A STUDY GUIDE ACTS 28:1-31
1. A Study Guide
a) A study guide of Acts of the Apostles. It is intended to be expository — to explain and bring out the meaning of the original text. You may use this for your personal bible study or even group bible study.
2. Acts 28:1-31
a) The verses describe Paul’s stay on Malta, the journey from Malta to Rome, and a little of his work in Rome.
#1) Acts 28:1-6
28 When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. 3 But 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 natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.
i) Melita. Now called Malta, this island south of Italy was populated by “Barbarians” who were nevertheless civilised in their way. They put themselves to considerable expense and inconvenience to care for a sudden influx of 276 people who had nothing but the clothes they had swum to shore in.
ii) Justice. These “Barbarians” also had a good sense of justice, supported by religious beliefs. Perhaps they conceived of justice as a god who saw to it that criminals received just punishment even if they seemed to escape it.
iii) Unharmed by the snake. The islanders would certainly know a deadly serpent when they saw one. They quite properly expected Paul to die quickly. But the miracle followed Paul as Jesus had promised: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." (Mark 16:17-18).
#2) Acts 28:7-10
a) A study guide of Acts of the Apostles. It is intended to be expository — to explain and bring out the meaning of the original text. You may use this for your personal bible study or even group bible study.
2. Acts 28:1-31
a) The verses describe Paul’s stay on Malta, the journey from Malta to Rome, and a little of his work in Rome.
#1) Acts 28:1-6
28 When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. 3 But 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 natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.
i) Melita. Now called Malta, this island south of Italy was populated by “Barbarians” who were nevertheless civilised in their way. They put themselves to considerable expense and inconvenience to care for a sudden influx of 276 people who had nothing but the clothes they had swum to shore in.
ii) Justice. These “Barbarians” also had a good sense of justice, supported by religious beliefs. Perhaps they conceived of justice as a god who saw to it that criminals received just punishment even if they seemed to escape it.
iii) Unharmed by the snake. The islanders would certainly know a deadly serpent when they saw one. They quite properly expected Paul to die quickly. But the miracle followed Paul as Jesus had promised: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." (Mark 16:17-18).
#2) Acts 28:7-10
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 After this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured. 10 They also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.
i) Were there converts? Since Paul spent three months on Malta, and had performed these miracles, you would expect a church to have formed there. With his gift of tongues Paul would even have been able to preach to the islanders in their native language. Tradition has it that Paul and Publius did form a church in Malta. However it's a mystery why Luke makes no mention of preaching to these people and making disciples among them.
#3) Acts 28:11-16
11 At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15 And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
i) Paul thanked God. Word of Paul’s arrival spread quickly among the Christians in Italy, and those in Rome came out to meet him. Paul probably feared that he would be a stranger in the city, but people cared. Paul thanked God for the encouragement this gesture lent him.
#4) Acts 28:17-22
17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”
i) Jewish leaders visit Paul. Paul could not go to the synagogue because he had an uncircumcised Roman chained to him. So instead he had the synagogue leaders come to him. Paul was probably anxious to know how things stood between him and his Jewish brethren, especially to gauge whether his enemies in Jerusalem had been active in Rome. However, the Jews in Rome held nothing against him, and even wished to hear his account of this “sect” that was so much spoken against.
#5) Acts 28:23-24
23 When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.
i) Morning to evening. Paul and his visitors were used to lengthy discussions. There was nothing unusual about spending a whole day talking and debating about the scriptures. Today we, with our twenty minute sermons, and forty minute Bible classes, cannot cover much ground.
ii) From Moses and the Prophets. As always, Paul preaches and proves from the scriptures. Paul was not one of those who say, “God has spoken to me and given me a message for you.” God had spoken to Paul, but Paul in his preaching explained from the Scriptures all things concerning Christ.
#6) Acts 28:25-29
25 And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,
‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, but will not understand;
And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
27 For the heart of this people has become dull,
And with their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
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 also listen.” 29 [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]
i) Disputing among themselves. The Jewish leaders probably spent far too much energy on disputing. Some probably appreciated Christianity as another opportunity to debate. However Paul hadn't wasted his day, because some believed even if others were intractable.
#7) Acts 28:30-31
30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
i) Without hindrance. Although he was chained to a guard most of the time, Paul was treated with respect by the Roman soldiers and in no way hindered in his desire to preach. The Jews in Rome did not mistreat him or wish to kill him as their brethren in Jerusalem had done. It was by God’s grace that Paul enjoyed these comforts after he had endured so much hardship, danger, and frustration. Paul made many disciples even among Caesar’s own household (Philippians 4:22).
i) Were there converts? Since Paul spent three months on Malta, and had performed these miracles, you would expect a church to have formed there. With his gift of tongues Paul would even have been able to preach to the islanders in their native language. Tradition has it that Paul and Publius did form a church in Malta. However it's a mystery why Luke makes no mention of preaching to these people and making disciples among them.
#3) Acts 28:11-1611 At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15 And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
i) Paul thanked God. Word of Paul’s arrival spread quickly among the Christians in Italy, and those in Rome came out to meet him. Paul probably feared that he would be a stranger in the city, but people cared. Paul thanked God for the encouragement this gesture lent him.
#4) Acts 28:17-2217 After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”
i) Jewish leaders visit Paul. Paul could not go to the synagogue because he had an uncircumcised Roman chained to him. So instead he had the synagogue leaders come to him. Paul was probably anxious to know how things stood between him and his Jewish brethren, especially to gauge whether his enemies in Jerusalem had been active in Rome. However, the Jews in Rome held nothing against him, and even wished to hear his account of this “sect” that was so much spoken against.
#5) Acts 28:23-24
23 When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.
i) Morning to evening. Paul and his visitors were used to lengthy discussions. There was nothing unusual about spending a whole day talking and debating about the scriptures. Today we, with our twenty minute sermons, and forty minute Bible classes, cannot cover much ground.
ii) From Moses and the Prophets. As always, Paul preaches and proves from the scriptures. Paul was not one of those who say, “God has spoken to me and given me a message for you.” God had spoken to Paul, but Paul in his preaching explained from the Scriptures all things concerning Christ.
#6) Acts 28:25-29
25 And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,
‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, but will not understand;
And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
27 For the heart of this people has become dull,
And with their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
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 also listen.” 29 [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]
i) Disputing among themselves. The Jewish leaders probably spent far too much energy on disputing. Some probably appreciated Christianity as another opportunity to debate. However Paul hadn't wasted his day, because some believed even if others were intractable.
#7) Acts 28:30-31
30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
i) Without hindrance. Although he was chained to a guard most of the time, Paul was treated with respect by the Roman soldiers and in no way hindered in his desire to preach. The Jews in Rome did not mistreat him or wish to kill him as their brethren in Jerusalem had done. It was by God’s grace that Paul enjoyed these comforts after he had endured so much hardship, danger, and frustration. Paul made many disciples even among Caesar’s own household (Philippians 4:22).
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