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Acts 28

31 verses

TL;DR

Paul escapes a shipwreck, performs miracles on Melita, appeals to Caesar in Rome, and spends two years teaching the gospel to Jews and Gentiles.

Summary

After escaping a shipwreck, Paul and his companions arrive on the island of Melita where they are warmly received by the locals. Paul heals a viper bite, cures the ailing father of Publius, and performs other miracles that lead the islanders to regard him as divine. The group then travels to Alexandria, Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli before heading to Rome, where Paul is detained by a centurion but kept under guard. In Rome he appeals to Caesar, arguing that he has been wrongfully imprisoned by the Jews. Paul gathers the Jewish leaders, presents his case, and delivers a long sermon on the kingdom of God, emphasizing that salvation is for the Gentiles as well. Afterward he spends two years preaching in Rome without obstruction, teaching the people about Jesus Christ.

Outline
  1. Arrival on Melita and miraculous healings
  2. Journey to Rome and appeal to Caesar
  3. Paul's ministry in Rome and teachings
Themes
Divine authority demonstrated through miraclesLegal protection and rights under Roman lawUniversal scope of salvation for Jews and Gentiles
Keywords
viperhealingchainCaesarJewsGentilesRomeKingdom of GodHoly Ghost
People
PaulPubliusFather of PubliusBarbariansCenturionCaptain of the guardChief of the JewsJews
Places
MelitaAlexandriaSyracuseRhegiumPuteoliRome
Things
ViperFireChainHealed manKingdom of GodHoly GhostApology to Caesar
Key Verses
  • Acts 28:5: Paul calmly removes a venomous viper from his hand, illustrating divine protection.
  • Acts 28:8: Healing of Publius' father demonstrates Paul’s authority over illness.
  • Acts 28:18: Paul’s appeal to Caesar reveals the legal strategy of early Christians.
  • Acts 28:24: Paul’s sermon on the kingdom of God addresses the conflict between Jews and Gentiles.
  • Acts 28:28: Affirmation that salvation is intended for the Gentiles.
Questions
  • What does Paul’s appeal to Caesar say about early Christian engagement with Roman authority?
  • How does the treatment of the viper illustrate the theme of divine protection?
  • In what ways does Paul’s sermon bridge the divide between Jewish expectations and the gospel for Gentiles?
  • Why might Paul have chosen to stay in Rome for two years, and what impact did this have on the spread of Christianity?
  • How do the miracles on Melita shape the local community’s perception of Paul?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both triumphant miracles and tense legal encounters, resulting in an overall mixed emotional tone.