Acts 28

We continue to see how God kept His promise to Paul which is recorded in Acts 23:11.

Today’s Scripture is the last historical account we have of Paul. Any additional information we have regarding Paul is from his writings or secular historical accounts.

• The uttermost parts of the earth
  • Paul’s travels to Rome
    • God’s promise kept in Malta
      • Malta means “a place of refuge”
      • Protection from danger (Acts 28:1-6)
        • The kindness of natives (Acts 28:2)
        • Protection from the viper (Acts 28:3-5)
        • The people’s reaction (Acts 28:4-6)
          • The underlying belief reflected in their reaction is
            • Good things come to good people
            • Bad things come to bad people
      • Provision of ministry opportunities (Acts 28:7-9)
        • Hospitality of the official (Acts 28:7)
        • Healing of the father (Acts 28:8)
        • More opportunities (Acts 28:9)
      • Provisions supplied (Acts 28:10)
    • Resuming the journey (Acts 28:11-15)
      • A safe and pleasant passage to Rome
      • Christian men came to meet them (Acts 28:15)
    • In Rome (Acts 28:16-31)
      • Great freedom was given to Paul (Acts 28:16)
        • He lived for some time under house arrest
        • He was privileged to have people gather with him (Acts 28:17)
        • He witnessed to Jewish leaders (Acts 28:17-20)
          • Their response to his words ((Acts 28:21)
          • They were eager to hear about the Christian way (Acts 28:22)
            • The gathering (Acts 28:23)
            • A mixed response
            • Paul’s final words to them (Acts 28:26-28)
              • A rebuke
      • His freedom to take the message to the Gentiles (Acts 28:30-31)

Finally, after a period of time, Paul was released. He was later arrested again and ultimately beheaded probably under the reign of Nero.

Important lessons we can take from the books of Acts

• God through the Holy Spirit empowers people for work in the world
• God has a purpose and service for each of us
• God can and does guide the path of His people
• God provides for needs
• God protects His people
• God will see His work carried out