Acts 28 - Introduction

The Journey Ended In Rome Acts Twenty-Eight

The people on the Island of Melita were very kind to those that were shipwrecked. They built a fire for them because of the rain and the cold. The conduct of these people condemns many that are even more able to help. The true Christian spirit is that of doing what you can with the opportunities you have.

As Paul gathered sticks for the fire a poisonous viper attached itself to his hand. The people thought that Paul must surely be a murderer. The people of Melita believed that the wicked are punished in this life. Paul was able to shake off the viper and feel no harm. The people of Melita then "changed their minds, and said that he was a god."

The chief man of the island was named Publius. Paul healed his father of a fever and a bloody flux. He prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him. He also healed others on the island. When they departed from the island the people gave them such things as they needed.

After three months they departed for Italy on a ship of Alexandria. When they reached "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." While in Rome Paul also met with the Jews to teach them about the hope of Israel -- the resurrection from the dead. "Some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not." Paul again explained that "salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles." The book of Acts closed with "Paul dwelling two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."