Acts 28 Commentary: The Unhindered Gospel in Rome
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
And when we came to 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.
And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
And Paul dwelt 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.
Acts 28 marks the conclusion of Luke's narrative, tracing the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, a journey fueled by the Holy Spirit and marked by both triumph and tribulation. This chapter encapsulates the essence of Acts 1:8, showcasing the unwavering witness of Jesus' story to the ends of the earth. Despite facing wrongful imprisonment and enduring a perilous voyage, Paul's arrival in Rome signifies a pivotal moment: the Gospel's entrance into the heart of the Roman Empire. Even under house arrest, Paul's spirit remains unbroken as he continues to proclaim the Kingdom of God, demonstrating that God's Word cannot be bound (2_Timothy 2:9).
Arrival in Malta and Divine Confirmation (Acts 28:1-10)
Following the harrowing shipwreck described in Acts 27, Paul, along with Aristarchus, Luke, and the other survivors, find themselves on the island of Malta, south of Sicily (Acts 28:1). The islanders demonstrate remarkable kindness, providing for the castaways. Here, God uses an extraordinary event to solidify Paul's credibility. As Paul gathers firewood, he is bitten by a venomous snake. The locals, steeped in superstition, initially believe this is divine retribution for a hidden crime, expecting him to die swiftly (Acts 28:3-4). However, when Paul suffers no ill effects, they dramatically shift their perception, declaring him a god (Acts 28:5-6). This episode showcases the fickleness of human opinion, but also God's providential hand in using unexpected circumstances to elevate Paul's standing.
Paul leverages this newfound respect to minister to the islanders. He heals the father of Publius, the chief official of the island, who was suffering from fever and dysentery (Acts 28:7-8). This act of compassion opens the door for many others on the island to receive healing (Acts 28:9). In return, the grateful islanders generously provide for the needs of Paul and his companions, demonstrating God's provision through unexpected sources (Acts 28:10). It is worth noting that God's providence sometimes requires that we pass through painful experiences so that he can give us—and even others—his blessing.
Continuing the Journey and Receiving Encouragement (Acts 28:11-16)
After three months on Malta, the group resumes their journey to Rome aboard another Alexandrian ship (Acts 28:11). They make stops in Syracuse and Rhegium before arriving in Puteoli, an Italian port city (Acts 28:12-13). Here, Paul, Aristarchus, and Luke find a community of believers who welcome them warmly, providing much-needed fellowship and encouragement. After spending a week with these brothers and sisters, they continue their journey to Rome, where they are met by more believers who travel some distance to greet them (Acts 28:14-15). This display of love and support deeply encourages Paul, reminding him that he is not alone in his mission. Upon arriving in Rome, Paul is granted the relative freedom of living in his own rented house, though he remains under guard by a soldier (Acts 28:16).
Meeting with the Jewish Leaders in Rome (Acts 28:17-29)
Despite his circumstances, Paul wastes no time in connecting with the Jewish community in Rome. He gathers the local Jewish leaders to explain the circumstances surrounding his arrest and appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:17). He emphasizes that he has done nothing against his own people or the customs of their ancestors (Acts 28:17-20). Paul clarifies that he is in chains because of his belief in "the hope of Israel," referring to the resurrection of the dead and the promise of the Messiah (Acts 28:20; see Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:23).
The Jewish leaders in Rome express their unfamiliarity with the specific charges against Paul, noting that they have not received any official communication from Jerusalem regarding his case (Acts 28:21). However, they are aware of the growing controversy surrounding "this sect" (Christianity) and express a desire to hear Paul's perspective (Acts 28:22).
A meeting is arranged, and Paul spends an entire day explaining the Kingdom of God and attempting to persuade them about Jesus, drawing from the Law of Moses and the Prophets (Acts 28:23). While some are convinced by his arguments, others remain skeptical (Acts 28:24). This division mirrors the pattern Paul has experienced throughout his ministry.
Disheartened by the rejection of some, Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, highlighting the spiritual blindness and deafness that prevent many from recognizing the truth (Acts 28:25-27). He declares that salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, who will listen (Acts 28:28). This declaration marks a turning point, emphasizing the widening scope of the Gospel message to include all nations. God’s gift of grace will not go unappreciated. If some reject it, there are others who will gladly accept it.
Paul's Ministry in Rome and the Unhindered Gospel (Acts 28:30-31)
Acts concludes with a brief summary of Paul's two years in Rome. He remains in his rented house, welcoming all who come to him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all authority and without hindrance (Acts 28:30-31). Luke's deliberate choice of the word "unhindered" is significant, emphasizing that despite Paul's physical confinement, the Gospel continues to advance.
This closing scene echoes the opening of Acts, which began with the proclamation of “the kingdom of God” (see Acts 1:3). It highlights the fulfillment of Jesus’s promise that the Holy Spirit would enable his servants to be his “witnesses” to all people everywhere (Acts 1:8). Paul's letters, likely written during this time (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), provide further insight into his ministry and theological reflections during his Roman imprisonment.
The book of Acts leaves us with a powerful image: a prisoner of Christ, yet a free man in the Spirit, relentlessly preaching the Good News. It serves as a reminder that true freedom lies not in physical liberty, but in the unhindered proclamation of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit will do his greatest work in your life when you bear witness to Jesus Christ and live in submission to his kingdom rule. When you live under the umbrella of God’s kingdom agenda, the Holy Spirit is free to take you on your own life’s journey—sometimes it will be frustrating; sometimes it will prove frightening; but God will always fulfill his purposes for you.
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
And when we came to 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.
And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
And Paul dwelt 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.
Acts 28 marks the conclusion of Luke's narrative, tracing the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, a journey fueled by the Holy Spirit and marked by both triumph and tribulation. This chapter encapsulates the essence of Acts 1:8, showcasing the unwavering witness of Jesus' story to the ends of the earth. Despite facing wrongful imprisonment and enduring a perilous voyage, Paul's arrival in Rome signifies a pivotal moment: the Gospel's entrance into the heart of the Roman Empire. Even under house arrest, Paul's spirit remains unbroken as he continues to proclaim the Kingdom of God, demonstrating that God's Word cannot be bound (2_Timothy 2:9).
Arrival in Malta and Divine Confirmation (Acts 28:1-10)
Following the harrowing shipwreck described in Acts 27, Paul, along with Aristarchus, Luke, and the other survivors, find themselves on the island of Malta, south of Sicily (Acts 28:1). The islanders demonstrate remarkable kindness, providing for the castaways. Here, God uses an extraordinary event to solidify Paul's credibility. As Paul gathers firewood, he is bitten by a venomous snake. The locals, steeped in superstition, initially believe this is divine retribution for a hidden crime, expecting him to die swiftly (Acts 28:3-4). However, when Paul suffers no ill effects, they dramatically shift their perception, declaring him a god (Acts 28:5-6). This episode showcases the fickleness of human opinion, but also God's providential hand in using unexpected circumstances to elevate Paul's standing.
Paul leverages this newfound respect to minister to the islanders. He heals the father of Publius, the chief official of the island, who was suffering from fever and dysentery (Acts 28:7-8). This act of compassion opens the door for many others on the island to receive healing (Acts 28:9). In return, the grateful islanders generously provide for the needs of Paul and his companions, demonstrating God's provision through unexpected sources (Acts 28:10). It is worth noting that God's providence sometimes requires that we pass through painful experiences so that he can give us—and even others—his blessing.
Continuing the Journey and Receiving Encouragement (Acts 28:11-16)
After three months on Malta, the group resumes their journey to Rome aboard another Alexandrian ship (Acts 28:11). They make stops in Syracuse and Rhegium before arriving in Puteoli, an Italian port city (Acts 28:12-13). Here, Paul, Aristarchus, and Luke find a community of believers who welcome them warmly, providing much-needed fellowship and encouragement. After spending a week with these brothers and sisters, they continue their journey to Rome, where they are met by more believers who travel some distance to greet them (Acts 28:14-15). This display of love and support deeply encourages Paul, reminding him that he is not alone in his mission. Upon arriving in Rome, Paul is granted the relative freedom of living in his own rented house, though he remains under guard by a soldier (Acts 28:16).
Meeting with the Jewish Leaders in Rome (Acts 28:17-29)
Despite his circumstances, Paul wastes no time in connecting with the Jewish community in Rome. He gathers the local Jewish leaders to explain the circumstances surrounding his arrest and appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:17). He emphasizes that he has done nothing against his own people or the customs of their ancestors (Acts 28:17-20). Paul clarifies that he is in chains because of his belief in "the hope of Israel," referring to the resurrection of the dead and the promise of the Messiah (Acts 28:20; see Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:23).
The Jewish leaders in Rome express their unfamiliarity with the specific charges against Paul, noting that they have not received any official communication from Jerusalem regarding his case (Acts 28:21). However, they are aware of the growing controversy surrounding "this sect" (Christianity) and express a desire to hear Paul's perspective (Acts 28:22).
A meeting is arranged, and Paul spends an entire day explaining the Kingdom of God and attempting to persuade them about Jesus, drawing from the Law of Moses and the Prophets (Acts 28:23). While some are convinced by his arguments, others remain skeptical (Acts 28:24). This division mirrors the pattern Paul has experienced throughout his ministry.
Disheartened by the rejection of some, Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, highlighting the spiritual blindness and deafness that prevent many from recognizing the truth (Acts 28:25-27). He declares that salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, who will listen (Acts 28:28). This declaration marks a turning point, emphasizing the widening scope of the Gospel message to include all nations. God’s gift of grace will not go unappreciated. If some reject it, there are others who will gladly accept it.
Paul's Ministry in Rome and the Unhindered Gospel (Acts 28:30-31)
Acts concludes with a brief summary of Paul's two years in Rome. He remains in his rented house, welcoming all who come to him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all authority and without hindrance (Acts 28:30-31). Luke's deliberate choice of the word "unhindered" is significant, emphasizing that despite Paul's physical confinement, the Gospel continues to advance.
This closing scene echoes the opening of Acts, which began with the proclamation of “the kingdom of God” (see Acts 1:3). It highlights the fulfillment of Jesus’s promise that the Holy Spirit would enable his servants to be his “witnesses” to all people everywhere (Acts 1:8). Paul's letters, likely written during this time (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), provide further insight into his ministry and theological reflections during his Roman imprisonment.
The book of Acts leaves us with a powerful image: a prisoner of Christ, yet a free man in the Spirit, relentlessly preaching the Good News. It serves as a reminder that true freedom lies not in physical liberty, but in the unhindered proclamation of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit will do his greatest work in your life when you bear witness to Jesus Christ and live in submission to his kingdom rule. When you live under the umbrella of God’s kingdom agenda, the Holy Spirit is free to take you on your own life’s journey—sometimes it will be frustrating; sometimes it will prove frightening; but God will always fulfill his purposes for you.