Finish: Trip to Rome, Acts 28

This post concerns the finish of Paul’s trip to Rome.

‘Finish: Trip to Rome,’ discusses Paul’s final days before arrival at Rome and early preaching in Rome.

After the ship on which Paul traveled disintegrated in the storm, the ship’s occupants gained the shore of Malta by swimming or on pieces of the ship. The natives welcomed them and built a fire so they could dry out.

A viper came out of the firewood and fastened on Paul’s hand. This caused the natives to think that Paul would soon die because the viper was punishment for murder. But when Paul did not die, they reversed their thinking and decided he was a god.

The chief man of the island, Publius, received them hospitably for three days. Paul cured his father of a sickness. This caused many on the island to come for healing.

After three months, they boarded another ship and sailed north to Sicily. Then a south wind took them further north to Italy where brethren greeted them. In Rome, Paul stayed in private quarters with one guard instead of the usual prison.

After three days, Paul spoke to leaders of the Jews, Acts 28:17-20 “… though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers…I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans…there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar…for this reason, therefore, I have asked… to speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I …wearing this chain.”

Although the Jews had not heard about Paul, they wished to hear about ‘this sect’ spoken against. On an appointed day, Paul spoke, Acts 28:23-24. “he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

Paul summarized by quoting Isaiah 6:9-10 about their hard hearts.

We can expect the same result today. Some will believe. Some will disbelieve.

So, what did we learn?

1.Paul continued to teach in Rome.

2.Some believed, some disbelieved.

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