Acts 28
BSB1 Once we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold. 3 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. 4 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." 5 But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 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. 7 Nearby stood an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 The father of Publius was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after praying and placing his hands on him, he healed the man. 9 After this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured as well. 10 The islanders honored us in many ways and supplied our needs when we were ready to sail. 11 After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered in the island. It had the Twin Brothers as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13 From there we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. After one day, a south wind came up, and on the second day we arrived at Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers who invited us to spend the week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers there had heard about us and traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God. 16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him. 17 After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. 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. 18 They examined me and 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, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation. 20 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." 21 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. 22 But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect." 23 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. 24 Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe. 25 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: 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 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.’ 28 Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" 30 Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. 31 Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Study Notes — Acts 28
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 28
- Themes from Acts 28
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 28
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta, where he and his companions receive kindness from the islanders. Paul heals the father of the island's chief official, Publius, and many others come to him for healing. After three months, Paul and his companions set sail for Rome, where Paul is placed under house arrest. Despite his confinement, Paul continues to preach the gospel to the Jews and Gentiles, declaring the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. The chapter concludes with Paul's statement that the Jews have rejected the gospel, and therefore, it is now being offered to the Gentiles, who will listen.
Context for the Chapter
Acts chapter 28 is the final chapter of the book of Acts, which describes the early history of the Christian church. The chapter follows Paul's journey to Rome, where he will appeal to Caesar and proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. This chapter is significant in the larger biblical narrative, as it marks the transition of the gospel from the Jewish people to the Gentiles, fulfilling Christ's commission to preach the gospel to all nations.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Paul's commitment to preaching the gospel, we are reminded of our own responsibility to share the good news with others. We should be encouraged to persevere in our faith, despite facing challenges and persecutions, and to trust in God's providence and sovereignty. May we be faithful in proclaiming the gospel and declaring the kingdom of God, just as Paul was.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts chapter 28 is about the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, where he preaches the gospel to the Gentiles. Despite facing challenges and persecutions, Paul remains committed to his ministry and declares the kingdom of God. The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and bring people to faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 28:28 and Acts 28:31.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a message for the elite, but for all people, regardless of their background or social status. It is a message of salvation, available to all who will listen and believe.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The apostle Paul's ministry is an example of the power of the gospel to transform lives and bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. His perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity are an encouragement to us all.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Shipwreck on Malta (Acts 28:1-10) — Paul and his companions are shipwrecked on the island of Malta, where they receive kindness from the islanders. Paul heals the father of the island's chief official, Publius, and many others come to him for healing.
- The Journey to Rome (Acts 28:11-16) — After three months, Paul and his companions set sail for Rome, where Paul is placed under house arrest. Despite his confinement, Paul continues to preach the gospel and teach about Christ.
- Paul's Ministry in Rome (Acts 28:17-31) — Paul declares the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the lordship of Christ and the power of the gospel. The chapter concludes with Paul's statement that the Jews have rejected the gospel, and therefore, it is now being offered to the Gentiles.
- The Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 28:28) — Paul's statement marks a significant turning point in the history of the early Christian church, as the gospel is now being offered to the Gentiles, who will listen and believe.
- Conclusion (Acts 28:30-31) — The chapter concludes with Paul's continued ministry in Rome, despite his house arrest. He preaches the gospel and teaches about Christ, declaring the kingdom of God and emphasizing the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's providence and sovereignty, as He guides Paul's journey and protects him from harm. This is evident in the shipwreck on Malta and Paul's eventual arrival in Rome.
- The Power of the Gospel
- The gospel has the power to transform lives and bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. We see this in the responses of the Gentiles, who listen to Paul's message and believe.
- The Lordship of Christ
- The chapter emphasizes the lordship of Jesus Christ, as Paul declares the kingdom of God and teaches about Christ. This highlights the central role of Christ in the gospel message.
- The Universal Scope of the Gospel
- The gospel is not limited to the Jewish people, but is available to all nations. This is evident in Paul's statement that the gospel is now being offered to the Gentiles, who will listen and believe.
Lessons from Acts 28
- Perseverance in the Face of Adversity — Paul's commitment to preaching the gospel, despite facing numerous challenges and persecutions, is an example of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity.
- The Power of the Gospel — The gospel has the power to transform lives and bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. We see this in the responses of the Gentiles, who listen to Paul's message and believe.
- God's Providence and Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's providence and sovereignty, as He guides Paul's journey and protects him from harm. This is evident in the shipwreck on Malta and Paul's eventual arrival in Rome.
- The Lordship of Christ — The chapter emphasizes the lordship of Jesus Christ, as Paul declares the kingdom of God and teaches about Christ. This highlights the central role of Christ in the gospel message.
- The Universal Scope of the Gospel — The gospel is not limited to the Jewish people, but is available to all nations. This is evident in Paul's statement that the gospel is now being offered to the Gentiles, who will listen and believe.
Themes from Acts 28
- The Gospel to the Gentiles — The chapter marks a significant turning point in the history of the early Christian church, as the gospel is now being offered to the Gentiles, who will listen and believe.
- Perseverance and Faithfulness — Paul's commitment to preaching the gospel, despite facing numerous challenges and persecutions, is an example of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity.
- God's Providence and Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's providence and sovereignty, as He guides Paul's journey and protects him from harm. This is evident in the shipwreck on Malta and Paul's eventual arrival in Rome.
- The Lordship of Christ — The chapter emphasizes the lordship of Jesus Christ, as Paul declares the kingdom of God and teaches about Christ. This highlights the central role of Christ in the gospel message.
- The Power of the Gospel — The gospel has the power to transform lives and bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. We see this in the responses of the Gentiles, who listen to Paul's message and believe.
Questions for Meditation
- What challenges did Paul face on his journey to Rome, and how did he respond to them?
- How did the Gentiles respond to Paul's message, and what does this reveal about the power of the gospel?
- What does the chapter teach us about God's providence and sovereignty, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the chapter emphasize the lordship of Christ, and what implications does this have for our understanding of the gospel?
- What lessons can we learn from Paul's perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity, and how can we apply these to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Shipwreck on Malta (Acts 28:1-10)
| Acts 28:1 | Paul and his companions are shipwrecked on the island of Malta, where they receive kindness from the islanders. |
| Acts 28:2 | The islanders show them unusual kindness, and they build a fire to warm them up. |
| Acts 28:3 | Paul is bitten by a venomous snake, but he suffers no harm, and the islanders are amazed. |
| Acts 28:4 | The islanders expect Paul to die, but when he doesn't, they change their minds and say he is a god. |
| Acts 28:5 | Paul shakes off the snake and suffers no harm, and the islanders are amazed. |
| Acts 28:6 | The islanders expect Paul to swell up or suddenly fall down dead, but when he doesn't, they change their minds and say he is a god. |
| Acts 28:7 | The father of the island's chief official, Publius, is sick with a fever and dysentery, and Paul heals him. |
| Acts 28:8 | The rest of the sick people on the island come to Paul and are healed. |
| Acts 28:9 | The islanders honor Paul and his companions with many kindnesses, and they supply them with the things they need. |
| Acts 28:10 | The islanders give them many honors, and when they set sail, they supply them with the things they need. |
2. The Journey to Rome (Acts 28:11-16)
| Acts 28:11 | After three months, Paul and his companions set sail for Rome, where Paul is placed under house arrest. |
| Acts 28:12 | They put in at Syracuse, where they stay for three days. |
| Acts 28:13 | From there they sail to Rhegium, and after one day, a south wind blows, and they arrive at Puteoli. |
| Acts 28:14 | They find some brothers there, and they are invited to stay with them for seven days, and then they go on to Rome. |
| Acts 28:15 | The brothers from Rome hear about Paul and his companions, and they come to meet them as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. |
| Acts 28:16 | When Paul and his companions arrive in Rome, Paul is allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. |
3. Paul's Ministry in Rome (Acts 28:17-31)
| Acts 28:17 | Paul calls together the local Jewish leaders and explains his situation to them. |
| Acts 28:18 | The Jewish leaders tell Paul that they have not received any letters about him from Judea, and they ask him to explain his teachings. |
| Acts 28:19 | The Jewish leaders ask Paul to defend himself, and he explains that he is on trial because of his hope in the resurrection of the dead. |
| Acts 28:20 | Paul wants to see them and talk with them, because he is bound with this chain for the hope of Israel. |
| Acts 28:21 | The Jewish leaders tell Paul that they have not received any letters about him from Judea, and they ask him to explain his teachings. |
| Acts 28:22 | The Jewish leaders ask Paul to meet with them, and they come to him in large numbers. |
| Acts 28:23 | Paul explains the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ, from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, and he persuades them about Jesus from the Scriptures. |
| Acts 28:24 | Some of the Jewish leaders believe what Paul says, but others do not, and they leave, disagreeing among themselves. |
| Acts 28:25 | The Jewish leaders disagree among themselves, and they leave after Paul says that the Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet. |
| Acts 28:26 | Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, saying that the Jewish people have been hardened and will not understand or see, and they will not turn and be healed. |
| Acts 28:27 | Paul tells the Jewish leaders that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen, and he quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 again. |
| Acts 28:28 | Paul says that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen, and this is a fulfillment of God's plan to save people from all nations. |
| Acts 28:29 | The Jewish leaders leave after Paul says this, and they argue vigorously among themselves. |
| Acts 28:30 | Paul stays two whole years in his own rented house, and he welcomes all who come to him, and he preaches the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ. |
| Acts 28:31 | Paul preaches the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ, with all boldness and without hindrance, and he declares the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta?
The shipwreck on Malta was a significant event in Paul's journey to Rome, as it allowed him to preach the gospel to the islanders and demonstrate the power of God. As stated in Acts 28:1-10, Paul and his companions were shipwrecked on the island, where they received kindness from the islanders and Paul healed the father of the island's chief official, Publius.
How did the Gentiles respond to Paul's message?
The Gentiles responded to Paul's message with eagerness and faith, as seen in Acts 28:28, where Paul says that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.
What does the chapter teach us about God's providence and sovereignty?
The chapter highlights God's providence and sovereignty, as He guides Paul's journey and protects him from harm, as seen in the shipwreck on Malta and Paul's eventual arrival in Rome, as stated in Acts 28:1-16.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 28:1 → Psalm 107:23-32 | The shipwreck on Malta is reminiscent of the psalmist's description of God's deliverance of those who sail the seas, as seen in Psalm 107:23-32. |
| 2 | Acts 28:3 → Mark 16:18 | Paul's immunity to the venomous snake is similar to the promise of Jesus that believers will not be harmed by snakes, as seen in Mark 16:18. |
| 3 | Acts 28:8 → Matthew 9:35 | Paul's healing of Publius' father is similar to the healings performed by Jesus and the apostles, as seen in Matthew 9:35 and Acts 3:1-10. |
| 4 | Acts 28:17 → Jeremiah 32:39 | Paul's explanation of his situation to the Jewish leaders is similar to the prophet Jeremiah's explanation of God's plan to restore Israel, as seen in Jeremiah 32:39. |
| 5 | Acts 28:23 → Isaiah 6:9-10 | Paul's quote of Isaiah 6:9-10 emphasizes the hardness of the Jewish people's hearts and their refusal to listen to the gospel, as seen in Isaiah 6:9-10. |
| 6 | Acts 28:25 → Ezekiel 2:3-5 | The Jewish leaders' disagreement among themselves is similar to the prophet Ezekiel's description of the rebelliousness of the Israelites, as seen in Ezekiel 2:3-5. |
| 7 | Acts 28:28 → Romans 11:25-26 | Paul's statement that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles is similar to the apostle Paul's explanation of God's plan to save the Gentiles, as seen in Romans 11:25-26. |
| 8 | Acts 28:30 → Philippians 1:12-14 | Paul's two years in Rome, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ, is similar to his description of his imprisonment in Philippians 1:12-14, where he says that his imprisonment has actually helped to advance the gospel. |
| 9 | Acts 28:31 → 2 Timothy 2:9 | Paul's boldness and lack of hindrance in preaching the gospel is similar to his encouragement to Timothy to preach the gospel with boldness, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:9. |
| 10 | Acts 28:31 → Hebrews 13:6 | Paul's declaration of the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ is similar to the author of Hebrews' encouragement to believers to trust in God's power and presence, as seen in Hebrews 13:6. |
Sermons on Acts 28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Authority Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, Corey Ten Boom shares her personal experiences of preaching the gospel and casting out demons. She recounts a time when she was in a concentration camp and witnesse |
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Unhindered by Brother Andrew | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changes in the world over the past 50 years and ponders where we will be in the future. He emphasizes the importance of the Bible as the |
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A Man Who Is Known in Hell by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not hiding the truth of the gospel. He encourages the audience to boldly proclaim the truth they have received, acknowledg |
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I Have Appeared Unto Thee - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the conversion of the apostle Paul on the Damascus road. He emphasizes that Paul's encounter with Jesus was a life-changing experience that |
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When the Serpent Bites Your Hand, Victory Is at the Door by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Paul and how he faced challenges and storms. Despite being misunderstood and seen as a murderer, Paul continued to serve and he |
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Christ Is All by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about two young men who argued about who would see Jesus first before being shot by communists. The leader of the communist grou |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching from the heart rather than just from the head. He discusses the concept of burden, which is a deep concern or we |
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(Revelation) the Godhead by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and its relationship to future events on earth. He emphasizes that the book will start to unfold after the church has |
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Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of God in our lives. He uses the example of the children of Israel in Egypt, who were kept busy wi |
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Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous escape as an example of how God's glory is revealed in times of tribulation and suffering. T |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 28
In this chapter, we see the fulfillment of Christ's commission to his disciples to preach the gospel to all nations. Through Paul's ministry, the gospel is being proclaimed to the Gentiles, and they are responding with faith. As Paul declares the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ, we are reminded of Christ's central role in the gospel message. The chapter also highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is not a message for the elite, but for all people, regardless of their background or social status.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Paul's perseverance
Despite facing numerous challenges and persecutions, Paul remains committed to preaching the gospel and fulfilling his ministry. He is an example of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity.
The power of the gospel
The gospel has the power to transform lives and bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. We see this in the responses of the Gentiles, who listen to Paul's message and believe.
God's providence
The chapter highlights God's providence and sovereignty, as He guides Paul's journey and protects him from harm. This is evident in the shipwreck on Malta and Paul's eventual arrival in Rome.