Session 12: The Other

Session Overview

Creedal Statement

We prize the family as a bedrock of faith formation,
we cherish marriage as a most holy and most sacred union,
we value parents as frontline shepherds to disciple their children,
we treasure friends as our own souls,
we engage society as godly citizens with redemptive purpose, and
we embrace our lifework with a God-centered focus.

We confess the church as Christ’s family, a family called to:
treat other members with genuine care,
steward our possessions for the common good,
honor appointed leaders and participate in Christ’s worldwide body,
engage the domains of the world with the truth of the gospel, and
represent Christ to all those who are far and near.

Key Elements

• Key Passage - Acts 27:1–28:31
• Scripture Memory - Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2
• Catechism - Q: How should we relate to others/strangers? A: Welcome.

Introduction

When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

But in what does the nature of justice more consist than in our affording to strangers through kindness, that which we render to our own relatives through affection?

Based upon common belief in Christ—the bond between us—members of the Christian community enjoy deep and vibrant relationships with other believers. Loving concern, faithful stewardship, sacrificial generosity, and interchurch connectedness help the church realize meaningful community within its ranks. However, the Christian community is not meant only to serve its members. Unique as it is, the Christian community also exists to minister to the surrounding world, including (especially) strangers, outcasts, or outsiders.

Even traceable back to the Israelite community, God’s people were an outcast and estranged people who found a redemptive and reconciled relationship with God and membership in a covenant community. The church is also God’s covenant people. Christians are strangers and exiles in the world—citizens of a heavenly kingdom—who have a divine assignment to care for the outcast, displaced, and marginalized in the world. In other words, as a people who have been hospitably welcomed into a restored relationship with God, Christians are to be particularly concerned (not exclusively) for those who are outsiders. Christians are to practice welcoming hospitality to “the others”—those outside the church community, those who are newcomers to one’s sphere of influence, and those on the fringes of society.

We encounter powerful displays of hospitality in Acts 27:1–28:31. This final episode in the chronicles of the early church offers a compelling picture of God’s sovereign protection of Paul on his voyage to Rome. Paul’s safe arrival in Rome (and ongoing ministry through the storm-tossed and shipwrecked expedition) highlights the theme that the gospel will progress and prevail against all formidable opposition. In the context of this narrative, people exhibited various acts of hospitality. A Roman centurion kindly provided care for Paul. When the ship was tossed in stormy seas and was near destruction, Paul hosted a meal aboard the ship to care for the famished and exhausted sailors. When Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Malta, the islanders showed considerable kindness to him. On this island, Paul reciprocated this care with healing ministry. Through the journey, Paul visited various believers along the way. When Paul arrived in Rome, he welcomed others into his place of house arrest, and it became an outpost for his teaching and preaching ministry.

This compelling narrative is as instructive as it is entertaining. The rough waters, violent winds, and strange encounters parallel the commonly turbulent experiences of the Christian life. In the challenging and threatening seas of this world, the church is to be a community that practices hospitality to outsiders. Commitment to this spiritual discipline will not only help the gospel advance but will also strengthen the life of the church community. When the church sees its vibrant life as a harbor and haven for those far from God and marginalized in society, it nourishes its own community life. A vibrant community is a byproduct of radical hospitality for outsiders. The dangers of an insular community are well-known. The church cannot thrive with an obsessive focus on itself. While the church needs to attend well to the dynamics of Christ-centered community within, we also need to attend to our well-being as a community through seeking the well-being of those on the outside. Learning how to engage outsiders is a vital component of our faith and, as such, is a fitting final story to our study on Christian community.

Biblical Interpretation: Hearing the Word

Study the Text: The Bible is God’s inspired word to his people. Christian disciples mature in the faith when they are grounded in God’s word. In this movement, you will study the basic details of the biblical text.

Observation Questions

Read (or listen to) the whole passage of Scripture. Discuss the questions below for each section of the story. Pay attention to the details of the text to recall what the passage is saying. Use the focus verses to guide your conversation.

Storycraft

Retell the story in your own words, recounting the overall flow of the narrative, the main segments of the story, and the major developments that take place.

Narrative Elements

Story Retell

Theological Dialogue: Discussing the Plot

Explore the Text: God’s word is his trustworthy and sufficient revelation to his people. We grow as Christ’s disciples by rooting our lives in God’s unchanging truth. In this movement, you will explore vital teachings of this biblical passage.

Discussion Questions

Summarize the biblical story. As a community, discuss the following questions. Be attentive to the truths taught in this text. Use the commentary on the next pages to uncover core principles this passage teaches about the Christian faith.

Biblical Commentary

Use this commentary to help you understand the meaning of the text. Refer to the infographic on the next page to think through how narratives work.

Passage Introduction

Key Idea

Hospitality to outsiders sustains and expresses the vibrant life of the Christian community of the church.

Passage Overview

God calls his people to care for outsiders of various kinds. This call to practice hospitality with outsiders is part of the church’s own formation as a church community. It is also a means of ministry and mission to the surrounding world. As we see it exemplified in the story of Paul’s sea voyage, we learn that our reception of kindness is the starting point and foundation to be able to care for others. Paul’s meal aboard the ship calls the church to exemplify trust in God’s presence and his word. The Malta experience shows us how hospitality can be a useful instrument for missional outreach. Similar to how the early Christians treated Paul, so should we extend a welcome to brothers and sisters from other parts of the world. Moreover, Paul’s ministry during house arrest should inspire us to extend open invitations to accept the gospel message in faith. We grow as a Christian community as we learn to care for others in these ways. The following commentary will serve as a guide through this exciting biblical narrative. Use the exposition below as a means to shape your thinking, strengthen your commitment, and ignite your imagination toward a Christ-centered care for outsiders.

Passage Outline

Caring for Outsiders

But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

By how much the brother may be least, so much the more does Christ come to thee through him. For he that receives the great, often does it from vainglory also; but he that receives the small, does it purely for Christ’s sake.

Introduction

The church has a responsibility toward outsiders. While focus on the mission should never eclipse the need to cultivate a strong and established community, internal focus on the community life of the church should fuel the nurture of outsiders. Christians are responsible for caring for outsiders of various sorts: Christians not a part of their immediate church community, people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, marginalized on the outskirts of society, strangers and refugees who are displaced from their homeland, and unbelievers who are outside of the faith. Integral to the internal life of a church community is the way in which it cares for those external to its community life. God not only summons us to this kind of community but also offers biblical instruction toward this end.

In Acts 27:1–28:31, we witness a seafaring voyage in which God puts his divine providence on full display. This story builds our confidence in God’s sovereign care as a foundation from which we can care for outsiders. At the beginning of the voyage, Paul was a recipient of hospitality, kindness, care, and protection. When the ship encountered stormy seas and violent winds, Paul turned himself into a host aboard the ship. He offered food to the weary and famished sailors and brought encouragement to them as he expressed confidence in God’s promise and presence. Eventually, the ship wrecked, and everyone on the ship made it safely to shore. On the island of Malta, Paul experienced unusual hospitality from the islanders and used this opportunity for missional outreach. After three months, the travelers boarded another ship and headed toward Rome. In this journey, Paul met other believers outside his normal sphere of relationships and found great encouragement from their fellowship. Ultimately, Paul arrived in Rome and was put under house arrest. He used his lodging as an outpost of ministry and continued to preach the gospel to those outside the faith.

This entertaining story of a dramatic sea voyage is instructive for the Christian community. Too easily, churches can lose focus on outsiders, or “the others.” Churches can grow inward-focused and exclusively tend to the needs of their own members. Local communities of faith can become myopic and lose a vision for the extensive body of faith throughout the world. Congregations can institutionalize and stagnate in their evangelistic fervor. Perhaps Christians can best revive faithful engagement with outsiders by remembering how God redemptively treated them when they were estranged from God. Tasting (and remembering) divine kindness is the best means to activate our own efforts in hospitality. This story offers rich fare that can feed our souls and strengthen us toward hospitable ends.

Being Cared for: Experiencing Unexpected Kindness as Divine Providence

Biblical Narrative (Acts 27:1–8)

Having presented his case before various civic leaders in Caesarea, Paul remained a prisoner in Roman custody. He would be sent to Rome to stand trial before Caesar (cf. 26:30–32). When the decision was made to make the journey to Italy, “Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment” (27:1). They left in a ship that was set to sail to coastal ports of Asia (27:2). They were accompanied by a Macedonian man named Aristarchus from Thessalonica (27:2) who had been an earlier companion with Paul (cf. 19:29). The story is written in first person plural (“we”), revealing that the author of Acts, Luke, is also a companion on this sea voyage (cf. Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1–3).

When they arrived at Sidon, Julius “treated Paul with consideration” (27:3). Specifically, the Roman escort allowed Paul “to visit his friends and receive their care” (27:3). Julius’ kindness and consideration translated into Christian fellowship and care. After this, they set sail under Cyprus to gain protection from winds (27:4). In this initial leg of the trip, the voyagers sailed along coastal areas and sought safety from opposing winds under the coverage of islands. Next, they journeyed across the open sea and arrived in Myra (27:5), where Julius found a ship heading to Italy (27:6). Julius had them board this ship (27:6). Then, they sailed along slowly and with difficulty, eventually arriving in a place called Fair Havens (27:7–8).

Biblical Principles

Receiving Care from Others. In the opening portion of this narrative, Paul received kind and supportive care. In a display of true support, Paul’s coworkers—at least including, but likely more than, Aristarchus (27:2) and Luke (27:1)—put their lives in danger to accompany Paul to Rome. As risky as it was (both in making association with Paul and in making a voyage to Rome), their faithful presence to travel with Paul displayed a supportive camaraderie and genuine friendship. Moreover, Paul unexpectedly found favor from his Roman escort, Julius, who “treated Paul with consideration” (27:3). Not only was Paul a prisoner, but his escort was a Roman. While we do not know the faith of Julius, the fact that Julius showed Paul kindness not only emphasizes the honor with which others esteemed Paul but also highlights that care and protection can come from unexpected places. Later in the story, Julius would come to protect Paul’s life in a decisive way (27:43).

At the beginning of the journey, Julius’ act of kindness permitted Paul “to visit his friends and receive their care” while at Sidon (27:3). This reference signifies that his Roman escort gave him permission to visit with believers in the area. The believers’ care toward Paul could have amounted to any number of provisions (spiritual, physical, emotional, or relational), but probably at least meant they supplied Paul with provisions for his journey. Further, as the ship made its way across the sea, it used the islands of Cyprus (27:4) and Crete (27:7) to shield itself from the opposing winds. It docked in various ports and harbors: Sidon (27:3); Myra, where the Roman centurion located an Alexandrian ship heading to Italy (27:5); and Fair Havens (27:8). Throughout this unfolding narrative, Paul extended care to those around him. He practiced hospitality, enjoyed table fellowship, offered ministry care to others, and hosted guests (even under house arrest). The beginning of the narrative, however, emphasizes Paul as the recipient of care. He was cared for by Julius, ministry coworkers, and the Christian community. A beneficiary of the kindness of others, Paul became a benefactor to those around him. We can best offer to others what we have received ourselves. Ultimately, Paul was cared for by God, whose divine providence and sovereign oversight guided him and the crew on their journey.

Divine Providence. Throughout this opening narrative, Paul (and those on board) enjoyed safe protection. Their safety, care, and provision attest to God’s faithful and sovereign care. Through the faithful presence of caring companions (27:3), the unexpected kindness of a Roman centurion (27:1, 3), the timely care of the Christian community (27:3), the convenient provision of an Alexandrian ship (27:5–6), and the fortuitous shelter of islands and harbors (27:4, 7), those onboard found protection during the harrowing journey across the Mediterranean. While the sources of this protection came from human, circumstantial, and geographical means, all such provisions ultimately came from a gracious God. God meticulously guided Paul and the ship to its Roman destination. God made sure his purposes would come to fruition, and his people would be sustained through the harrowing journey.

In the flow of the narrative, Paul was an outsider (i.e., at the beginning of the trip) before he became a host (i.e., on the ship). Eventually, Paul would show his own kindness to others when the ship was tossed at sea. However, at this moment, he (and those on board) were beneficiaries of God’s kindness and care through human means and earthly circumstances. As was experienced by the members of the ship, the voyage of life unfolds with great difficulty (27:6–8), opposing winds (27:4), and unanticipated delays (27:7). Nevertheless, God’s providence will accomplish all his purposes in our lives (and in his world). He uses unexpected means to provide for his people along life’s way. Before a Christian (or the whole Christian community) can be a vehicle of care to outsiders, they must become a recipient of God’s kindness.

Taking Some Food: Exemplifying True Community in God’s Presence

Biblical Narrative (Acts 27:9–44)

At this point, “much time had passed” and “the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast” (27:9). Paul expressed his concern over their sea journey: “I can see that our voyage will be filled with disaster and great loss, not only to ship and cargo, but to our own lives as well” (27:10). Paul was indeed correct that their voyage would end in great loss. They would experience disaster, and cargo would be lost, but no one would lose their lives (cf. 27:44) Not heeding Paul’s warning and concern, the centurion acted “contrary to Paul’s advice” and “was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship” to sail further (27:11). It was not a fitting place to spend the winter there. The majority on board decided that they would set out for sea and try to get to a harbor of Crete called Phoenix, where they could spend the winter (27:12).

Because the south wind was gently blowing, the crew thought “they had their opportunity” (27:13) and would successfully reach Phoenix. They lifted the anchor and sailed alongside Crete, staying close to the shoreline (27:13). Unexpectedly, “a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island” (27:14). The ship became stuck in the stormy tempest and was driven by the wind (27:15). They eventually gained some cover by the small island of Cauda, secured the smaller lifeboat to the ship, and fortified the ship with supports (27:16–17). They grew afraid that the ship would wreck on Syrtis, and so they lowered equipment as the stormy wind drove the ship along (27:17). Since the ship was “tossed so violently” (27:18), the crew tossed cargo overboard on the next day (27:18) and then tossed the ship’s equipment overboard on the day after that (27:19). In the midst of the fierce storm, they did not see the sun for many days and grew hopeless to the effect that they “abandoned all hope of being saved” (27:20).

Because the people aboard the ship had “gone a long time without food” (27:21), Paul addressed them with a rebuke followed by a word of encouragement. First, he told them that they should have listened to his earlier warning (27:21; cf. 27:9–10). Then, he spoke a word of comfort: “I urge you to keep up your courage” (27:22). The apostle foretold that they would “not experience any loss of life, but only of the ship” (27:22). He explained that an angel had appeared to him in the night and told him not to be afraid (27:23–24). God’s sovereign plan to bring Paul to Caesar would come to fruition (27:24). In addition to Paul’s safety, the angel told Paul that “God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you” (27:24). This word from God was to bring comfort and peace to those on board (27:24, 25). Paul expressed his fidelity to God and God’s authority over him: the God “whose I am and whom I serve” (27:23) is faithful and “I believe God that it will happen just as He told me” (27:25). Because of God’s promise, presence, and revelation, Paul enjoined the people to remain courageous: “Keep up your courage” (27:22), “do not be afraid” (27:24), and “take courage” (27:25). Future events would happen exactly as Paul was told (27:25): the ship would eventually wreck on an island (27:26).

On night fourteen, the sailors thought that they were approaching land (27:27). They kept measuring the depth of the water, and it was getting more and more shallow (27:28). They grew afraid that they would hit rocks, so they let down anchors (27:29) and “prayed for daybreak” (27:29). They were so afraid of the turbulent waters and violent storm that the sailors made it appear they were letting down the anchors but let down the lifeboat instead in an attempt to escape (27:30). Paul spoke out a warning, “unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved” (27:31). Heeding this warning, the soldiers cut the lifeboat’s ropes (27:32).

After a harrowing night on the deadly seas, dawn came, and “Paul kept urging them all to eat” (27:33). It was fourteen days since the crew faced the threat of the storm and had done so without eating (27:33). Paul encouraged them to take food and regain their strength (27:34). He comforted them that “not a single hair of your head will be lost” (27:34). After Paul said this, he “took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all,” and then “he broke it and began to eat” (27:35). At this “all encouraged and took some food themselves” (27:36). The ship carried 276 people onboard (27:37), and after all had sufficiently eaten, they tossed the remaining wheat overboard (27:38).

When morning arrived, they saw a beach in a bay (27:39). Although they did not recognize it, they set a plan to try to run the ship aground (27:39). They abandoned the anchors in the sea, loosened the rudder, and hoisted the sail (27:40). They headed in the direction of the beach and ran the ship into the ground (27:41). The bow of the boat was stuck and was torn up by the waters (27:41). The soldiers had planned to kill the prisoners so that they would not escape (27:42), but the centurion “thwarted their plan” because he was “wanting to spare Paul’s life” (27:43). Those who were able to swim jumped overboard first, and the others grabbed pieces from the ship (27:43–44). In the end, “everyone was brought safely to land” (27:44).

Biblical Principles

Facing Danger and Discouragement. Much of this section of the story highlights the danger of Paul’s sea voyage. Not only was it a difficult time of the year to travel (27:9–12), but Paul himself reiterated the potential risk of the trip with a warning of his own (27:9–10). A fierce northeastern storm caught the ship (27:13–20). The ship was getting close to the rocks (27:27–29), and they eventually struck the bow of the ship into a reef (27:39–44). The ship was stuck and vulnerable to the destructive force of the stormy seas (27:41, 44). They faced the risk of a dangerous season of travel, stormy waters, and an imminent shipwreck. In the midst of this dangerous situation, the crew was fearful (27:17), hopeless (27:20), weary (27:34), discouraged (27:22, 25, 36), desperate (27:30), and famished (27:21, 33–38). This biblical account records actual events that Paul and the crew experienced. Yet their harrowing expedition relates to the dangers and difficulties many experience in life. The narrative detail, plot development, and intense drama that are recounted envelop readers in the narrative. People can face similar dangers and discouragements as the crew, but they can experience them in their own unique circumstances. Fear, despair, exhaustion, disquiet, desperation, and hunger are common human experiences. The discipline and ethos of Christian hospitality is a vital ministry practice as it provides a welcoming haven for those experiencing the dangers and difficulties of life.

God’s People a Vehicle of God’s Presence. In the midst of a dangerous, life-threatening situation, Paul spoke an encouraging word from God. It was a message of rebuke (27:21), encouragement (27:22, 25), and peace (27:24). While the crew did not listen to Paul earlier (cf. 27:10), he now appealed for them to heed his word because he was speaking God’s truth (27:25). The message was a confident conviction that God would spare the life of everyone onboard (27:22, 24). God’s providence to bring Paul to Rome resulted in his fellow travelers’ safety. In fact, the angel said to Paul, “You must stand before Caesar,” and “God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you” (27:24). The specific need for those onboard was rescue (27:20, 31), safety (27:43, 44), and escape (27:30, 42; cf. 28:1, 4). What those on board needed to learn was that God’s presence was all they really needed. Therefore, amid this terrifying situation, Paul did something that might seem counterintuitive: he hosted a meal on the ship. He took bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and began to eat (27:35). While this meal may have resembled components of a communion meal that Christians would celebrate, it was at least a meal to nourish the weary travelers. Paul himself was the first one to eat, demonstrating his confidence in God’s care and trust in God’s prophetic word. It was only after they saw Paul eat that “they were all encouraged and took some food themselves” (27:36). This meal was a means of strengthening (27:34), encouragement (27:36), gratitude (27:35), and satisfying nourishment (27:38). Paul directed people toward God during their near-death situation.

In this scene, God used Paul as a vehicle of God’s grace, a mouthpiece of divine revelation, a testimony of God’s presence, and a conduit of nourishment and encouragement. He is an example to believers in all generations. In a dangerous and despairing world, God’s people can be agents that extend God’s grace, communicate God’s truth, represent God’s presence, and offer God’s provision to others. The way we live our lives and relate to others in harrowing situations is a great testimony and witness. Christian community should seek to practice an obedient trust in God’s word (27:21–26) and a faithful trust in God’s presence (27:33–36). As Christians listen (as they should; cf. 27:21) to God’s word, they exhibit trust in God’s revealed plan to come to fruition. As Paul took the time to eat (and to feed the crew), so Christians should face all difficulties with a thankful, hopeful, and encouraging spirit. While those onboard all experienced physical rescue (i.e., they were all brought safely to shore), we do not know what kind of faith they came to possess. Nevertheless, Paul had provided an unforgettable testimony that God himself is all that is necessary to face the dangerous and harrowing storms of life.

Protection and Safety in God Alone. God’s gracious presence brings rescue to all who trust in him. True salvation and safety can only be given by God; all human efforts to secure our own salvation and protection will fail. The sailors’ effort to provide for their own salvation would have led to their demise (27:30–32). The plan to run the ship into the shore did not materialize, and instead it was caught on a reef (27:39–41). Devising a plan to preserve their own safety lest the prisoners escape, the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners. This was interrupted by the Roman centurion, once again extending kindness to Paul (27:43). In the end, it was only God’s divine providence and protecting grace that spared the lives of those onboard and brought every last person safely to shore (27:37, 44). Human attempts at salvation and rescue will lead to destruction; only God can rescue people from imminent danger and eternal peril.

Paul is a model in this story of what it means to trust God for salvation and rescue. His genuine faith to work as a host among a fearful and hopeless people pointed them to the only one who can provide ultimate protection and safety. As those onboard eventually came to take their cues from Paul (not a trained sailor to our knowledge; cf. 27:9–12, 21–26, 33–38), so too Christians exemplify true community that lives in the care of God’s protecting presence. The community life of the church—its faithful dependence upon God’s word and worshipful fellowship in God’s presence—is kerygmatic (i.e., gospel-announcing). In fact, the very practice of the Lord’s Supper (a practice hinted at in this passage) is kerygmatic in and of itself. As unbelievers witness the community life of the church, they too can come to see their own plans of salvation as futile and ineffective. Once this occurs, they can see that God’s plan is the only one that can bring one to ultimate safety. As Christians minister to those outside of God’s grace, they best serve the world by extending an invitation for them to take coverage under the canopy of God’s merciful and kind rescue.

A Show of Unusual Kindness: Embracing Open Doors With Missional Outreach

Biblical Narrative (Acts 28:1–10)

Safe on land, the travelers came to learn the name of the island was Malta (28:1). While they were cold, wet, and stranded on the island, “the islanders showed … extraordinary kindness” (28:2). Hospitable to these shipwrecked survivors, “they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us” (28:2). At one point, Paul collected wood for the fire, and when he placed them on the fire, a viper came out and hung on his hand (28:3). At first, the native people saw the snake and thought Paul was a murderer and the snake was him receiving fatal judgment for his crime (28:4). However, when Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unhurt after some time (28:5–6), “they changed their minds and said he was a god” (28:6).

The chief of the island, Publius, extended hospitality to them for three days (28:7). At that time, Publius’ father was sick and Paul visited him, prayed for him, laid hands on him, and healed him (28:8). After this healing, other islanders who were sick came to Paul and were healed (28:9). During the time on Malta, the islanders “honored [them] in many ways,” and when the travelers were eventually ready to set sail again, the islanders “supplied [their] needs” (28:10).

Biblical Principles

Mutual and Reciprocal Care. On the island of Malta, Paul once again became a recipient of kind hospitality. Paul (and others shipwrecked on Malta) experienced the “extraordinary kindness” (28:2) from the native people. They provided warm fire and a warm reception to these stranded seafarers (28:2). During their time on the island, Publius, the chief, also welcomed them and extended hospitality for three days (28:7). While this story offers a picture of Paul’s innocence (28:3–6), it also highlights Paul’s undying missional impulse (28:7–10). In this context, Paul reciprocated the generous hospitality of the natives by in turn caring for his hosts. He healed Publius’ father (28:8) and many others (28:9). Their reception was so positive that when it came time to leave, the islanders supplied them with whatever they needed for their continued trip (28:10).

Hospitality is an opportunity for reciprocal care. While Christians should welcome others as a means of ministry, Christians should also learn how to receive acts of hospitality from others. This story highlights a healthy way to be “indebted” to others, distinguished from unhealthy codependence upon others. To be on the receiving end of generous acts of hospitality puts us in a unique position to be of service to others. Finding temporary care in the limited resources of others might actually afford an opportunity to minister to our hosts in matters of eternal concern. Moreover, as Paul was always on the lookout for ministry opportunities, so should Christians be watchful and alert for moments to serve those far from God. Unexpected detours in life’s journey—be it a job change, a natural disaster, an unwanted medical report, or a shipwreck—can become powerful platforms for gospel ministry.

Frontier Missionary Work. In many ways, this story offers support for pioneer missionary work. The call to travel to distant places to serve people who do not know Jesus is an important Christian calling to which Paul-type leaders have been called. As these leaders extend the gospel and Christian community into new areas, they do well to approach their “guest status” in that foreign culture with a “host mentality.” By this, missionaries willingly enter into the community life of local areas (insofar as it does not encourage sin) as agents of God’s kingdom. They seek to minister to the needs of the surrounding society, cautious not to present themselves as superior to those they serve. In fact, missionary embeddedness in a particular culture is best evidenced when there is reciprocity and mutuality with those they serve. In the end, all acts of service and hospitality that seek the well-being of society are in support of the preaching of the gospel. For the Christian community to be such a missionary community, it must recognize opportunities for gospel proclamation that come through the practice of hospitality. As the church embraces the practice of hospitality, the community of faith also uses this practice to care for its own members in other parts of the world.

Taking Courage: Expanding Christian Fellowship Toward Edifying Believers

Biblical Narrative (Acts 28:11–16)

After three months on the island of Malta, they continued their voyage on a ship that had spent the winter on the island (28:11). They eventually came to Puteoli (28:12–13), where they “found some brothers who invited us to spend the week with them” (28:14). Finally, they arrived in Rome (28:14). God had fulfilled his word. He had brought Paul safely to this God-appointed destination. Believers in Rome heard about Paul coming and came from a distance to meet them (28:15). After seeing the brothers, Paul “was encouraged and gave thanks to God” (28:15). Paul came to Rome as God’s servant and as Rome’s prisoner. Far from an obstacle to Paul’s ministry, God had provided for Paul in his imprisonment and would use his imprisonment as an important platform for ministry. Consequently, when they arrived in Rome, “Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him” (28:16).

Biblical Principles

Distant Brothers in the Lord. At the beginning of the voyage, Paul had previously experienced care from believers when the ship was docked in Sidon (27:3). In Puteoli, Paul experienced similar hospitality from the believers there who hosted him for seven days (28:14). When he arrived in Rome, believers in the area made a trip to meet Paul (28:15). The visit with these believers brought encouragement to Paul and caused him to thank God (28:15). In all likelihood, Paul would not have had a prior relationship with many (if not all) of these believers. Although the believers would have likely heard about Paul, there was no long history of a face-to-face relationship. This made their fellowship with and hospitality toward Paul all the more noteworthy. Paul did not plant the church in Rome, yet the gospel had successfully made its way to the capital of the empire. Now, the believers in this area were extending love, care, and kindness to the beloved apostle. Common faith in Christ and mutual investment in the mission bound these believers together.

In this section of the narrative, Paul experienced hospitality from believers in other areas who were not in his immediate circle of influence. Christian communities should consider how to open up their community life to care for believers from other parts of the world. Churches should also seek opportunities to send believers to visit churches in other places. The fellowship among believers from different places helps to strengthen the church and mature believers. It is also a God-glorifying testimony that brings praise to God and bears witness to Christ. Believers from other cultures and far-off churches can be seen as outsiders. From a human standpoint, unique cultures, languages, and traditions can make cross-cultural fellowship among believers challenging. But believers from various parts of the world are part of the same church of Jesus Christ. Believers grasp a clearer picture of God’s vision for the care of outsiders as we expand our Christian fellowship to incorporate believers outside our normal circumference of fellowship. Welcoming people from different cultures into our communities, befriending believers from other ethnicities, building relationships with churches in other parts of the world, collaborating in ministry efforts with international church communties, housing ministry leaders who are traveling, or supporting ministers focusing on the spread of the gospel are all specific ways we can encourage and partner with believers outside of our immediate church fellowship.

Ministry in Prison. Notably, Paul visited with the believers while he was a prisoner (28:16). He not only visited believers on his way to Rome (28:11–15), but people visited Paul during his Roman imprisonment (28:23, 30). Some traveled a great distance to visit Paul (28:15). Their visits brought him great encouragement and resulted in God’s praise. Paul’s house arrest in Rome allocated him privileges. He was able to “stay by himself” and had “a soldier to guard him” (28:16). Paul “stayed there two full years in his own rented house” (28:30) and ministered to those who visited him. He used his time in custody to advance the mission (28:31). Nevertheless, Paul was still a prisoner (28:20). He was subject to the Roman legal system. Throughout history, many believers have been unjustly imprisoned and have used their imprisonment as a ministry opportunity. Additionally, many believers have visited those in prison to minister to them. As we consider care for outsiders, we must never neglect believers who are in prison (both locally and globally). We should remember them, pray for them, visit them, and encourage them as fellow brothers in the Lord. It is not too far of a step to further suggest that ministering to all prisoners (believers and unbelievers alike) is a way to care for some of society’s most ostracized outsiders.

They Came in Great Numbers: Extending Open Invitations for Gospel Proclamation

Biblical Narrative (Acts 28:17–31)

After three days in Rome, Paul gathered local Jewish leaders and affirmed to them that he had not done anything against the Jewish tradition (28:17). Clarifying his innocence, Paul explained how he stood trial, and there was no case against him to warrant death (28:17–18). In fact, Paul recounted to the Jews that he was already examined and the authorities “wanted to release [him], because there was no basis for a death sentence” (28:18). Paul explained that the Jews objected to his innocence and this caused him to appeal to Caesar (28:19). Paul expressed, “It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain” (28:20). The Jewish leaders said they had not heard anything evil about Paul (28:21), but they wanted to hear from him because they had heard negative things about the Christian faith (28:21–22).

They set a time, and many people came. Paul taught them “from morning to evening” (28:23). Specifically, he “expounded to them … testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets” (28:23). The response was mixed: some believed and others disbelieved (28:24). Those gathered disagreed among themselves and left Paul (28:25) when he quoted from Isaiah 6:9–10 (28:26–27) and explained that “God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles” (28:28). At Paul’s own expense, he lived under house arrest “in his own rented house” (28:30). Showing hospitality, Paul was “welcoming all who came to visit him” (28:30) and preached about God’s kingdom and Jesus Christ “boldly and freely” (28:31). Even while Paul was in prison, God used him to advance the gospel unhindered.

Biblical Principles

Outreach to Unbelievers. In this final scene of Acts, “the others” to whom Paul shows hospitality are those outside the faith (i.e., unbelievers). Paul used his place of house arrest as an outpost for gospel proclamation. To attest to his innocence and to give testimony of the gospel, Paul summoned the Jewish leaders to his place of house arrest (28:17–22). He hosted large numbers of people for a long period of time (28:23). When Paul met with people (in this initial meeting and in subsequent meetings), Paul spent time expounding (28:23), bearing witness (28:23), persuading (28:23–24), proclaiming (28:31), and teaching (28:31). His message was one about the kingdom and Jesus (28:23, 31). He boldly went about this unhindered (28:31).

The Christian community exists to proclaim Jesus to the unbelieving world. The testimony of believers of Christ’s transforming work in their lives allows Christians to bear witness to Jesus to those who have not yet come to faith. The church has a duty to announce “God’s salvation” (28:28) to all peoples. If Paul could use his unideal situation of house arrest to share the gospel, so can we utilize our own situations for gospel impact. If the Christian community fails to welcome people to hear the message of the gospel, all other acts of hospitality are in vain. While Christians should be a welcoming community to those outside the faith, they do so in order to introduce them to God. God is welcoming people to himself from all over the world who will place their faith in Jesus. In this way, Christian hospitality of a gospel orientation is an evangelistic instrument in extending God’s welcoming invitation to all who will believe.

Embracing an Outsider Identity. Paul himself was an outsider who offered the gospel of Jesus to those outside the faith. Paul was rejected by the Jews (28:19, 24–25) and became a prisoner of Rome (28:16–17, 19–20). He preached the gospel to Jews in Rome, but some responded to him with a hard and unbelieving heart (28:24–27). Paul was not an imprisoned outsider because of wrongdoing (28:17, 19, 21). He was imprisoned because of his faith in and ministry of Jesus Christ (28:23, 31). His identity as a Christian made him an outsider in the world. It also focused his life and ministry on proclaiming Jesus to others. In particular, Paul declared that the gospel was available to those the Jews most considered outsiders: “God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen” (28:28). As exiles and strangers in the world, Christians and churches minister to those outside the faith. For us, as it was for Paul, our identity as pilgrims in the world enables us to endure much suffering and hardship. This outsider identity also encourages us to serve Christ and proclaim the gospel regardless of our earthly circumstances. Whether we are in Roman custody, on a storm-tossed ship, shipwrecked on an island, under house arrest, or in any number of other unfortunate predicaments, we can “boldly and freely” (28:30) bear witness to Christ and his kingdom.

Conclusion

Paul’s seafaring voyage is a gripping narrative of God’s provident care over his people and his purposes in the world. Paul’s initial reception of kindness and care highlights that believers must be beneficiaries of God’s loving care before they care for others. Paul hosted a meal on a storm-tossed ship, which exhibited and exemplified trust in God’s presence. On the island of Malta, Paul used the natives’ display of kindness as a means for missional engagement. Paul experienced edifying fellowship with believers from other parts of the world in his continued journey to Rome. In an amazing display of mission commitment, Paul used his house arrest as a means to welcome others to the faith.

The Christian community thrives best when it is genuinely concerned about the “others.” By recognizing our own status as outsiders apart from God’s grace, we can care for unbelievers outside the faith, the ostracized in society, distant peoples without a gospel witness, and believers from other parts of the world. Part of the way the church enjoys vibrant community within its ranks is by expressing and extending Christ-centered hospitality to those outside of one’s immediate community context. The call to such work is not easy. It is fraught with challenges (both external and internal). However, as we obediently live out God’s call for true Christian community, we can only do so by sharing God’s heart for “the other.”

Session Synopsis

SESSION 12 SYNOPSIS
Other	In this passage, we learn to care for those who are outsiders. A prisoner in Roman custody, Paul traveled with others on a ship to Rome. Paul initially experienced kindness from his Roman escort, Julius. As the ship made its way to Rome, it encountered a fierce storm that threatened all on the ship. Paul encouraged the people with God’s word that all on board would be kept safe. He also encouraged the hungry and tired shipmates to eat. They eventually shipwrecked on the island of Malta, and God’s word came true: every person on board was safely brought to land. The people were warmly welcomed by the island natives, and Paul healed many on the island. After three months, they continued their journey to Rome. Paul visited believers along the way. When he arrived in Rome, he was placed under house arrest for two years and used his situation as a platform to share the gospel with others. This narrative highlights the way God’s people should care for outsiders. A summary of this story’s principles is outlined below.
Hospitality and Mutual Care	Hospitality is an important practice in the Christian’s life (27:3, 33–38; 28:2, 7, 14–15, 16, 23, 30–31). Hospitality is an act of kindness and care (27:1, 3, 33–38; 28:2, 7–8). The act of hospitality allows for mutual care of host and guest (28:2, 7–10). Those who are recipients of care can extend care to others.
Instruments of God in the Face of Danger	In this narrative, people underwent great difficulty (27:6–8), opposing winds (27:4), unanticipated delays (27:7), inopportune seasons (27:9–12), a threat to life (27:9–10), a fierce storm (27:13–20), and a shipwreck (27:39–44). The people on the ship experienced fear (27:17), despair (27:20), weariness (27:34), discouragement (27:22, 25, 36), desperation (27:30), and hunger (27:21, 33–38). God’s people can be a vehicle of his grace, presence, and truth to those in the midst of great hardship and suffering (27:21–26, 31–38; 28:7–10).
Divine Sovereignty	God’s sovereignty and providence brought Paul to Rome and kept all on the ship safe (27:4–44; 28:1–16). God alone provides protection and safety (27:22, 24–25, 34, 43). Human means of salvation do not work (27:30–32, 39–43). God provides temporary protection for his people. Ultimately, he provides eternal salvation for those who respond to the gospel. Christian hospitality invites people to find salvation and safety in God (28:23, 28, 31).
Caring for Outsiders	Believers should aim to minister to those who are outsiders. Christians are to embrace an outsider identity (28:16–17, 19–20, 24–27) and care for those outsiders. Some of the outsiders in this narrative were discouraged and overwhelmed sailors (27:21–38), island natives (28:1–10), the sick (28:8–10), those outside of the faith (28:17–25), Gentiles (28:28), believers in other parts of the world (27:3; 28:11–16), and prisoners (27:1–4, 42; 28:17, 20, 30).

Personal Reflection: Entering the Story

Apply the Text: The word of God is binding and authoritative, the only reliable guide for faith and godliness. True disciples submit themselves to God’s word. In this movement, you will apply God’s word to your lives.

Reflection Questions

Encourage one person to share a testimony about how this story has impacted them so far. Use the reflection questions to examine your life in light of this biblical passage.

Spiritual Practice

Welcome Others

After reflecting on the displays of hospitality in this story, consider to whom in your life God wants you to extend a welcome. Make a list of individuals who might be considered “others” whom God has placed in your life. Develop a plan to welcome them into your home.

Ministry Practice: Rehearsing the Script

Minister the Text: God’s word is living and active. Through God’s word, the Christian community is edified. In this movement, you will utilize the biblical passage to minister to other believers and build them up in their faith.

Application Questions

Look at the infographic below. Use the questions to think about how to minister this text to other believers.

Missional Outreach: Publicizing the Truth

Witness the Text: The Bible is a message of God’s gracious salvation to the world. In word and deed, God’s people proclaim the good news of the gospel. In this movement, you will use this biblical passage to reach out to unbelievers.

Strategy Questions

Reflect on the infographic below. Consider how you can use this passage to witness to the surrounding world. Use the suggested ideas to prime your imagination. Then, put together a plan to share this passage with unbelievers, Afterward, reflect on this mission experience.