He Preached the Kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ

Acts 28:1-31
Key Verse 28:31

Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem. He stayed in Caesarea for 2 years. Then Paul was put on a ship headed for Rome. After suffering a shipwreck, Paul and his companions finally arrived in Rome. Paul proclaimed the Gospel to the Jews and Gentiles in Rome. Today, we will focus on the essence of the Gospel proclaimed by Apostle Paul: First, the Kingdom of God; Second, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the King. Jesus is Lord. These are the essential contents of the Gospel which we should proclaim. When we proclaim the Gospel, the church of Jesus Christ will be built by the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that God may build the church of Jesus through our proclamation of the gospel.  

1. Read verses 1-10.

ANSWER:

Act 28:1-10  Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.  2  The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.  3  Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.  4  When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live."  5  But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.  6  The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.  7  There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.  8  His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.  9  When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.  10  They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

How did God protect Paul during the shipwreck and viper bite? (1a, 27:44; 28:5-6; Mk 16:18) 

ANSWER:

Act 28:1  Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.

Act 27:44  The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety.

Act 28:5-6  But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.  6  The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

Mar 16:18  they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

God’s protection during the shipwreck (Acts 27:22-25)
Act 27:22-25  But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.  23  Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me  24  and said, `Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'  25  So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

Paul’s ship was caught in a storm of hurricane force and it was eventually shipwrecked. All those on board had lost hope of being saved due to the endless darkness (Acts 27:20). But, as God promised Paul in a vision (Acts 27:23-24), they were all saved (Acts 27:44, 28:1). The power of God protected them from the power of the storm and delivered them all. 

God’s protection from the viper bite. (5-6, Mk 16:18)
Act 28:5-6  But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.  6  The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Mar 16:18  they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Paul was bitten by a viper and the islanders expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but nothing happened to him. God protected Paul from the viper (poisonous snake).

God’s protection for us. God protects us with His mighty power.

Do you trust God’s protection during your troubles, hardships and trials? 

God promises us his protection in the scriptures (Isa 41:10, Php 4:6-7). God protected his servants throughout church history. God has also protected us before. God is faithful. Therefore, He will continuously protect us just like He promised in the Bible. I pray that we may fully trust in God and his protection for us even in difficult situations so that we can overcome our fears and become mature and strong in the mighty power of God.

What did God provide through the Islanders? (2, 7, 10) 

ANSWER:

Act 28:2  The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

Act 28:7  There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.

Act 28:10  They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

God’s provision for Paul and his companions.
God provided Paul and his companions with a warm place to stay and enough food to eat for 3 months in Malta. God provided everything they needed through the hands of the Islanders.  

One, Unusual kindness and welcoming spirit:
The islanders lit a fire for them because they were cold. They welcomed 276 refuges. 

Two, Generous hospitality:
Publius, the chief official of the island welcomed them to his house; he provided them with a place to sleep and food to eat.

Three, Honoring and supplying their needs:
They honored Paul and the others in many ways for 3 months. And when Paul and others were ready to sail, they furnished them with the supplies they needed. 

God’s provision for us (Mat 6:33). God provides us everything we need according to His abounding love.
Mat 6:33  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Do you believe God’s provision for you, your family, and your country? God wants us to trust His provision. God promises that He will provide everything we need when we live for Him. We should fully trust Him to provide for us and fully devote ourselves to seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Mt 6:33).

How much did God bless the islanders through Paul? (8-9)

ANSWER:

Act 28:8-9  His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.  9  When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.

God’s Blessings: God blesses us according to His Mercy. 

Physical blessings: 

One, the father of Publius, the chief official of the island, was healed of his fever and dysentery. 

Two, the sick on the island were cured of their physical diseases. The healing of diseases is a blessing from God, but all of them died later. Healing physical diseases itself is not an eternal blessing but a temporary blessing. 

Spiritual blessings; 

Church history shows that Christian churches thrived on Malta. There are catacombs with engravings on the walls which indicate that a large Christian community existed in Malta. They later became strong Christians who were able to live and die for Christ. This is the real blessing which has eternal value. 

2. Read verses 11-16.

ANSWER:

Act 28:11-16  After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.  12  We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.  13  From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli.  14  There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.  15  The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.  16  When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Trace their journey from Malta to Rome.

ANSWER:

Malta  Syracuse Rhegium  Puteoli  Rome

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How did God encourage Paul along the way to Rome and in Rome? (14-16)

ANSWER:

Act 28:14-16  There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.  15  The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.  16  When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Fellowship with other brothers in Puteoli.

Paul found other believers in Puteoli. Although he was a prisoner, surprisingly, God graciously granted Paul permission to go out to meet other Christians and to have fellowship with them for a week (14). 

Rich welcome by other brothers in Rome (Rom 1:11-12)
Rom 1:11-12  I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong --  12  that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

Finally, Paul came to Rome. He must have been extremely exhausted. He must have been stressed out. But he became thankful because he could finally see fellow believers, especially Gentile Christians, from Rome coming to meet him. 

The Roman believers came and welcomed Paul with honor (15). It resembled how the citizens of Rome would come out to greet the emperor as he approached the city. The believers traveled from 50 miles away to welcome him. They had received Paul's famous letter to them (the Book of Romans) a few years before, so they knew him to some degree already.  

Because of this fellowship, he imparted to them some spiritual gifts to make them strong and he was also encouraged by their faith (Rom 1:11-12). Because of this fellowship, despite his incarceration and despite his trials and difficulties, Paul thanked God and took courage. He gave thanks to God and blessed Him (not a complaint or slander).

1. How important is it to have fellowship with other saints in the Lord? Do you have spiritual fellowship with other coworkers and give and get encouragement? 

2. How important is it to thank God despite our trials? We need to learn to give thanks to God because God is worthy of all our praise. 

Permission to live at home with a guard.
He was in custody but he received permission to stay in his own rented house with a guard. He was given considerable freedom to have fellowship with others and prayer time by himself or with others. He could have time to praise God. God had mercy on him and provided the best possible place for him to serve God and others in Rome. Best of all, he had free 24-hour protection and could preach the gospel without fear of being stoned or mistreated.

3. Read verses 17-22. 

ANSWER:

Act 28:17-22  Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: "My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.  18  They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.  19  But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar -- not that I had any charge to bring against my own people.  20  For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."  21  They replied, "We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.  22  But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect."

Note: By the grace of God, no report from Jerusalem or the Sanhedrin reached the Jews of Rome. This was God’s mercy.

How did Paul defend himself to the Jews in Rome? (17-20)

ANSWER:

Act 28:17-20  Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: "My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.  18  They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.  19  But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar -- not that I had any charge to bring against my own people.  20  For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."

Paul’s defense: I am innocent.
He said, “I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors... I was not guilty of any crime...I was compelled to appeal to Caesar”

He declared why he was bound with a chain. 

Outward Reason: because of the Jews. 

Real Reason: because of the hope of Israel (Jesus). 

What was “the hope of Israel”? (20a, Act 23:6, 24:15, 26:6, Isa 26:19, Dan 12:2)

ANSWER:

Act 28:20  For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."

Act 23:6  Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead."

Act 24:15  and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Act 26:6  And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today.

Isa 26:19  But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.

Dan 12:2  Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

To the Jews: Messiah and Messianic Kingdom.
The Jews believed that the Messiah was coming and would establish an earthly messianic kingdom. And they assumed that the dead people of Israel would be resurrected in order to participate in this Messianic kingdom. Therefore, the hope of Israel was their hope in a political Messiah and of an earthly Messianic kingdom and of the resurrection of the dead (Isa 26:19, Dan 12:2).

To Paul: Jesus and Kingdom of God.
To Paul, the hope of Israel was Jesus because Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus is the King. Paul described his hope in different places in many different ways:

Acts 23:6: “my hope in the resurrection of the dead” 

Acts 24:15: “the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked” 

Acts 26:6: “my hope in what God has promised our fathers” 

Acts 28:20: “the hope of Israel”

Paul’s hope was not just for himself, it was the hope of all Israel (Acts 28:20). His hope was not his invention, it was the hope that “God has promised our fathers”. (Act 26:6) His hope was the hope of the resurrection of the dead – of the righteous and the wicked (Act 24:15, Act 23:6). Because of this hope, he was bound in chains and was ready to die for it. 

What hope do you have in times of suffering? (20b)

ANSWER:

Act 28:20  For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."

Jesus: who is our only hope and true hope. 

Our lives are full of sufferings, trials and every-day problems and there are always outward reasons for our sufferings. But there is spiritual reason for our sufferings. We should be able to see it. Sometimes, we don’t fully understand why we have to go through these kinds of troubles, trials and tribulations, but we can be sure that all our problems can be solved because of Jesus, who is our only hope. 

We suffer trials and hardships here on earth because of Jesus. We live a difficult life (of mission) because of Jesus. Jesus is our only hope and true hope. Jesus is our only reason to live and to die. I pray that God may open our eyes to see the real reason for our hardship here on earth and confess that we are bound in chains because of Jesus.  

What is the hope of Christians (the spiritual Israel, true Israel)? 

The Hope of Christians is Jesus who is Lord, King.  

The Hope of Christians is the hope in the Kingdom of God. 

The Hope of Christians is the hope in the glorious resurrection. 

The Hope of Christians is not an easygoing lifestyle here on earth. 

The Hope of Christians is not having ‘your best life now’ here on earth. 

What is your hope? Do you have the hope of Christians? What makes every Christian confident, strong and sacrificial is their Hope. Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God, the glorious resurrection is the true hope of all Christians. I pray that we may hold onto this hope of Israel, so that we can live here on earth with confidence, working hard for the Lord (1Co 15:58). 

4. Read verse 23.

ANSWER:

Act 28:23  They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

What were the contents of Paul’s Gospel message to the Jews? (23, 31)

ANSWER:

Act 28:23  They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

Act 28:31  Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Kingdom of God  

Jesus

What did Paul say about the kingdom of God and about Jesus? (23)

ANSWER:

Act 28:23  They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

Kingdom of God: the essence of the Gospel. 

The kingdom of God is not an earthly kingdom but a spiritual kingdom (the kingdom of heaven) (Mat 4:17, Jn 18:36). Because the Jews were waiting for earthly kingdom, Apostle Paul really wanted them to understand the meaning and concept of the kingdom of God. Apostle Paul was able to explain the kingdom of God because he saw the kingdom of God (Jn 3:3). He experienced the Kingdom of God with his own eyes (2Co 12:2-4). The Kingdom of God is real. The Kingdom of God is glorious. The Kingdom of God is very precious because Jesus is the King and because Jesus rules and reigns over it with His love, mercy, grace and truth. The Kingdom of God is the essence of the Hope of Israel. The Kingdom of God is the essence of the Gospel. We should proclaim the kingdom of God to unbelievers. We should believe the kingdom of God and live it now here on earth. 

Jesus: the Hope of Israel. 

Paul tried to prove that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) from the OT. From the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, he tried to persuade them about Jesus.  

Paul explained to them that Jesus is the Messiah. 

Paul explained to them that the seed of Abraham in Genesis is Jesus (Gen 12:7; Gal 3:16).

Paul explained to them that the son of David in 2 Samuel is Jesus (2Sa 7:12-16).

Paul explained to them that Jesus is the Passover Lamb in the Exodus. (Exo 12; Jn 1:29).

Paul explained to them that all the sacrifices and offerings in Leviticus were the shadow of Jesus who shed his blood on the cross and forgave all our sins once for all (Heb 10:1, 4, 10).

Paul explained to them that the suffering servant in Isa 53 is Jesus (Isa 53:7-11; 1Pe 2:24).

Paul explained to them that Jesus rose from the dead according to Psalm 16 (Psa 16:8-11; Act 2:31).

Paul explained to them that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as promised in Micah (Mic 5:2, Mat 2:4-5).

Paul reasoned with them to persuade them that Jesus is the Christ according to the OT. 

From Morning till evening. 

He preached the gospel from morning till evening. It was not just a 30 minute sermon, or one hour 1:1 bible study, or 2 hour group bible study. It was more like an 8 or 10 hour continuous preaching and teaching session. 

He was full of passion for the gospel. 

He was full of passion for the truth. 

He was full of passion for Jesus Christ. 

He was full of compassion for the lost Jews. 

He was able to proclaim the gospel like that because he was full of the Holy Spirit. 

I pray that God may pour out the Holy Spirit upon us so that we can boldly preach the gospel to our children, to our spouse, to our coworkers, and to college students without hindrance. Amen.  

What is the relationship between the kingdom of God and Jesus?

ANSWER:

Jesus is the King in the kingdom of God. 

Jesus reigns and rules over us in the kingdom of God. 

Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. His Kingdom is of heaven. 

Jesus opened the way to the kingdom of God. 

Through his death and resurrection, He forgave all our sins. He made us children of God. 

He promised us an inheritance which includes the kingdom of God.  

5. Read verses 24-28. 

ANSWER:

Act 28:24-28  Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.  25  They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:  26  "`Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."  27  For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'  28  "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"

What was the response of the Jews? (24-25a) 

ANSWER:

Act 28:24-25  Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.  25  They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

Some were convinced and believed that Jesus is the Messiah. 

Others would not believe; in fact, most of the Jews rejected Jesus. 

How was the Word of God fulfilled regarding the response of the Jews? (25b-28, Isa 6:9-10)

ANSWER:

Act 28:25-28  They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:  26  "`Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."  27  For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'  28  "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"

Isa 6:9-10  He said, "Go and tell this people: "`Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'  10  Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed."

People’s hearts became calloused. Their hearts were hardened. They will not receive God’s final invitation for salvation. Because they reject Christ, God would not heal them. God would not save them from their sins. This is as true today as it was when Isaiah first said it and when Paul quoted it. Some people will receive Jesus but many will reject him. It is not because the gospel has a problem but because they hardened their hearts and because they love darkness (Jn 3:19).

6. Read verses 30-31. 

ANSWER:

Act 28:30-31  For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.  31  Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

How did Paul preach the gospel in Rome? (30-31) 

ANSWER:

Act 28:30-31  For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.  31  Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

He overcame his limited situations.
He was a prisoner and he had to stay in his house. He was not free and was not able to move around the city of Rome freely but, in his given situation, he continuously proclaimed the gospel with full confidence. He still in chains, but the gospel was not chained.

He overcame people’s rejection.
Most of the Jews rejected the gospel but he was not discouraged. Rather, he continuously and boldly, without hindrance, proclaimed the gospel to all who came to see him. He did not have time to be discouraged because so many people had not yet heard the gospel. He believed God’s sovereignty in his evangelism and struggled hard to preach the gospel. 

How did God start, continue and finish the Book of Acts? (30-31) 

ANSWER:

Act 28:30-31  For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.  31  Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Start:
At the start of the book of Acts, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples at Pentecost. And, through Peter’s proclamation of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit established the Church of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. 

Continue:
The Gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea and throughout Samaria. It spread from there into Gentile territories and reached all the way to the Rome. God continued to build the church of the Lord Jesus Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel. 

Finish:
Now, God finished the book of Acts with Apostle Paul proclaiming the gospel, the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ. The book ends with the gospel being spread through great effort. It ends like this because God wants to show us how He continues to build the church of Jesus Christ. It ends like this because God wants us to see that He is continuously building the church of Jesus Christ through proclamation of the gospel. 

How can we participate in the redemptive history of God?

ANSWER:

Through the proclamation of the gospel.
Through the proclamation of the Gospel, God has continued to build the church of Jesus Christ. In order to build the church of Jesus Christ, God has used many men and women of God who boldly proclaimed the gospel. Through them, God saved many dying souls and built His church. In the same way, God wants us to proclaim the Gospel of God to build the church of Jesus Christ. Anyone who preaches the kingdom of God, anyone who teaches that Jesus is Lord, and anyone who teaches Jesus is the King can participate in God’s redemptive history. Through such people, God has continued to build the church and will continue to do it throughout his redemptive history.  It is a marvelous privilege for us to be able to participate in his redemptive history.

In Conclusion, we come to the final chapter of this marvelous book of Acts. In a sense, the book of Acts is an unfinished book because the Holy Spirit continues to build the church of Jesus Christ even to this very day through the proclamation of the Gospel. Proclaiming the gospel is a never ending story until Jesus comes. Through proclaiming the gospel, God has been saving numerous lives and has been building the church of Jesus Christ. God wants us to boldly proclaim the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ so that through us all men around us may believe in Jesus and have eternal life. I pray that God may strengthen us with the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can boldly preach the gospel to many people and so that God may build the church of Jesus Christ until Jesus comes. Amen.  

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 Translators capitalized the word “Justice” here because it is probably a reference to the Greek goddess of justice, Dikee.