Acts 28:1-6 records how Paul and the survivors of the shipwreck learn that they are on the island of Malta. The Maltese people make a fire to dry them after swimming ashore. Paul helps by bringing wood to the fire, when a viper bites him on the hand. The Maltese locals think it is judgment from the gods, to punish Paul, who must have committed some great evil like murder. But Paul removes the snake and carries on, not falling ill or showing any signs of being poisoned. The Maltese natives then conclude Paul must be a god himself. But it is the one, true God watching over Paul, having brought him safely to this island and protecting him from chance harms.

Acts 28:7-10 records how the island leader, Publius, takes care of Paul and the ship’s passengers. Publius’s father is sick with a chronic illness, so Paul prays over him and puts his hands on him. Publius’s father is healed. News of this miracle spreads, so that other sick Maltese people come to Paul for healing. The people of Malta take good care of Paul and his companions, up until the time they are able to sail to Rome.

Acts 28:11-16 documents how, after spending three months on Malta while waiting out the bad weather, the chance finally comes to finish the journey to Rome. Paul and his companions are taken on another ship up to Sicily, then on to Italy. Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus meet fellow believers in Puetoli, Italy, and stay with them for a week. Then, on the last leg of the journey to Rome, they are met by Roman Christians who have come to meet them halfway to the city. Paul is grateful to God and encouraged. Once arrived in Rome, Paul is allowed to live privately (watched over by one guard) in a rented home under house arrest.

Acts 28:17-22 records how Paul invited local leading Jewish men to visit him. He explains to the Jewish leadership that although he has been accused of being an enemy of the Mosaic Law, he is innocent. The Jewish leadership in Judea wanted to put him to death, so he appealed to Caesar to save his life. That is why he was brought to Rome, to defend himself, not to try to get Judea or its leaders in trouble. Paul tells them he is a prisoner for the sake of Israel’s future. The Roman Jews explain that they haven’t heard any accusations against Paul, but are curious to learn what he believes, since they know that Christianity is disliked by Jewish leaders across the empire.

Acts 28:23-29 describes how the Roman Jewish leaders and other Jews go to Paul’s house again to hear about his beliefs. Paul teaches for an entire day; he quotes the Old Testament extensively to show that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah. Some of the Roman Jews believe, and others do not. Paul quotes Isaiah to show that they are fulfilling a prophecy where God’s message would not be believed by some of His stubborn, astray chosen people. And because of that, Paul reveals that Gentiles are also invited to be saved from sin by God. This causes further debate and frustration from the crowd, who then depart.

Acts 28:30-31 concludes the Book of Acts. Luke, the author, informs us that Paul lived in his own rented home during his imprisonment in Rome for two years. He was allowed to preach the gospel as openly as he pleased, without anyone silencing him.