Ashore on Malta
1 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, Justicea 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.
Paul Arrives in Italy
11 After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered in the island. It had the Twin Brothersb 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 Appiusc and the Three Tavernsd to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God.
Paul Preaches at Rome
(Isaiah 6:1–13)
16 When we arrived in Rome,e 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.’f
28 Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”g
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.
Verses 1–6 – Safe on Malta, Sign of the Snake
Paul and the shipwrecked crew discover they are on Malta. Islanders show rare kindness, building a fire for the soaked survivors. While adding wood, Paul is bitten by a viper; the locals expect him to die, assuming divine vengeance. Paul simply shakes the snake into the fire and remains unharmed, turning suspicion into awe.
Verses 7–10 – Healing and Honor on the Island
Publius, the island’s chief official, hosts Paul’s party for three days. Paul heals Publius’s fever-stricken father, and many other islanders come for healing. Supplies and honors are lavished on the voyagers when they depart three months later.
Verses 11–16 – Final Leg to Rome
A ship bearing the figurehead of the Twin Gods takes them to Syracuse, Rhegium, and finally Puteoli, where believers invite them to stay a week. Roman Christians travel out to meet Paul at Appii Forum and Three Taverns; Paul thanks God and gains new courage. In Rome he is placed under house arrest with a single soldier.
Verses 17–22 – First Meeting with the Jewish Leaders
After three days Paul gathers the Jewish leaders. He insists he has done nothing against his people or the customs and explains that Rome forced him to appeal to Caesar. The leaders have heard no accusations from Jerusalem but are curious about “this sect,” so they arrange a fuller hearing.
Verses 23–29 – A Day-Long Gospel Presentation
From dawn to dusk Paul explains the kingdom of God, urging them to believe in Jesus from the Law and the Prophets. Some are persuaded; others refuse. Quoting Isaiah 6:9–10, he warns that hardness of heart fulfills prophecy. He announces that God’s salvation “has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.”
Verses 30–31 – Two Years Unhindered
For two full years Paul lives in his own rented house, openly welcoming visitors. “Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30–31).
Malta: People, Language, and Hospitality
• Luke calls the residents “barbaroi” (Acts 28:2), simply meaning non-Greek speakers. Archaeological finds confirm a Punic-Roman culture on Malta in A.D. 60.
• Their “extraordinary kindness” mirrors the call of Hebrews 13:2—treating strangers as honored guests.
• Modern tradition identifies St. Paul’s Bay as the landing site; soundings reveal a seabed fitting Luke’s depth clues (Acts 27:28).
Divine Protection and the Viper
“Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects” (Acts 28:5).
• Jesus had promised, “They will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them” (Mark 16:18).
• Luke 10:19 records Christ giving authority “to trample snakes and scorpions.” Paul’s survival showcases the Lord’s faithfulness and quiet power.
Healing Ministry on the Island
Paul’s prayer and laying on of hands echo Jesus’ pattern (Mark 1:30-31) and the apostles’ earlier healings (Acts 3:6-8; 9:34). Malta’s sick “were cured” (28:9), demonstrating that the gospel arrives with compassion, not merely words.
Sea Route and Ports: Syracuse, Rhegium, Puteoli
• A Roman grain ship with the figurehead “Castor and Pollux” (protectors of sailors) carries them the final 500 miles.
• Syracuse’s harbor artifacts show constant traffic between Malta and Sicily.
• Rhegium (modern Reggio Calabria) still experiences south winds that quickly drive ships up the coast, matching Luke’s detail of a two-day sail to Puteoli.
• Puteoli’s remains include a vast mole and warehouses; its Jewish catacombs suggest the community that hosted Paul for a week.
Roman Custody: Life in a Rented House
• House arrest required the prisoner to pay rent and support the guarding soldier—likely chained at the wrist (cf. Acts 28:20, “this chain”).
• Paul refers to “my chains for the gospel” in Ephesians 6:20 and Philippians 1:13.
• The arrangement allowed visitors, explaining how the gospel spread “throughout the whole palace guard” (Philippians 1:13).
Paul and the Jewish Leaders in Rome
• Paul’s approach corresponds to Romans 1:16—“to the Jew first.”
• He stresses continuity with Israel’s hope: “It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain” (Acts 28:20).
• Their mixed response mirrors earlier synagogue reactions (Acts 13:45–48; 17:4–5; 18:6).
Isaiah 6:9-10—A Prophetic Diagnosis
“Go to this people and say: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding…’” (Acts 28:26–27).
• Jesus applied the same text to stubborn listeners (Matthew 13:14–15).
• John 12:40 and Romans 11:8 echo the warning. Rejection is not unforeseen; Scripture anticipated it.
Salvation to the Gentiles
• Paul’s announcement (28:28) follows similar declarations in Pisidian Antioch (13:46) and Corinth (18:6).
• It fulfills Old Testament hints such as Isaiah 49:6—“a light for the Gentiles.”
• Ephesians 2:13–19, likely written during this very imprisonment, celebrates Gentile inclusion.
Two Creative Years in Rome
• During this period Paul writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, each brimming with joy and assurance despite chains.
• Guests likely included runaway slave Onesimus (Philemon 10) and fellow workers like Luke, Aristarchus, and Timothy (Colossians 1:1; 4:14).
• The closing note “unhindered” (28:31) underscores that no chain can bind God’s word (2 Timothy 2:9).
Archaeological Snapshots
• Malta: first-century anchors retrieved near St. Paul’s Bay match Roman grain ships.
• Appii Forum and Three Taverns: milestones along the Appian Way still stand; ancient inns nearby show how travelers met arriving prisoners.
• Rome: the traditional site of Paul’s rented house lies near the Tiber Island; inscriptions confirm a military barracks nearby, suitable for a soldier-guard setup.
Major Themes and Takeaways
• God’s Providence: From storm to snake to Caesar’s capital, nothing derails the mission (Romans 8:28).
• Bold Witness: Whether on a remote island or under imperial guard, Paul seizes every audience.
• Scripture-Centered Evangelism: Paul reasons “from the Law of Moses and the Prophets,” modeling how the Old Testament points to Jesus.
• Inclusion: The chapter seals Acts’ trajectory—from Jerusalem to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8)—with the gospel fully open to all nations.
• Perseverance: Paul’s calm under fire, literal and figurative, invites believers to trust the same Lord who brings them through every trial (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).
Practical Applications
• Show hospitality to strangers; it paves the way for gospel impact.
• Expect God’s protection but keep serving—Paul gathered sticks before the miracle.
• Use every circumstance, even restriction, as a platform for Christ.
• Root gospel conversations in Scripture; it carries its own authority and power.
• Remember that closed doors in one group often signal open doors in another—keep sowing the seed.
1. Hospitality Opens Doors for Ministry
In Acts 28, we see the islanders of Malta showing "extraordinary kindness" to Paul and his companions (Acts 28:2). This act of hospitality not only provided for their immediate needs but also opened doors for Paul to minister to them. When we extend kindness and hospitality to others, we create opportunities for meaningful connections and the sharing of the Gospel. Remember, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2).
2. God’s Protection in Unexpected Circumstances
Paul’s encounter with a viper in Acts 28:3-6 is a powerful reminder of God’s protection. Despite being bitten, Paul suffered no harm, which amazed the onlookers. This incident illustrates that God can protect us in unexpected and dangerous situations. Trust in His sovereignty and remember, "The LORD will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life" (Psalm 121:7).
3. Healing as a Testimony of God’s Power
When Paul healed the father of Publius and others on the island, it demonstrated the power of God to heal and restore (Acts 28:8-9). Healing can be a powerful testimony to God’s love and power, drawing people to Him. As believers, we are called to pray for the sick and trust in God’s ability to heal, knowing that "by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
4. The Importance of Community Support
The support Paul received from fellow believers in Rome highlights the importance of community (Acts 28:15). The encouragement and fellowship of other Christians can strengthen us in our faith journey. As it is written, "Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another" (Hebrews 10:25).
5. Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
Despite being under house arrest, Paul continued to preach the Gospel with boldness and without hindrance (Acts 28:30-31). His example encourages us to share our faith boldly, regardless of our circumstances. Remember, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7).
6. The Power of Perseverance
Paul’s journey to Rome was fraught with challenges, yet he persevered in his mission (Acts 28:16). His determination teaches us the value of perseverance in fulfilling God’s calling. As Paul himself wrote, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).
7. God’s Faithfulness to His Promises
Paul’s arrival in Rome fulfilled God’s promise that he would testify in the capital of the empire (Acts 23:11). This reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, and we can trust Him to fulfill His word in our lives. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:20).
8. The Role of Scripture in Convincing Others
Paul used the Scriptures to persuade both Jews and Gentiles about Jesus (Acts 28:23). This underscores the importance of knowing and using Scripture in our witness. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
9. The Universal Offer of Salvation
Paul’s message in Acts 28:28 emphasizes that salvation through Jesus is available to all people, not just a select few. This universal offer of salvation is a cornerstone of the Gospel message. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
10. The Unstoppable Nature of God’s Kingdom
The book of Acts ends with Paul preaching the kingdom of God, showing that despite opposition, God’s kingdom continues to advance (Acts 28:31). This is a powerful reminder that nothing can stop the spread of God’s kingdom. "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).
Boldness in Witnessing
Pray for courage and opportunities to share the Gospel, regardless of our circumstances.
Faith for Miracles
Ask God to increase our faith to believe in His power to heal and perform miracles today.
Strength to Persevere
Seek God's strength to remain faithful and steadfast in the face of trials and challenges.
3. What extra-biblical evidence confirms that Publius was the chief official mentioned in Acts 28:7?
1. How do you see God's protection manifest in Paul's journey, particularly in this final chapter?
2. How does Paul's unharmed state after the snakebite and his healing of others reflect God's power?
3. What can we learn from Paul's interaction with the locals on Malta and the Jewish leaders in Rome?
4. How does Paul's bold proclamation of the Gospel, even while under house arrest, inspire you to share your faith?
5. Despite the trials and tribulations faced by Paul, he remains unwavering in his mission. How can this encourage you in your own challenges?
6. How does the hospitality shown by the Maltese people and the Roman guard reflect the potential of human kindness, even towards strangers?
7. In what ways does the final chapter of Acts showcase the unstoppable nature of the Gospel?
8. How does Paul's journey reflect God's sovereignty in using circumstances and people for His purpose?
9. How does Paul's time on Malta demonstrate the concept of making the most of 'divine detours'?
10. How can we maintain faith and courage as Paul did in the face of uncertainty and danger?
11. How does Paul's persistent proclamation of the Gospel challenge you in your faith walk?
12. How can you live out the truth of the Gospel being unhindered in your own life?
13. How does Paul’s respect and patient explanation to the Jewish leaders in Rome demonstrate effective evangelism?
14. How can you demonstrate hospitality like the people of Malta in your own context?
15. How does Paul's ministry while under house arrest challenge our views on mission and ministry?
16. What can you learn from Paul's contentment in all circumstances as depicted in this chapter?
17. In what ways can this chapter inspire you to remain faithful, even when the circumstances are not ideal?
18. How does this chapter affect your understanding of what it means to trust God during the challenges of life?
19. How can we apply the teachings of this chapter in our current societal context?
20. In what ways can this chapter motivate you to be a better witness for Christ in your everyday life?