Paul’s Arrival to Rome Acts 28:1-31

In the previous chapter, chapter 27, we studied about Paul’s tempestuous sea voyage, and how Paul with extreme confidence in God told those two hundred and seventy-six voyage members that everyone would be safe.  Thank God that Paul was assured that the Lord would bring them through extreme danger.  Listen to Paul’s confidence in the Lord: “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.  For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear Not Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Wherefore, Sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (Acts 27:22-25).

As chapter 28 begins, Paul after the tempestuous voyage finally arrives on the island of Melita, being kindly received by the barbarians (non-Greek speaking people) (vv. 1-2).  The two hundred and seventy-six have landed safely and they are welcomed and are kindly received by the people of the island of Melita.  According to verses 3-6, being now cold and rainy, Paul gathers some sticks to start a fire and was bitten by a venomous snake, of which he was miraculous healed.  The barbarians or pagans of the island thought Paul would die from being bitten by the venomous snake, but Paul suffered no ill effects from the venom!  This miracle of Paul’s overcoming the ill effects of the venom had a profound impression on the pagans of the island of Melita, and it fulfilled God’s promise of Mark 16:17-18.

Paul will continue to exercise his apostolic gift in the healing of the father of Publius, and others on the island afflicted by diseases (vv. 7-10).  After staying on the island of Melita for three months, Paul and the crew went to Syracuse, Rhegium, and utilizing the south wind, came to Puteoli, and then to Appii forum (vv. 11-15).  The storm was over: the tempestuous wind from the north (Euroclydon) is passed!  One day, brothers and sisters, the adverse winds of this life will disappear, and ultimate deliverance will be ours!

In verses 16-31, Paul arrives in Rome, where he preaches the gospel to the Jews, and he explained to them why he had been brought to Rome.  Paul was afforded great liberty to share the gospel, but always guarded by a soldier.  As usual, in sharing the gospel, there is always a double response to the message!  This grand book of Acts concludes with Paul “preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (v.31).

May God Bless!