • View fellow Christians first as family, treating newcomers with immediate inclusion. • Expect mutual blessing: both guest and host grow when time is shared around Christ. • Trust that God plants believers—even you—in strategic places for the advance of the gospel. |
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