1
After we had safely reached the shore, we learned that the island was called Malta.

2
The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain and was cold.

3
When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand.

4
When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man must be a murderer; though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”

5
But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm.

6
They 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
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

8
It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him, and after praying, he laid his hands on him and healed him.

9
After this had happened, the rest of the sick people on the island came and were cured.

10
They honored us in many ways, and when we were ready to sail, they supplied us with everything we needed.

11
After three months we set sail in a ship from Alexandria that had wintered at the island, with the figurehead of the Twin Brothers.

12
We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.

13
From there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. After one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.

14
There we found some brothers and sisters, and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.

15
The brothers and sisters there had heard about us and came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16
When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

17
After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

18
After they had examined me, they wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.

19
But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—not that I had any charge to bring against my own nation.

20
For this reason I have asked to see you and speak with you, because it is for the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

21
They said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers who came here has reported or said anything bad about you.

22
But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”

23
When they had set a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in even greater numbers. From morning until evening he explained to them, testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

24
Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

25
So they disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made one final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through the prophet Isaiah:

26
‘Go to this people and say,

You will indeed hear but never understand,
you will indeed see but never perceive.

27
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’

28
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

29
[And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves.]

30
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,

31
proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

📖 Acts 28 – Paul on Malta and in Rome

🧾 Summary

After the shipwreck in the previous chapter, Paul and all the passengers safely landed on the island of Malta. There, Paul performed miracles and was warmly welcomed by the local people. After some time, they continued on to Rome. When they arrived in Rome, Paul received visitors and taught about the Kingdom of God freely, even though he was still under house arrest.

✨ Verse-by-Verse Explanation

1. Paul on the Island of Malta (Verses 1–10)

• The people of Malta welcomed them kindly.
• As Paul helped gather firewood, a venomous snake bit his hand, but nothing happened to him. At first the people thought he was a criminal, then they considered him a god.
• Paul healed Publius’ father, the chief official of the island, and many other sick people.

💡 Lesson: Even in suffering, believers can become instruments of healing and blessing.

2. The Journey to Rome (Verses 11–16)

• After staying three months, they continued their journey on a ship from Alexandria.
• At various places, Paul met and was encouraged by fellow believers.
• When they reached Rome, Paul was allowed to stay in his own rented house, with a soldier guarding him.

💡 Lesson: God still opens the way for ministry, even under restrictions.

3. Paul’s Testimony in Rome (Verses 17–29)

• Paul called the Jewish leaders and explained that he was innocent, but because of the hope of Israel, he was being held.
• He then preached the gospel to them, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.
• Some believed, while others rejected it. Paul quoted Isaiah’s prophecy about hardened hearts.
• He declared that God’s salvation is now also given to the Gentiles (non-Jews).

💡 Lesson: When one door closes, God opens another.

4. Paul’s Ministry Continues (Verses 30–31)

• Paul stayed in that house for two years and:

• • Welcomed all who came to him.

  • Proclaimed the kingdom of God.

  • Taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance.

💡 Although the Bible does not record Paul’s death, this emphasizes that the gospel kept moving forward.

📘 Main Lessons from Acts 28

1. God can use less-than-ideal situations as fields for ministry.
2. Paul’s faithfulness in suffering shows an undimmed missionary spirit.
3. Believers are called to be light wherever they are, even in prison.
4. Preaching the gospel is not about circumstances, but commitment to the Great Commission.
5. Rejection is not the end of ministry—the gospel continues to reach those who are open.

✨ Spiritual Meaning of Acts 28

• Paul never let physical limitations stop his spiritual ministry.
• The miracle of the snake that did not harm him reminds us that God protects His messenger.
• The book closes with a bold and unhindered spirit, showing that God’s work never stops.
• The gospel is good news that keeps moving, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, even to the center of world power: Rome.