Acts 28 | Daily Bible Reading & Reflection

Acts 28 Devotional: Follow Paul from the shores of Malta to his final arrival in Rome. Witness the unhindered spread of the Gospel as the Scriptures are fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to the final chapter of the book of Acts. We have traveled through storms, shipwrecks, and trials, and today we see God’s sovereign promise fulfilled: Paul arrives in Rome. Even in chains, the Word of God is not bound. Let us finish this journey with a renewed fire for the mission of the Church.

Acts Chapter 28 Introduction:

The Unhindered Word and the Faithful Witness

Acts 28 begins with the miraculous survival of Paul and his companions on the island of Malta. From surviving a viper’s bite to healing the sick on the island, Paul’s life remains a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit. Eventually, he reaches Rome, where he spends two years under house arrest. Despite his physical limitations, the book ends with a striking image: Paul welcoming all who came to him, "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."

What can we learn from this today? In this chapter, we see the Sovereignty of God over every obstacle. As your Statement of Faith affirms, the Church’s mission is to proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate God’s love in the world. Paul’s circumstances in Rome were not ideal—he was a prisoner—yet he saw his situation as a platform, not a prison. This reminds us that God’s "perfect will for the salvation of humankind" cannot be stopped by human chains or government decrees. Like Paul, we are called to be faithful witnesses regardless of our setting, trusting that the Holy Spirit empowers us for service and that the Final Authority of the Bible will continue to convict and regenerate those who hear it.

Bible Verse - Acts 28

28 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

6 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.

7 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.

8 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.

9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

13 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:

14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

15 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.

16 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.

17 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.

18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

20 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.

21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

23 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.

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

25 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,

26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

27 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.

28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Prayer

Paul lived in Rome for two years, welcoming everyone who came to see him. As we enter into prayer, let us ask for that same spirit of hospitality and boldness to share the hope that is within us.

Prayer Theme: "Boldness Without Hindrance"

Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You for the completion of the journey in Acts. We believe that You are the sovereign Lord of all things, and we see Your hand in every mile Paul traveled. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, who dwells in us and empowers us to be Your witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Lord, I ask for a heart like Paul’s—a heart that sees every circumstance as an opportunity to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Forgive me for the times I have allowed my own "chains"—my fears, my busyness, or my comfort—to hinder me from sharing Your grace. Strengthen me to be a faithful member of Your universal Church, nurturing others through prayer and fellowship. May Your Word be "unhindered" in my life today. Use me to demonstrate Your love to those who are hurting and to speak the truth of Jesus Christ to those who are lost.

We pray for our local church, that we would be a people known for our boldness and our welcome. We lift up missionaries and believers in closed nations who, like Paul, are proclaiming the Gospel under the threat of persecution; protect them and give them favor. We pray for a world that is often hard-hearted toward Your Truth; we ask that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin and open eyes to the beauty of the Savior. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Daily Application Question

Paul was under house arrest, yet he was "proclaiming the kingdom of God... without hindrance." What is one "hindrance" in your life (a fear, a habit, or a busy schedule) that you can surrender to God today so that His Word can move more freely through you? Why does the book of Acts end so abruptly? Many scholars believe it ends this way to show that the "Acts of the Holy Spirit" through the Church are still continuing today. The mission did not end with Paul; it was handed off to every generation of believers that followed.

What happened to Paul after Acts 28? While the Bible does not explicitly say, tradition suggests he was released for a time, continued his missionary journeys (possibly to Spain), was later re-arrested, and eventually martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero.

Why did Paul speak so strongly to the Jews in Rome about their "dull hearts"? He was quoting Isaiah 6 to explain a painful reality: while many would reject the Gospel, God’s salvation was now being sent to the Gentiles, who would listen. It reminds us that salvation is a gift received through faith alone.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acts 28

Why does the book of Acts end so abruptly? Many scholars believe it ends this way to show that the "Acts of the Holy Spirit" through the Church are still continuing today. The mission did not end with Paul; it was handed off to every generation of believers that followed.
What happened to Paul after Acts 28? While the Bible does not explicitly say, tradition suggests he was released for a time, continued his missionary journeys (possibly to Spain), was later re-arrested, and eventually martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero.
Why did Paul speak so strongly to the Jews in Rome about their "dull hearts"? He was quoting Isaiah 6 to explain a painful reality: while many would reject the Gospel, God’s salvation was now being sent to the Gentiles, who would listen. It reminds us that salvation is a gift received through faith alone.

Thank you for journeying through the book of Acts with us! May you go out today empowered by the same Spirit that led Paul, knowing that the Word of God is never in chains. We look forward to starting our next study together as we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Navigate the Journey

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