Gospel Outreach International

This bible study explores the final chapter of Acts, examining Paul’s shipwreck on Malta and his eventual arrival in Rome as a prisoner. What does Paul’s experience teach us about God’s sovereignty in difficult circumstances and His faithfulness to complete His purposes? Through Paul’s journey from the island of Malta to his house arrest in Rome, we discover how God uses even challenging situations to advance the gospel and demonstrate His power through ordinary believers.

When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Acts 28:23

• The Kindness of Strangers: The Maltese people showed “unusual kindness” to Paul and his companions, providing fire and shelter despite being complete strangers
• Divine Protection: When Paul was bitten by a viper, he suffered no harm, demonstrating God’s supernatural protection over His servants
• Misguided Judgments: The islanders first assumed Paul was a criminal deserving divine punishment, then believed he was a god - showing how people often jump to wrong conclusions
• God’s Continued Purpose: Despite being a prisoner, Paul maintained freedom to minister and teach, showing that human circumstances cannot thwart God’s plans
• Fellowship of Believers: Christians traveled 70-80 miles from Rome to meet Paul, demonstrating the importance of Christian fellowship and support
• Ministry Opportunities: Even under house arrest, Paul preached freely for two years, reaching many including high-ranking Roman officials
• Gospel Priority: Paul consistently went to the Jews first, then to the Gentiles, following the biblical pattern of ministry
• Old Testament Foundation: Paul used Old Testament scriptures to prove Christ, showing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments
• Mixed Reception: Some were persuaded by Paul’s message while others rejected it, reflecting the typical response to gospel preaching
• Ongoing Mission: The book ends without conclusion because the work of spreading the gospel continues through believers today

Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen. Acts 28:28

This study of Acts 28 reminds us that God’s work continues through His people today. Just as Paul remained faithful in difficult circumstances - from shipwreck to snake bite to imprisonment - we too can trust in God’s sovereignty and protection. The remarkable thing about Paul’s story is how he consistently pointed people to Jesus Christ, whether through miraculous healings, patient teaching, or simply living out his faith under challenging conditions. Even when some rejected his message, Paul continued preaching about “the Lord Jesus Christ with confidence, no one forbidding him.” His example challenges us to see ourselves as part of the ongoing story of Acts, called to share the good news of Jesus with the same boldness and trust in God’s purposes.

Bible References

• Acts 28:1-31
• Mark 16:18
• Isaiah 6:9