Acts 28: All the Way to Rome — ReidOne Bible Study

Acts 28 (WEB)

1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.

2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.”

5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed.

6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.

8 The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.

9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.

10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

11 After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was “The Twin Brothers.”

12 Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.

13 From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,

14 where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.

15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.

16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,

18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.

20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

21 They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.

22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.

24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

25 When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers,

26 saying, ‘Go to this people, and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.

27 For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.’

28 “Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”

29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him,

31 preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

Acts 28 (KJV)

1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Acts 28 (ASV)

1 And when we were escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita.

2 And the barbarians showed us no common kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out by reason of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

4 And when the barbarians saw the [venomous] creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped from the sea, yet Justice hath not suffered to live.

5 Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm.

6 But they expected that he would have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but when they were long in expectation and beheld nothing amiss came to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and entertained us three days courteously.

8 And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him.

9 And when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came, and were cured:

10 who also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board such things as we needed.

11 And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers.

12 And touching at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

13 And from thence we made a circuit, and arrived at Rhegium: and after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli;

14 where we found brethren, and were entreated to tarry with them seven days: and so we came to Rome.

15 And from thence the brethren, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns; whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

16 And when we entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him.

17 And it came to pass, that after three days he called together those that were the chief of the Jews: and when they were come together, he said unto them, I, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans:

18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me at liberty, because there was no cause of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had aught whereof to accuse my nation.

20 For this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with [me]: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judaea concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee.

22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.

23 And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded [the matter,] testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Spirit through Isaiah the prophet unto your fathers,

26 saying, Go thou unto this people, and say, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive:

27 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest, haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them.

28 Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear.

29 [And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much disputing among themselves.]

30 And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him,

31 preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.

Summary

Shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul is unharmed by a snakebite and heals many who are sick, and the islanders show the travelers great kindness. After three months they sail on, and as Paul approaches Rome, believers come out to meet him and he is greatly encouraged. In Rome, though under guard, Paul is free to welcome visitors; he explains the kingdom of God and points to Jesus from the Scriptures, and some believe while others do not. The book of Acts ends with Paul boldly and freely preaching the good news for two years, the message still advancing.

Main Characters

Paul — Ministers on Malta and proclaims the kingdom of God boldly in Rome.
The Malta islanders — Show kindness to the survivors and witness God's power through Paul.
Publius — The leading official of Malta whose father Paul heals.
The Roman believers — Travel out to meet Paul and greatly encourage him.

Key Verse

Acts 28:31 (WEB)

preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

Lessons Learned

God can use us to bless others wherever we find ourselves.
The encouragement of fellow believers strengthens us for the road ahead.
Nothing — not chains, storms, or opposition — can finally stop the good news.
Faithfulness means continuing to proclaim hope, whatever our circumstances.

God's protection sustains his servants. When a viper fastened on Paul's hand and he suffered no harm, it confirmed that no hostile force — natural or human — can cut short what God intends to accomplish through a willing servant (Acts 28:3–5, WEB).
Ministry flows from wherever we are planted. Paul did not wait for ideal conditions; on an unfamiliar island under guard, he prayed for the sick and healed them, demonstrating that faithful service is not contingent on freedom or comfort (Acts 28:8–9, WEB).
The encouragement of community is a gift from God. When fellow believers walked miles to meet Paul on the Appian Way, he "thanked God, and took courage" — a reminder that God often strengthens us through the presence of his people (Acts 28:15, WEB).
Faithful proclamation leaves the response to God. Paul presented the kingdom of God from morning until evening; some believed and some did not, yet he kept preaching — modeling that our responsibility is faithful witness, not manufactured results (Acts 28:23–24, WEB).
The gospel cannot ultimately be chained. Even under house arrest Paul preached "with all boldness, without hindrance," showing that external limitations are never the final word on the advance of God's kingdom (Acts 28:31, WEB).

How does Paul minister to the people of Malta along the way?
Why is the welcome of the Roman believers so meaningful to Paul?
What is significant about how the book of Acts ends?
What does Paul's boldness “without hindrance” teach us, even from house arrest?
As you finish Acts, what is one way God is inviting you to keep journeying forward?

On Malta Paul first shook off a viper unharmed, then prayed and laid hands on Publius's father, healing him of fever and dysentery; when this became known, the rest of the sick on the island came and were also cured (Acts 28:3–9, WEB). He served practical needs, bore witness through healing, and accepted the islanders' hospitality, all while still a prisoner in transit.
After the terror of the storm and shipwreck in Acts 27, Paul had shouldered responsibility for everyone's survival under enormous pressure. When he saw believers traveling out to meet him at the Market of Appius and the Three Taverns, Luke records that he "thanked God, and took courage" (Acts 28:15, WEB). The welcome was meaningful because it reminded Paul he was not alone — the body of Christ was already present at his destination, ready to walk with him through what lay ahead.
Acts ends not with a verdict, a release, or a tidy conclusion, but with Paul still under guard and still preaching — "with all boldness, without hindrance" (Acts 28:31, WEB). The open ending is significant because it signals that the story of God's kingdom advancing through his people is ongoing; the book does not close because the mission has not closed. Readers in every generation are implicitly invited into the continuing narrative.
Look for responses that wrestle with the paradox of boldness within constraint. Paul's circumstances were not hidden from his hearers — he was chained to a soldier — yet the message itself was "without hindrance." Leaders may draw out reflection on what "chains" participants feel in their own lives and whether those constraints actually limit the gospel, or whether, like Paul's, they might even become a platform for witness (see also Philippians 1:12–14, WEB).
This is a personal application question; there is no single correct answer. Look for responses that are honest and specific rather than general. Encourage participants to name one concrete next step — a person to talk with, a habit to begin, a community to join — grounded in something Acts stirred in them. The journey Paul modeled was always forward-moving, never merely reflective (see Acts 20:24, WEB).