Hard Hearts, Deaf Ears, Blind Eyes

Acts 28:11-31,    Issiah 6:

I: Hospitality and its Reward on Malta.
1. Paul was at his best in storm or adversity.
2. He soon made himself useful on Malta.
3. God honored the Gospel preaching and worked Miricles.
4. The Hospitality of the Barbarians was rewarded.
5. They entertained angels unawares.

II: The Last Miles to Rome.
1. After 3 months they sailed again for Rome. (182 miles).
2. The Boy of Naples and the Island of Capra.
a. The Imperial Fleet anchored there.
b. Here the Admiral of the Fleet would be buried by a Volcano a few years hence.
c. The Jewish Princess wife of Felix, and her child would be intoned.
3. Putolia, the place of departure for Roman legions, and the landing place of Ambassador from Carthage.

III: The Apian Way:
1. The most traveled and most famous road to Rome.
She was called “Queen of Roads,” (over 1,000 yrs. of use — 125 miles long).
2. Here on this road traveled the mixed multitudes to and from Rome.
3. At Apia, a city of Tavern Keepers, and a mostly Vulgar Crowd, they were met by Christians from Rome.
4. 10 miles farther, at 3 Taverns, another group met them and Paul’s heart rejoiced.

IV: A Prisoner of the Lord.
1. Chained to a soldier day and night.
2. Lived 2 yrs. in his own hired house.
3. His attendants were Luke and Aristarchus.
4. Nero let him spend 2 yrs. in prison.

V: “For the Hope of Israel I am Bound.” vs. 20
1. “My hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.” Romans 10:10
2. Paul reasoned with them from morning to night.
3. They heard but wouldn’t understand.
4. They saw but didn’t perceive.
5. “For the heart of these people are waxed gross.” Paul turned to the Gentiles.
6. To constantly hear without obedience will cut one off from God.