Using this Bible Study Guide for Acts 28, you can explore the life of Paul. Read about the early days of his ministry, the arrival of Jesus, and his missionary journeys.
Acts 28:1-10 Paul Ashore on Malta
Acts 28:1-10 tells us about Paul’s ministry on the island of Malta. It is a 17-mile long, nine-wide island south of Sicily. A Phoenician settlement settled on the island in the sixth and third centuries B.C. The name Malta means “refuge.” During this time, Malta was under the authority of Carthage.
After landing on the island, Paul performed healing miracles. Many sick people were healed. One of them was the father of the chief official of the island.
The island’s people were quite generous, and they provided everything the shipwreck survivors needed. They also had a large fire to warm them. This may have been fueled by small materials, but it was a huge fire.
Paul had a few menial tasks to perform while on the island. He helped the crew build a fire and collected sticks. When the ship reached land, the weather was cold and rainy. The passengers were chilled and not used to being on land.
Throughout his time on the island, Paul performed miracles and reaffirmed his mission to the Gentiles. God chose to use this tragedy as an opportunity to demonstrate Himself to those who did not know Him.
God used the storm to save many of the islanders. During the three days of the storm, the chief official of the island took care of the 276 shipwreck victims.
Acts 28:11-16 Paul’s Arrival at Rome
The book of Acts is a record of Paul’s journey from Jerusalem to Rome. This trip was preceded by a harrowing voyage to Malta. It is an island sixty miles south of Sicily. While on the island, Paul performed healing miracles.
After the shipwreck, Paul spent three months with the people of Malta. During this time, he reaffirmed his mission to the Gentiles. He also taught them about Jesus. They came to him seeking salvation.
After three months on Malta, Paul and his companions arrived in Rome. His mission was to preach to the city’s Jews and Gentiles. Although many local Jews were skeptical, others listened to Paul’s words.
When they arrived in Rome, they were placed under house arrest. A soldier was assigned to watch over Paul. Throughout the two years of imprisonment, Paul continued to preach and teach.
As the Romans approached strong Jewish opposition to release Paul, he acquitted himself of any charges against his fellow Jews. However, he was still a Roman citizen. In fact, the Book of Acts was written to give the Roman court the truth about the events of the time.
When he arrived in Rome, Paul took courage. The sight of the believers was a source of encouragement to him. Moreover, he called several Jewish leaders to meet with him.
Acts 28:17-31-Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard
When we arrive in Rome, Paul is under guard. Fortunately, he was not in a normal prison. He was in a rented house. This was a great opportunity for him to preach the Kingdom of God without any opposition.
During the first year of his stay in Rome, he taught about the kingdom of God. He invited the Jewish community to come to him and hear about Jesus.
For the next two years, Paul lived in a rented house in Rome. Many of Roman Christians came to visit him. Some of them wrote letters to the church in Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians. Eventually, Paul was released. But he was soon arrested again.
During this time, he preached the gospel in synagogues as he traveled to new cities. There, he also healed people who were sick.
In Rome, he was able to proclaim the kingdom of God to everyone who came to see him. Even the high priest tried to kill him, but he was protected.
Paul’s story in the Book of Acts is a great example of how the Church continues to live out the mission of Jesus. The Spirit of God is still alive in believers, and it empowers them to go to the world and proclaim the gospel message no matter what the situation.
