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This observation is certainly not to oppose medical treatment or to say medicine or
medical aid is wrong. It is not. However, it does clarify that this text is not grounds for
the substitution of medical therapy for prayer. God heals by many means; the prayer of
faith, natural recuperative powers, medical aid or medicine, miracles.

Act 28:10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such
things as were necessary.

Who also honoured us with many honuors; and when we departed, they laded (laid heavy
upon) us with such things as were necessary.

They give many materialistic things to Paul and those on the ship who have lost everything.
This includes food and clothing. Paul has been on the island for three months and has been
treated well by these people. He has been on a three month vacation after many years of work
and imprisonment.
HEADING TOWARD ROME (12-16)

After three months on the island, Paul is put on a ship heading toward Rome. He finds great
favor and is permitted to stay with believers in Puteoli for seven days. Once arriving in Rome,
rather than being delivered to the captain of the guard, he is allowed to remain with a soldier, a
private guard.

Act 28:11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin
Brothers, which had wintered at the island.

The captain of the ship decides not to attempt sailing any further and remains in Malta for the
winter. Castor and Pollux are the twin sons of Zeus and Lida. One was a famous horse tamer,
the other a boxer. The two together are believed to be “good luck” for sailors against storms.
The image of these two sons is carved on the front of this grain ship sailing from Alexandria to
Rome.

Act 28:12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.

Syracuse is a Southeast port of the island of Sicily. Syracuse is a famous Greek military
stronghold that is eventually conquered by Rome.

Act 28:13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south
wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli,

And from thence we fetched a compass (perierchomai: went around, wondering about), and
came to Rhegium: and after one day (Paul probably prayed) the south wind blew, and we came
the next day to Puteoli:
They are headed toward the Straits of Messina, and the winds are unfavorable to pass through.
They then sail around to Rhegium to wait for a south wind. This is the only way a ship can