Paul on the Island of Malta (Acts 28:1-10)

Shipwreck Survivors Welcomed

After the shipwreck, Paul and the other survivors find themselves on Malta, where they are warmly received by the islanders. Despite the rain and cold, the locals build a fire and welcome them all, demonstrating hospitality and kindness (Acts 28:1-2).

Paul’s Miraculous Encounter with a Viper

As Paul gathers wood for the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastens itself on his hand. The islanders initially think this is divine retribution, expecting him to swell up or suddenly die. However, when Paul shakes the snake off into the fire and suffers no harm, their opinion shifts dramatically from thinking he is a murderer to believing he is a god (Acts 28:3-6).

Healings on Malta

The chief official of the island, Publius, hosts Paul and the others for three days. Paul learns that Publius’s father is sick with fever and dysentery. He visits him, prays, lays his hands on him, and heals him. After this, other islanders with diseases come to Paul and are also healed. These acts of healing significantly impact the island’s inhabitants, leading them to honor Paul and his companions and provide them with necessary supplies for their journey (Acts 28:7-10).

Journey to Rome and Ministry in Rome (Acts 28:11-31)

Arrival in Rome

After three months in Malta, they set sail again and eventually reach Rome. Paul is allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him, showing some level of respect and trust by the Roman authorities (Acts 28:11-16).

Paul’s Meeting with Jewish Leaders

Upon settling in, Paul calls together the local Jewish leaders to explain his situation. He clarifies that he has done nothing against the Jewish people or the customs of the ancestors but was imprisoned in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. Finding no basis for a death sentence, he had appealed to Caesar—not as a means to accuse his own people but to secure justice. The leaders express interest in hearing more about “this sect,” noting that it is spoken against everywhere (Acts 28:17-22).

Teaching and Preaching in Rome

Paul spends a full day discussing the kingdom of God with them, trying to persuade them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some are convinced by his arguments, while others refuse to believe. Frustrated by some of their disbelief, Paul quotes Isaiah, warning them that their lack of understanding and perception would lead to salvation being sent to the Gentiles, who will listen (Acts 28:23-28).

Paul’s Continued Ministry

The book of Acts concludes with Paul living in Rome for two years in his rented house, welcoming all who come to him. He preaches the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance, showing his unwavering commitment to his mission despite being under house arrest (Acts 28:30-31).

Theological Significance

Connection to Jesus Christ

Acts 28 demonstrates Paul’s dedication to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Christ and the salvation available through Him. Paul’s actions and teachings continually direct attention back to Jesus as the Messiah and Savior.

God’s Love for the World

This chapter illustrates God’s inclusive love by showing how the Gospel reaches the remote island of Malta and the epicenter of the Roman Empire. God’s care and provision are evident in the healings on Malta and the freedoms Paul enjoys even as a prisoner, facilitating his ministry work.

Contemporary Relevance

Acts 28 remains relevant today as it highlights themes of divine providence, perseverance in faith, and the universal scope of the Gospel. It encourages believers to extend hospitality, engage respectfully with cultural and religious others, and persist in mission and ministry regardless of circumstances.

Conclusion

Acts 28 provides a powerful conclusion to the Acts of the Apostles, encapsulating the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome, driven by the Holy Spirit and carried out by faithful followers like Paul. It showcases the transformational power of the Gospel across different cultures and social strata, reinforcing the call to continue proclaiming the Gospel with courage and compassion in a diverse and changing world.