Sunday Morning Bible Study: Acts 28 — Paul in Rome: The Gospel Unhindered
- Ken Kalis
- Jan 18
- 4 min read
Theme: God’s purposes cannot be stopped — even by chains
1. Safe on Shore: God’s Faithfulness Continues (Acts 28:1–6)
After the terror of the storm and shipwreck in Acts 27, Luke opens this final chapter with a quiet but powerful word: “And when they were escaped…”
God has kept His promise. Not one life was lost.
The island turns out to be Malta, and the “barbarous people” (that is, non-Greek speakers) show “no little kindness.” They build a fire, welcome the survivors, and provide hospitality — a reminder that God often uses unexpected people to carry out His mercy.
When Paul is bitten by a viper, the islanders assume divine judgment has finally caught up with him. When he suffers no harm, they reverse themselves and say he is a god.
Luke records this without comment, allowing us to see how unstable human judgment can be. Paul himself remains silent — his confidence is in the Lord, not in public opinion.
God is glorified not by Paul’s words here, but by his calm trust.
2. Healing and Hospitality: Paul's Ministry on Malta (Acts 28:7–10)
Paul does not exploit the miracle or draw attention to himself. Instead, he quietly ministers.
Publius, the chief man of the island, welcomes them into his home. Paul prays, lays hands on his sick father, and God heals him. This opens the door for many others to come and be healed.
Notice the pattern:
Prayer
Compassion
God’s power
Grateful response
The islanders honor them and supply what they need for the journey. What began as a shipwreck ends as a season of fruitful ministry.
3. Arrival in Rome: The Promise Fulfilled (Acts 28:11–16)
After three months, they sail on to Italy. Along the way, believers come out to meet Paul at the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns.
Luke records a deeply human moment:
“When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.” (v. 15)
Even apostles need encouragement. God strengthens Paul through Christian fellowship.
Paul arrives in Rome not as a free man, but not as a condemned one either. He is allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him.
God has brought His servant exactly where He promised — not by the path Paul might have chosen, but by the path God ordained.
4. Paul's Final Appeal to Israel (Acts 28:17–28)
True to form, Paul begins with the Jews. He explains that he has done nothing against his people or the law, yet he is bound because of “the hope of Israel.”
When he speaks of Jesus and the resurrection, opinions divide — just as they always have.
Paul closes with a sobering quotation from Isaiah 6, the same passage used by Jesus:
“Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand…”
This is not bitterness; it is grief. Israel’s rejection opens the door wider to the Gentiles:
“Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” (v. 28)
The story that began in Jerusalem now reaches the heart of the Roman world.
5. The Book Ends — But the Gospel Does Not (Acts 28:30–31)
Luke closes Acts in a remarkable way. There is no account of Paul’s trial, no verdict, no martyrdom.
Instead, we are told this:
“Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house…preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ,with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
Acts ends unfinished — because the work continues.
The Gospel is not bound. The Word of God is not imprisoned. The story carries on through the Church, through history, and through us.
Key Lessons for Us Today
God keeps His promises — even through storms.
Suffering does not cancel ministry; it often advances it.
The Gospel moves forward, despite rejection and opposition.
Encouragement from fellow believers matters more than we realize.
Acts ends open-ended because the mission of Christ continues.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness to Your servant Paul and for Your unchanging purpose in bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Teach us to trust You in storms, to serve You quietly in suffering, and to speak boldly of Christ wherever You place us.
May we remember that Your Word is never bound, and that Your kingdom continues to advance through obedient hearts. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Discussion Questions
What does Paul’s calm response to the snakebite teach us about trust in God?
How do we see God turning hardship into opportunity in Acts 28?
Why do you think Luke ends Acts without describing Paul’s trial or death?
In what ways can Christian fellowship, like the believers who met Paul on the road, strengthen us today?
How does Acts 28 encourage you in your own calling to witness for Christ?
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
forward into battle, see his banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
(Refrain)
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
(Refrain)
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.
(Refrain)
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
this through countless ages men and angels sing.
(Refrain)
Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs
of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen
him to be a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4
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