Divine Protection and Provision
After surviving a shipwreck, Paul and his companions find themselves on the island of Malta. Despite the dire circumstances, God provides for them through the kindness of the islanders. The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold (Acts 28:2).

Miraculous Signs
Paul is bitten by a viper but suffers no harm, which astonishes the islanders and opens the door for ministry. But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects (Acts 28:5).

Healing Ministry
Paul heals the father of Publius and many others on the island, demonstrating the power of God and the compassion of Christ. Paul went in to see him, and after praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him (Acts 28:8).

Fulfillment of God's Promise
Paul finally arrives in Rome, fulfilling God's promise that he would testify there. Despite being under house arrest, he continues to preach the Gospel boldly. He lived there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him (Acts 28:30).Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even in difficult circumstances, trust that God is in control and can use any situation for His glory.

Be a Witness Wherever You Are
Like Paul, use every opportunity to share the Gospel, regardless of your circumstances.

Rely on God's Power
Remember that God can work miracles and bring healing, both physically and spiritually, through His people.

Persevere in Faith
Continue to serve and trust God, even when facing trials or opposition.1. Paul
The apostle and central figure in Acts 28, Paul is under house arrest in Rome. He continues to preach the Gospel and teach about Jesus Christ. His journey to Rome and his interactions with others are pivotal in this chapter.

2. The islanders (Malta)
The native people of Malta, referred to as "the islanders" in Acts 28:2, show unusual kindness to Paul and his companions after their shipwreck. The Greek term used here is "βάρβαροι" (barbaroi), which in this context refers to non-Greek-speaking people.

3. Publius
The chief official of the island of Malta, mentioned in Acts 28:7. He hospitably welcomes Paul and his companions and hosts them for three days. His father is healed by Paul, which leads to others on the island being healed as well.

4. The father of Publius
He is mentioned in Acts 28:8 as being sick with fever and dysentery. Paul prays for him and lays hands on him, resulting in his healing.

5. The Jewish leaders in Rome
In Acts 28:17, Paul calls together the local Jewish leaders to explain his situation and to share the message of Jesus. They are described as being curious about Paul's teachings and the sect of Christianity.

6. The brothers (believers) in Rome
In Acts 28:15, Paul is met by some brothers (fellow Christians) from Rome who come to meet him at the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. Their presence encourages Paul.1. Malta
After being shipwrecked, Paul and the others on the ship find themselves on the island of Malta. The islanders show them unusual kindness, and Paul performs miracles there, including healing the father of Publius, the chief official of the island. The Greek term used for Malta is "Μελίτη" (Melitē).

2. Syracuse
After leaving Malta, Paul and his companions sail to Syracuse, where they stay for three days. Syracuse was a significant city on the eastern coast of Sicily.

3. Rhegium
From Syracuse, they sail to Rhegium, located on the southern tip of Italy. The Greek name for Rhegium is "Ῥήγιον" (Rhēgion).

4. Puteoli
After Rhegium, they reach Puteoli, where they find some brothers and are invited to stay with them for seven days. Puteoli was an important port city in the Bay of Naples.

5. Rome
The final destination of Paul's journey is Rome. Upon arrival, Paul is allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him. Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, is where Paul continues his ministry under house arrest.1. Paul and Companions Shipwrecked on Malta
After being shipwrecked, Paul and his companions find themselves on the island of Malta. The local inhabitants show them "extraordinary kindness" (Acts 28:2). The Greek word used here is "φιλανθρωπία" (philanthropia), indicating a love for humanity or kindness.

2. Paul Survives a Viper Bite
While gathering sticks for a fire, a viper fastens onto Paul's hand. The islanders expect him to die, but he shakes the creature off into the fire and suffers no harm (Acts 28:3-5). This event demonstrates God's protection over Paul.

3. Paul Heals the Father of Publius
Paul visits the chief official of the island, Publius, whose father is sick. Paul prays, lays hands on him, and heals him (Acts 28:7-8). The Greek word for "heal" is "ἰάομαι" (iaomai), meaning to cure or restore to health.

4. Many Others on the Island are Healed
Following the healing of Publius' father, others on the island come to Paul and are healed (Acts 28:9). This further establishes Paul's role as a vessel of God's power and mercy.

5. Paul Arrives in Rome
After three months, Paul and his companions set sail and eventually arrive in Rome. Paul is allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him (Acts 28:11-16). This reflects the Roman practice of "custodia libera," a form of house arrest.

6. Paul Meets with Jewish Leaders in Rome
Paul calls together the local Jewish leaders to explain his situation and the reasons for his appeal to Caesar. He emphasizes that he has done nothing against the Jewish people or customs (Acts 28:17-20).

7. Paul Preaches to the Jews in Rome
On a set day, many come to hear Paul speak about the kingdom of God and Jesus, using the Law of Moses and the Prophets to persuade them (Acts 28:23). The Greek word "πείθω" (peitho) is used, meaning to persuade or convince.

8. Mixed Reactions to Paul's Message
Some are convinced by Paul's message, while others disbelieve (Acts 28:24). This division is a common theme in Acts, reflecting the varied responses to the Gospel.

9. Paul Quotes Isaiah to the Unbelieving Jews
Paul cites Isaiah 6:9-10 to explain the unbelief of some of the Jews, indicating that their hearts have grown dull (Acts 28:25-27). The Greek word "βαρύνω" (baryno) means to make heavy or dull.

10. Paul Declares Salvation to the Gentiles
Paul announces that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen (Acts 28:28). This marks a significant moment in the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community.

11. Paul Continues Ministry in Rome
For two years, Paul lives in his rented house, welcoming all who come to him. He boldly proclaims the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness and without hindrance (Acts 28:30-31). The Greek word "παρρησία" (parrhesia) means boldness or confidence. God's Sovereignty
Romans 8:28 - And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Witnessing in Adversity
Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul speaks of how his imprisonment has actually served to advance the Gospel.

Miraculous Signs
Mark 16:17-18 - Jesus speaks of signs that will accompany those who believe, including protection from harm.

Perseverance
James 1:2-4 - Encouragement to consider trials as joy, knowing they produce perseverance. Thanksgiving for God's Protection
Thank God for His protection and provision in our lives, even in unexpected ways.

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.

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?