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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 28

PAUL ARRIVES IN ROME

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Paul has experienced the same shipwreck as the other passengers. He is cold, tired, wet, and
hungry, yet he is the only one mentioned as gathering sticks with the natives of the island to
help build the fire so the other survivors can be warmed in the heat of the flames. While doing
something that will benefit others, he is bitten by a venomous snake. Most would focus on the
poison of the situation, but Paul doesn’t even give one thought to the attack, and it has no
effect on him.

When we walk with the Lord for any length of time, while doing good for others, we will
eventually be unexpectedly attacked by another. The attack may come from the world outside
or from someone in the family of God. Our response should be to shake off the offense, and
not allow ourselves to be poisoned by the venom of unforgiveness. When we respond in this
way, we will be free to bless those around us who may be weary and worn out by the storms of
life.

PAUL’S MINISTRY ON THE ISLAND OF MILETAS (1-11)

All passengers, in fulfillment of Paul’s prophecy, make it to the shore alive, and the natives of
the island build a fire for those shipwrecked to warm themselves. Paul gathers sticks to lie on
the fire. When he is bitten by a venomous snake, Paul shakes the snake off his hand into the
fire. The natives observe that no harm has come to Paul. The governor of the island, Publius,
invites Paul to stay on his estate. Publius’s father is sick, Paul prays for him, and he is healed.
Others suffering from diseases then come to Paul for prayer and are healed. The people of the
island bless Paul and the others from the ship who have lost everything.

Act 28:1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.

Swimmers and non-swimmers all make it to shore and fulfilled Paul’s prophecy (27:22).

Act 28:2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all
welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.

These are unbelievers with great manners and concern for others. They do not prey on
shipwrecks and kill people for their possessions. They prepare a fire for them because the
survivors are wet, and it is a very cold time of the year.

28:2 kindness, philanthropia (fil-an-thro-pee-ah); Compare “philanthropist” and
“philanthropy.” Love for mankind, hospitality, acts of kindness, readiness to help,
human friendship, benevolence, and taking thought of others. The word is a compound