Acts 28 Summary

When escaped, the people learn the island is called Melita and show Paul and his companions great kindness, kindling a fire due to rain and cold. While gathering sticks, Paul is bitten by a viper that fastens on his hand, and the barbarians conclude he must be a murderer whom vengeance will not permit to live. Paul shakes off the beast into the fire unharmed, yet the people watch expecting him to swell or fall dead suddenly; when no harm comes, they change their minds and declare him a god. Publius, the chief man of the island, receives and lodges them three days courteously. When Paul prays for and heals Publius's father who lay sick of fever and bloody flux, others with diseases come and are healed, and they honor the company with many gifts at their departure. After three months they depart in an Alexandrian ship that wintered in the isle, marked with Castor and Pollux. Landing at Syracuse, they tarry three days, then at Rhegium, and when the south wind blows, they come the next day to Puteoli where brethren are found and Paul's company is desired to tarry seven days. From there, when brethren hear of them, they meet Paul as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns, and Paul thanks God and takes courage. Upon reaching Rome, the centurion delivers the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul is suffered to dwell alone with a soldier keeping him. After three days, Paul calls the chief of the Jews together, declaring he has committed nothing against the people or their customs yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem to the Romans. The Romans would have released him, having found no cause of death, but when the Jews opposed, he was constrained to appeal to Caesar without accusation against his nation. He has summoned them to see and speak with them regarding the hope of Israel for which he is bound. They reply they received no letters from Judea concerning Paul nor heard harm from visiting brethren, but desire to hear his thoughts on the sect spoken against everywhere. At an appointed day, many gather in his lodging and Paul expounds and testifies the kingdom of God from morning to evening, persuading them concerning Jesus from the law of Moses and prophets. Some believe, some disbelieve; when they disagree among themselves, Paul speaks one final word quoting Isaiah about how the Holy Ghost said this people will hear but not understand, their heart waxed gross, ears dull, eyes closed, lest they convert and be healed. Paul announces that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles and they will hear it. After Paul speaks, the Jews depart with great reasoning among themselves. Paul dwells two whole years in his own hired house, receiving all who come, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence and no forbidding.