Acts chapter 28 brings us to the final stretch of Paul’s long and eventful journey to Rome. After surviving the storm and shipwreck in the previous chapter, we now see how God continues to guide and protect him. This chapter is filled with moments that remind us of God’s provision, His faithfulness to His promises, and His desire for the gospel to reach all people. Even though Paul is still a prisoner, he remains a witness for Christ in every circumstance, showing us that no situation can hinder God’s purpose.
After washing up on shore, we learn that the survivors have landed on the island of Malta. The locals, referred to as “the natives,” welcome everyone with unusual kindness, building a fire to warm them. This simple act of hospitality is significant—it shows that even among people who do not know Christ, kindness and generosity are present. We are reminded that God can use anyone to provide for His people, and He often does so in unexpected ways.
As Paul helps gather wood for the fire, a viper suddenly bites him, fastening onto his hand. The islanders immediately assume that Paul must be a murderer who has escaped the sea but is now facing divine justice. However, Paul simply shakes the snake off into the fire and suffers no harm. The people watch, expecting him to swell up or drop dead, but when nothing happens, their perception of him completely changes. They begin to say that he must be a god.
This moment teaches us an important lesson about how people’s opinions can change quickly. One moment Paul is seen as cursed, and the next he is exalted. But Paul does not let their shifting opinions define him. He knows his identity is in Christ, and he remains steady. How often do we allow people’s words to affect us? Paul’s response shows us that we should remain focused on God’s plan, no matter what others say about us.
Shortly after this, Paul is invited to the home of Publius, the chief official of the island. Publius’ father is sick with fever and dysentery, and Paul prays for him, laying his hands on him. The man is healed, and soon, others on the island begin bringing their sick to Paul, and they too are healed. This event turns what could have been a mere survival story into a powerful testimony of God’s healing power. Instead of merely waiting for the next ship, Paul uses this time to serve others. His example challenges us—do we see interruptions and delays in our plans as obstacles, or do we look for ways to glorify God in them?
After three months, the travelers set sail again, this time on an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods Castor and Pollux as its figurehead. The detail about the ship’s figurehead is interesting—it reminds us that Paul is constantly surrounded by symbols of pagan worship. Yet, he never wavers in his faith. He does not allow the cultural influences around him to shake his belief in the one true God. We, too, live in a world filled with competing beliefs and distractions, but like Paul, we are called to remain faithful.
The journey continues, and Paul finally arrives in Italy. In Puteoli, he finds a group of believers who welcome him, and he stays with them for a week. This moment must have been refreshing—after so much hardship, Paul experiences the warmth of Christian fellowship. When we walk in faith, God often provides these moments of encouragement to remind us that we are not alone.
As Paul approaches Rome, more believers come out to meet him at the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. When Paul sees them, he thanks God and takes courage. This shows us the power of Christian community. Even the strongest among us need encouragement, and Paul himself is uplifted by the presence of his brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes, just knowing that others are standing with us in faith gives us the strength to keep going.
When he arrives in Rome, Paul is allowed to live by himself under guard. He is still a prisoner, but he is given a certain level of freedom. Instead of waiting passively, he calls together the local Jewish leaders to explain why he is there. He tells them that he has done nothing against their people or their customs, yet he was handed over to the Romans and had to appeal to Caesar. He makes it clear that he is not in Rome to bring accusations against his fellow Jews, but rather because of "the hope of Israel"—the very promise of the Messiah.
The Jewish leaders are curious about Paul’s message. They have not received any letters condemning him, but they have heard about "this sect" (Christianity) and how it is spoken against everywhere. They agree to meet with Paul to hear more.
On the appointed day, many come to hear him speak. From morning until evening, Paul explains the kingdom of God, using the Law and the Prophets to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of Scripture. Some believe, while others reject his message. This pattern is something we see throughout Acts—whenever the gospel is preached, there is always a division between those who accept it and those who refuse to believe. This reminds us that our job is to share the message, but the response is in God’s hands.
Seeing their mixed reaction, Paul quotes from Isaiah, warning them that some will hear but never understand, and some will see but never perceive. He boldly declares that this salvation from God has now been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen. This is a turning point—Paul recognizes that the message of Christ is for all people, not just for the Jews. The gospel is not limited by background, nationality, or heritage. It is for anyone who will listen and believe.
The book of Acts ends with Paul living in Rome for two years, still under house arrest, but freely preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus with boldness and without hindrance. The ending is open—Luke does not tell us what happens next, because in many ways, the story is still continuing. The gospel is still being preached, and the kingdom of God is still advancing.
This final chapter of Acts reminds us that God’s plans cannot be stopped. Paul faced shipwrecks, trials, and imprisonment, yet none of these things prevented him from fulfilling his mission. We may not face the same trials, but we all encounter difficulties in our journey of faith. Like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s guidance, remain faithful in every circumstance, and boldly share the message of Christ wherever we are.
Acts 28 is not just the conclusion of Paul’s journey—it is a call to us. The work of spreading the gospel did not end with Paul; it continues through us. We are now the ones who carry this message forward, trusting that God will guide us just as He guided Paul, through every storm, every delay, and every opportunity He places in our path.