Acts Chapter 28: Paul in Rome and the Gospel’s Advance

Summary
Acts 28 concludes the narrative of the Book of Acts, detailing Paul’s journey to Rome and his ministry there despite imprisonment. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Shipwreck and Safety on Malta (28:1–10): After the shipwreck (Acts 27), Paul and the survivors land on Malta. The locals show kindness, building a fire. Paul is bitten by a viper but suffers no harm, leading the Maltese to view him as divine. Paul heals the father of Publius, the chief official, and others, earning gratitude and provisions.
  • Journey to Rome (28:11–16): After three months, Paul sails to Rome via Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli, where he meets believers. In Rome, brethren greet him, encouraging his spirit. He is allowed to live under house arrest with a soldier guarding him.
  • Paul’s Ministry in Rome (28:17–31): Paul meets local Jewish leaders, explaining his imprisonment due to preaching the hope of Israel. He invites them to hear about Jesus, citing the Law and Prophets. Some believe, but others reject, prompting Paul to quote Isaiah 6:9–10 about their hard hearts and declare the gospel’s outreach to Gentiles. For two years, Paul preaches the kingdom of God and teaches about Jesus boldly under house arrest, with no one forbidding him.
Cross-References
  • Malta Events:
    • Mark 16:18: Believers unharmed by snakes, fulfilled in Paul.
    • Luke 10:19: Authority over serpents and scorpions.
    • Acts 19:11–12: Paul’s healing miracles.
    • Psalm 91:13: Protection from harm.
  • Journey to Rome:
    • Acts 23:11: Jesus’ promise that Paul would testify in Rome.
    • Philippians 1:12–14: Paul’s imprisonment advances the gospel.
    • Romans 1:13–15: Paul’s desire to visit Rome.
  • Ministry in Rome:
    • Isaiah 6:9–10: Hardened hearts, quoted by Paul and Jesus (Matthew 13:14–15).
    • Acts 13:46–47: Gospel turning to Gentiles.
    • Ephesians 3:1: Paul as a prisoner for the Gentiles.
    • Romans 11:11: Salvation to Gentiles to provoke Israel.
    • 2 Timothy 4:16–17: Paul’s boldness in preaching.
Theological Meaning
Acts 28 is rich with theological themes that underscore the unstoppable advance of the gospel:
  • God’s Protection: Paul’s survival of the viper bite and shipwreck (28:5–6) fulfills Jesus’ promise of divine protection (Acts 27:24), showing God’s sovereignty over Paul’s mission (Psalm 121:7–8).
  • Gospel’s Universal Reach: Paul’s declaration that salvation has gone to the Gentiles (28:28) fulfills the Acts 1:8 mandate to witness “to the ends of the earth,” with Rome symbolizing the world’s center (Romans 1:16).
  • Boldness in Adversity: Paul’s preaching under house arrest (28:30–31) shows that no chains can hinder the gospel, reflecting the power of God’s word (Philippians 1:12; Hebrews 4:12).
  • Hardness of Heart: The Jewish leaders’ mixed response (28:24) and Paul’s use of Isaiah 6:9–10 highlight Israel’s partial rejection, yet God’s plan persists through Gentile inclusion (Romans 11:25).
  • Kingdom Focus: Paul’s emphasis on the kingdom of God (28:31) ties Acts to Jesus’ mission (Luke 4:43), showing continuity in proclaiming God’s reign.
  • Open-Ended Mission: The abrupt ending (28:31) suggests the gospel’s ongoing spread, inviting readers to continue the mission (Matthew 28:19–20).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why did the Maltese think Paul was a god after the viper incident (28:3–6)?
    • The viper bite should have been fatal, but Paul’s unharmed state (28:5) led the superstitious locals to view him as divine (28:6), a common ancient reaction to miracles (Acts 14:11–12). Paul redirected glory to God through healings (28:8–9).
  2. What was significant about Paul’s healing ministry on Malta (28:8–9)?
    • Healing Publius’ father and others (28:8–9) demonstrated God’s power through Paul, confirming his apostolic authority (2 Corinthians 12:12). It also earned provisions for the journey, showing God’s provision (Philippians 4:19).
  3. Why did Paul meet believers in Puteoli and Rome (28:14–15)?
    • The presence of Christians in Puteoli and Rome (28:14–15) shows the gospel’s spread before Paul’s arrival (Romans 1:8). Their encouragement strengthened Paul, reflecting the church’s unity (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
  4. Why did Paul call Jewish leaders first in Rome (28:17)?
    • Paul prioritized preaching to Jews, as was his custom (Romans 1:16; Acts 13:5), explaining his imprisonment was for Israel’s hope—the Messiah (28:20). This fulfilled his mission to reach Jews first, then Gentiles (Acts 26:23).
  5. What does Paul’s quote from Isaiah 6 mean (28:26–27)?
    • Isaiah 6:9–10 describes Israel’s spiritual blindness (28:26–27), which Paul applies to the Jewish leaders’ rejection of Jesus (28:24). It explains why the gospel now goes to Gentiles, who respond (Acts 13:48).
  6. Why did Paul say the gospel was for Gentiles (28:28)?
    • After some Jews rejected his message (28:24), Paul declared the gospel’s openness to Gentiles (28:28), fulfilling God’s plan to save all nations (Isaiah 49:6). This provoked Jewish response while advancing the mission (Romans 11:11).
  7. What does “house arrest” mean for Paul (28:16, 30)?
    • Paul lived in a rented house, chained to a soldier (28:16, 30; Ephesians 6:20), but could receive visitors and preach freely (28:31). This allowed ministry despite restriction (Philippians 1:13).
  8. Why does Acts end so abruptly (28:31)?
    • The open-ended conclusion (28:31) emphasizes the gospel’s ongoing spread, beyond Paul’s life (2 Timothy 2:9). It invites readers to continue the mission, as Acts 1:8’s vision remains active (Matthew 28:19).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Malta (28:1) was a strategic island in the Mediterranean, known for hospitality. The “twin gods” (28:11, Castor and Pollux) were ship figureheads, common in Roman culture. Rome (28:14) was the empire’s heart, making Paul’s arrival a climax of Acts’ mission (Acts 19:21). House arrest (28:30) was a lenient Roman custody for non-threatening prisoners.
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why the viper incident was significant (28:3–6). Snakebites were feared, and survival was seen as divine (Mark 16:18). Publius (28:7) was likely a Roman official, showing Paul’s reach to elites. Jewish leaders in Rome (28:17) were influential, making their response pivotal. The “two years” (28:30) aligns with Roman legal delays (Philippians 1:12).
  • Application: Acts 28 calls believers to proclaim the gospel boldly, trust God’s protection in trials, and embrace its universal reach. It encourages perseverance in sharing Christ, knowing His mission continues (Colossians 4:3–4).
Back to blog