Acts 28 is the closing chapter of Luke’s history of the early church, and it answers a question many readers have: how did a shipwrecked prisoner end up preaching the gospel in the capital of the Roman Empire? The chapter covers Paul’s stay on the island of Malta, his arrival in Rome, and his first meetings with the Jewish leaders there. People read it for the story itself, for its picture of God’s faithfulness on a dangerous journey, and for its abrupt, open ending that leaves the gospel moving forward.
Acts 28 Summary
The chapter opens with Paul and his companions safe on Malta after the shipwreck described at the end of Acts 27. The islanders show unusual kindness, and a viper that fastens on Paul’s hand does him no harm. Paul then heals the father of Publius, the island’s leading man, and others on the island are healed as well. After three months the travelers sail on to Italy, stopping at Syracuse, Rhegium and Puteoli, where they find believers and stay a week.
In the final section Paul reaches Rome, where believers come out to meet him along the Appian Way. He is allowed to live under guard in his own lodging. He calls the local Jewish leaders together, explains why he has appealed to Caesar and why he is chained, and tells them about the hope of Israel. Some are persuaded and some refuse to believe, so Paul quotes Isaiah on hardened hearts and announces that God’s salvation is now going to the nations. The book ends with Paul preaching the Kingdom of God for two years, openly and without hindrance.
Background and Setting
Acts was written by the same author who wrote the Gospel of Luke, a companion volume addressed to Theophilus. Christian tradition has long identified the author as Luke, the physician and close companion of Paul, though the book itself does not name him. Most scholars date Acts to the 60s or 70s of the first century, and the book ends before Paul’s own fate is recorded, which is one reason some readers think the author wrote while Paul was still alive.
Chapter 28 completes the journey that began in Jerusalem in Acts 21, when Paul was arrested in the temple. Across the middle chapters the narrative moves steadily westward, from Judea through the Roman provinces toward Rome itself. The chapter therefore functions as the arrival point of the whole book, showing the message of Jesus reaching the center of the empire.
Acts 28 Section by Section
Verses 1-10: Healing on the Island of Malta
2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Acts 28:2-3 (WEB)
The chapter begins with the travelers stranded on Malta, where the local people light a fire for them against the cold rain. When a viper strikes Paul’s hand, the islanders first assume he is a murderer receiving divine judgment, then change their minds and decide he is a god. Luke reports their reactions without comment, letting the contrast between the two verdicts speak for itself. The episode shows how quickly people draw conclusions from appearances, and how God’s protection can be seen only in hindsight.
The healing that follows is presented as a sign that the gospel’s power is working even in a place where Paul is an outsider. Paul prays for Publius’s sick father and lays hands on him, and the rest of the island’s sick are brought and cured. The passage shows Paul’s ministry continuing in a new setting, with the same pattern of prayer, touch and healing that marked earlier chapters of Acts.
Verses 11-16: The Road to Rome
14 Where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome. 15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.
Acts 28:14-15 (WEB)
After three months the travelers board a ship from Alexandria and sail up the coast of Italy, stopping at several ports. At Puteoli they find brothers and sisters in Christ and stay with them for seven days. Luke’s mention of believers along the route shows that the church had already spread across the region before Paul arrived, so his journey was one of visiting and encouraging rather than starting from scratch.
When the Roman believers hear of Paul’s coming, they travel out to meet him at two stopping points on the road. Paul sees them, thanks God, and takes courage. The verses show how fellowship can strengthen a weary traveler, and they also mark the moment when Paul enters Rome as a prisoner, now under guard but still free to receive visitors.
Verses 17-22: Paul Speaks to the Jewish Leaders
For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Acts 28:20 (WEB)
Three days after his arrival, Paul calls together the leaders of the Jewish community in Rome. He explains that he has done nothing against his people or their customs, and that he appealed to Caesar only because the Jews opposed his release. He describes his chain as bound up with the hope of Israel. The Jewish leaders reply that they have received no letters or reports against him, and they express interest in hearing his views on the sect that is spoken against everywhere.
Paul’s approach here is careful and respectful. He presents himself as a faithful Jew whose gospel is the fulfillment of the hope Israel has long held, rather than as an enemy of his nation. The passage reminds readers that the early Christians saw their message as rooted in the Scriptures and promises of Israel, not as a break from them.
Verses 23-28: Division Over the Gospel
23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
Acts 28:23-24 (WEB)
A larger group gathers at Paul’s lodging, and he spends the entire day explaining the Kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some believe and some refuse. Luke’s account is honest about the division, showing that even faithful preaching does not produce agreement from everyone who hears it.
When the group cannot settle their differences, Paul quotes Isaiah 6 about a people whose hearts have grown dull, and declares that God’s salvation is now being sent to the nations. The quotation is a sober note that closes the Jewish phase of Paul’s ministry in Acts. It does not mean God has abandoned Israel, but it does mark a turn in the story toward the Gentile mission.
Verses 29-31: Two Years of Open Preaching
30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him, 31 preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
Acts 28:30-31 (WEB)
The final verses report that Paul lives for two whole years in a rented house, welcoming everyone who comes to him. He preaches God’s Kingdom and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete boldness and without hindrance. Luke ends the book here, with the message still spreading and the apostle still at work, even though Paul is a prisoner.
The abrupt ending has invited many interpretations, but its effect is clear: the gospel is not stopped by chains, distance or opposition. The final word is about freedom in proclamation, a fitting close to a book that began with Jesus’s promise that the disciples would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Key Themes in Acts 28
- God’s protection in danger: Paul survives the viper and the shipwreck journey, showing that God’s care continues through hardship and unexpected threats.
- Hospitality and healing: The islanders and the believers in Italy welcome the travelers, and Paul’s ministry brings healing to those in need.
- The hope of Israel: Paul frames his message as the fulfillment of Israel’s promises, speaking from the Law and the Prophets.
- Division and response: Some believe the message and some reject it, so the story shows the mixed reception that faithful witness often receives.
- Unhindered witness: Even under guard, Paul preaches the Kingdom of God openly, and the book closes with the gospel still moving forward.
Lessons From Acts 28 for Today
Many believers face situations where their circumstances seem to block their calling, such as a job that restricts their freedom, an illness that limits their activity, or a season of waiting that feels wasted. Paul’s example in Rome shows that God can use a confined life as a platform for faithful speaking. Readers can ask how their current limits might still open doors for witness, hospitality or prayer.
The chapter also invites honesty about how people will respond to the gospel. In a workplace, classroom or family gathering, a clear explanation of faith may bring some people closer and leave others unconvinced. Luke’s account of mixed responses reminds believers that their task is faithful speaking and patient love, while the outcome rests with God.
Questions for Reflection
- Where in your life do you feel restricted, and how might God still use you there?
- How do you respond when people quickly judge a situation based only on appearances?
- What would it look like for you to explain your faith to someone with respect, as Paul did with the Jewish leaders?
- How does the ending of Acts, with the gospel preached without hindrance, shape your view of the church’s mission today?
A Prayer From Acts 28
Lord, you guided Paul through storms, strange shores and chains, and you never let the message be silenced. When my own path feels blocked or confusing, help me trust that you are still at work. Give me courage like Paul’s when I see believers coming to meet me on the road, and give me gentleness when others disagree with what I say. Use my hands and my words for your kingdom, wherever you have placed me today. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Acts 28?
The book of Acts does not name its author, but Christian tradition has long attributed it to Luke, the companion of Paul. The same author wrote the Gospel of Luke. Scholars generally date the book to the late first century.
Why did Paul appeal to Caesar?
Paul appealed to Caesar after the Jewish leaders in Judea opposed his release, as described earlier in Acts. As a Roman citizen, he had the right to have his case heard before the emperor. Chapter 28 shows him arriving in Rome as a result.
What does the ending of Acts mean?
Acts ends with Paul preaching openly in Rome for two years, which leaves the story open-ended. Many readers see this as a signal that the gospel continues to spread beyond the book’s pages. The final word emphasizes unhindered proclamation of the kingdom.
