[:en]SCRIPTURE: ACTS 28
“For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them” (Acts 28:27)
ASHORE IN MALTA (vs. 1-10)
Upon arrival at Malta, the natives there showed their hospitality and kindness. While Paul was gathering a pile of brushwood to put it on the fire, a viper jumped into his hand. The natives thought that Paul must be a murderer because for though he escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live. They expected him to die for snake bite, but when they saw nothing happened to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
ARRIVAL AT ROME (vs. 11-16)
Some brothers traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns, about 10 miles to meet Paul. Paul was encouraged by them.
PAUL PREACHES AT ROME UNDER GUARD (VS. 17-30)
Paul stayed in a rented house guarded by Roman soldiers but he had the liberty to have visitors. he preached and taught them about the Kingdom of God and tried to convince them about the Lord Jesus Christ from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced but others would not believe. He declared that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles and they will listen.
SUMMARY:
While Paul was in Rome, he enjoyed a great deal of liberty during his first period from AD 61-63. Then, he was released for 3 years during which time, he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. He was imprisoned again in AD 66. When he wrote 2 Timothy, he was martyred in late AD 66 or early 67. Paul had kept his faith and finished his course in life.[:]