Paul on Malta
Acts 28:1-10
The island Paul and the others had come to was called Malta. The islanders showed kindness to the group. Because it was raining and cold, they built a fire. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and as he was putting it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.
The islanders, who had been so kind before, now think Paul must be a murderer who has escaped from the sea. Paul shook the snake off his hand and into the fire and suffered no harm. The people expected Paul’s hand to swell up or that Paul would suddenly die, but none of that happened. Then the islanders changed their mind about Paul and called him a god.
Publius, the chief official of the island invited Paul to his house and showed him hospitality for three days. The estate was near the island of Malta where the chief official’s father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after praying, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored Paul and his companions in many ways and when they were ready to sail, they were furnished with supplies they needed.
Questions
1. What happened on Malta?
2. Notice how quickly the islanders changed their mind about Paul. What did they say about him at first when the snake fastened to his hand? What did they say about him when his hand didn’t swell and Paul didn’t die?
3. Summarize what happened in Publius’ house.
Paul Finally Arrived In Rome
Acts 28:11-30
After leaving Malta, they set sail in another Alexandrian ship. Paul was glad to finally get to Rome. When he arrived, he was allowed to live by himself with only one soldier to guard him.
Paul spoke to the people there to let them know why he was there. They had not received any letters from anyone explaining anything about Paul’s situation. Neither had they heard anything bad about Paul. So, they gave Paul the opportunity to speak for himself.
They arranged for Paul to speak, and large numbers showed up. Paul spoke from morning to evening explaining the kingdom of God and tried to teach his listeners about Jesus starting from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced and believed, but some would not believe. They disagreed among themselves. They began to leave after Paul quoted Isaiah 6:9-10.
For two whole years, Paul stayed in Rome in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He taught them about the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the end of the Book of Acts. Luke charted what happened in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria as commanded by Jesus in Acts 1:8. The ending of Acts seems to be abrupt without Luke telling the readers what else happened.
Some Significant Things
1. According to the Roman law, if Paul accusers had not shown up within 18 months, he could have been released. It is assumed that Paul was released from his Roman prison after two years (Acts 28:30-31).
2. Throughout the account, especially on the seas, you saw the word “we.” That’s because Luke, the writer, was along with Paul.
3. Paul did not die in the Book of Acts. In fact, the New Testament does not say when he died. It is believed that Paul was martyred by being beheaded at the order of Nero.
4. Paul wrote four books while he was imprisoned during his missionary journeys: Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. He wrote other books as well. Remember on his journeys, he went through certain places like Galatia, Corinth, and Thessalonica.
When you read those books, you will remember some of the things you have learned from The Acts of the Apostles.
|
|
