Study Content

Acts 28 begins with the survivors of the shipwreck discovering that they have landed on the island of Malta.

The islanders, described as “barbarous people” in the King James translation, are not uncivilized but simply non Greek speaking inhabitants. Luke emphasizes their unexpected kindness as they welcome the exhausted travelers and build a fire because of the rain and cold.

Paul immediately joins in the work, gathering sticks for the fire.

As he places the bundle on the flames, a viper emerges and fastens onto his hand.

The islanders interpret the event through the lens of ancient belief. They assume that Paul must be a murderer who escaped the sea only to face divine justice.

However Paul calmly shakes the snake into the fire and suffers no harm.

The people wait to see him swell or suddenly fall dead, but when nothing happens they reverse their conclusion and begin saying he is a god.

The scene illustrates the instability of human judgment. The same crowd that assumes Paul is cursed now assumes he is divine.

Luke includes this moment not to elevate Paul but to demonstrate divine protection over the apostle’s mission.

Jesus had previously promised His followers that they would be protected in their ministry, and this event reflects that assurance.

Nearby lives Publius, the chief official of the island.

He welcomes Paul and his companions into his home for several days. During this time Paul learns that Publius’s father is sick with fever and dysentery.

Paul goes to him, prays, lays hands on him, and he is healed.

After this event many other sick people on the island come and are healed as well.

The people honor Paul and his companions and provide supplies for their continued journey.

Three months later they depart Malta on another Alexandrian ship that has wintered on the island.

The ship bears the figurehead of Castor and Pollux, twin gods worshiped by sailors for protection.

Luke includes the detail almost ironically. The true protection throughout the voyage has come not from mythological figures but from the providence of God.

The travelers eventually arrive at Puteoli in Italy where they find believers and stay with them for seven days.

The presence of believers here shows that the Gospel has already spread throughout the empire before Paul’s arrival.

As Paul continues toward Rome, believers from the city come to meet him at the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns.

When Paul sees them he thanks God and takes courage.

The moment reveals something deeply human. Even the apostle Paul draws strength from the fellowship of other believers.

Upon arriving in Rome, Paul is allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him.

Although technically a prisoner, Paul receives an unusual level of freedom.

After three days he calls together the leaders of the Jewish community in Rome.

Paul explains that although he was accused in Jerusalem, the Roman authorities found no reason to condemn him.

Nevertheless he was forced to appeal to Caesar to avoid being handed over unjustly.

Paul emphasizes that he is wearing chains because of the hope of Israel.

The Jewish leaders respond that they have not received official reports against him but that they know the Christian movement is widely spoken against.

They arrange a day to hear Paul’s teaching.

When the appointed day arrives many come to Paul’s lodging.

From morning until evening he explains the Kingdom of God and attempts to persuade them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

Some are convinced by his message while others refuse to believe.

The division mirrors the pattern seen throughout the book of Acts. The Gospel always creates a moment of decision.

Paul concludes the discussion by quoting Isaiah’s prophecy about people who hear but do not understand and see but do not perceive.

He then makes a decisive declaration.

The salvation of God is being sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.

The book of Acts ends with Paul remaining in Rome for two years under house arrest.

During this time he welcomes all who visit him.

He proclaims the Kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance.

The final phrase of Acts is deeply significant.

The story does not end with a martyrdom account or a final resolution of Paul’s legal case.

Instead the narrative ends with the Gospel moving freely at the heart of the empire.

This ending signals that the mission of Christ is not finished.

The story continues beyond the pages of Acts through the ongoing work of the church.

Luke closes the book by showing that no prison, empire, or opposition can ultimately stop the advance of the message of Jesus.