ACTS 28

PAUL CONTINUES SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS IN ROME 

After the shipwreck, the passengers realize they are on the island of Malta. The people there are surprisingly welcoming and provide a fire for the shipwrecked travelers. While they are collecting wood, Paul is bitten by a viper. The people are alarmed, thinking he will die from the snake’s venom. The people assume the bite is a result of Paul’s previous wrongdoings, calling him a criminal and a murderer. Instead of swelling and dying, Paul is perfectly fine from the bite!

After seeing this, they are amazed by his abilities. The people go from hating Paul to worshiping him in a matter of minutes. Regardless of the circumstances, people tend to respond to Paul with strong opinions. While in Malta, Paul heals many sick people and greatly blesses the people on the island. Three months later, Paul and the other travelers continue their journey to Rome.

Once they arrive, Paul is allowed to live by himself but remains under the watchful eye of Julius, the guard assigned to Paul. Paul gathers the local Jewish leaders and appeals to them. Paul shares his plea of innocence, stating that he has not broken Jewish or Roman law.

In Rome, Paul continues preaching the news of Jesus and sharing the message of salvation with many. Although Paul’s arrest could have led to discouragement, Paul trusts God and is able to share the gospel with the people of Rome. Paul continues living in Rome for two years, sharing the news of Jesus with as many people as possible.