The Book of
Acts 28
30 verses≈ 6 min4 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Ashore on Malta
Once we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta.
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The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold.
Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
The islanders were expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Reflect
Kindness on the beach
The people of Malta owed these strangers nothing. Yet they “showed us extraordinary kindness” and lit a fire in the rain for a crowd of soaked strangers. When has someone’s kindness carried you through a hard day? Who is cold and wet on your shoreline this week, and what could you do for them?
Paul Arrives in Italy
he was encouraged and gave thanks to God
Acts 28:15
Stylised map · locations approximate
Where it happened
Malta to Rome
After three months on Malta, a new ship carries Paul north to Syracuse in Sicily, through the strait to Rhegium, and with a south wind up the coast to Puteoli. From there it is the road to Rome. Long ago Paul had said he must see Rome. “And so we came to Rome.”
Paul Preaches at Rome
When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews.
Paul
When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation. So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.
Acts 28:20
The Jewish leaders in Rome
The leaders replied, “We have not received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brothers from there reported or even mentioned anything bad about you. But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”
Question
Quick question
Three months after the wreck, the travelers board a ship that had spent the winter at Malta.
What was the figurehead on the Alexandrian ship that carried Paul from Malta?
So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
For this people’s heart has grown callous;
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.’
Acts 28:26–27
Ever hearing
Whiteboard
Isaiah heard these words when God sent him. Jesus used them about His parables, and John used them to explain unbelief. Now Paul speaks them in Rome. But this time the story does not end with closed ears: “they will listen!”
Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”
Pray
Keep telling it
Paul spent a whole day “testifying about the kingdom of God.” Some believed and some walked away, and he kept speaking, sure that others “will listen.” Ask God for the boldness to keep telling the good news about Jesus, and to leave the results with Him.
Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
0:14
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
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Acts 28
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A verse to carry with you
Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:31
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