SCRIPTURE: ACTS 28
Bible Verses:
“When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.” (Acts 28:4-6)
“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 ON MALTA (vs. 1-10)
Paul and his companion reached the island of Malta and the islanders were usually kind to them. While Paul was getting a pile of brushwood, a viper fastened on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging in his hand, they thought Paul must be a murderer because even though he was able to escape from the sea, justice had not allowed him to live. But long time had passed and nothing unusual happened to him, so, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Publius, the chief official of the island welcomed them to his house and entertained them hospitably. The father of Publius was sick in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul placed his hands and prayed for him and healed him. Many who were sick on the island came and were cured. When they were ready to sail, they furnished them with the supplies they needed.
ARRIVAL AT ROME (vs. 11-16)
They boarded an Alexandrian ship with figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. They sailed through Syracuse, Rhegium, Puteoli and arrived at Rome. The brothers there traveled to meet them. Paul thanked God and was encouraged. He was given a soldier to guard him.
PAUL PREACHES AT ROME UNDER GUARD (v.s 17-31)
Paul called together the leaders of the Jews and told them his story of why he had appealed to Caesar anc came here. He got this opportunity to explain and declared to them the kingdom of God and convinced them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced while others would not believe. He told them that salvation has been sent to the Gentiles and they will listen. Paul stayed there for 2 years in his own rented house and preached the kingdom of God and taught about Jesus Christ boldly without hindrance.
IN SUMMARY:
This concluded the book of Acts that recorded the history of the Christian churches and its expansion to Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus and Rome. Among the heroes and martyrs of the early church were: Peter, Stephen, James and Paul. The Holy Spirit was working in the lives of people with a changeless message that Jesus is the Saviour and Lord of all who call on His name. Today, we have the responsibility to continue in spreading the good news so that many more may hear and believe.