Called to be a witness

Here are the verses for Acts 28 from the New International Version (NIV):

Acts 28:1-31

1. Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.

2. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

3. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood, and as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.

4. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.”

5. But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.

6. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

7. There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.

8. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.

9. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.

10. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

11. After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Gods as its figurehead.

12. We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.

13. From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli.

14. There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.

15. The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.

16. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

17. Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

18. They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.

19. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—not that I had any charge to bring against my own people.

20. For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

21. They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there have reported or said anything bad about you.

22. But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

23. They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.

24. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

25. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

26. 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."

27. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'

28. Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

30. For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.

31. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Gods Protection and Provision: Despite the shipwreck and hardships, God protected Paul and used his circumstances to further the spread of the gospel.

Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel: Paul continues to preach about Jesus, even while under house arrest. This shows the perseverance and dedication required in spreading God's message, no matter the personal circumstances.

Hospitality and Healing: The kindness shown by the people of Malta and Paul's miraculous healing of the sick demonstrate how hospitality and compassion can be powerful tools in advancing God's kingdom.

These verses and the chapter as a whole showcase the perseverance of Paul in his mission, even under challenging circumstances, and how God's work continues to unfold through His messengers.

Acts 28 Summary:

Acts 28 recounts the final chapter of the book of Acts, where the Apostle Paul, after surviving a shipwreck, arrives on the island of Malta. After showing kindness to the locals, he is bitten by a poisonous snake but survives without harm, which leads to the locals believing he is a god. Paul then heals the father of Publius, the local chief, and other sick people on the island. After three months, Paul sets sail again and arrives in Rome, where he is under house arrest but still able to share the gospel.

Key Scriptures and Explanation:

Acts 28:1-2 (NIV)

"Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold."

Explanation:After the shipwreck, Paul and the others land on Malta. Despite the harsh circumstances, the locals demonstrate hospitality and kindness. This scene highlights the importance of showing kindness, especially to strangers or those in need, regardless of how tough the circumstances are.

Real-Life Application:

Kindness in Adversity: Life often throws unexpected challenges at us. Like the people of Malta, we can choose to show kindness even when it's inconvenient. Whether helping a friend in need, offering encouragement to a colleague, or extending love to a stranger, kindness is always impactful, especially in tough times.

Illustration: Think of a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness during a rough period. That gesture likely made a lasting impact. You can be that person for others.

Acts 28:3-6 (NIV)

"Paul gathered a pile of brushwood, and as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, 'This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.' But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god."

Explanation:This incident demonstrates Paul’s unshakable faith and God's protection. Despite the snakebite, Paul remains unharmed, which leads to the locals’ changing view of him. Initially, they thought Paul must be cursed, but when he survives, they think he must be divine. The emphasis here is on the power of God’s protection over His messengers.

Real-Life Application:

Faith Over Fear: Like Paul, we may face situations that seem dangerous or overwhelming, but we can trust in God’s protection. Sometimes the trials we face might cause others to question us or think we're doomed, but trusting in God's faithfulness helps us stand firm, knowing that He’s with us in every challenge.

Illustration: Think about times when you’ve faced difficulties that seemed insurmountable—perhaps a health scare, financial struggles, or other challenges. Through it all, God’s protection and faithfulness were evident, and you emerged stronger, just like Paul did after the snakebite.

Acts 28:7-9 (NIV)

"There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured."

Explanation:After the snakebite, Paul continues to minister, showing compassion by healing those who are sick. This is a clear demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit working through Paul, and it illustrates the importance of being used by God to bless others, even when we are in a foreign or difficult place.

Real-Life Application:

Healing and Compassion: We can all be vessels of God’s healing and love in the world, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. God may use you to help heal and restore someone, even in a situation where you feel like an outsider. Never underestimate how God can work through you to bless others.

Illustration: Imagine being in a new environment—perhaps a new workplace or community—and finding someone in need. By offering a listening ear, providing encouragement, or helping meet a practical need, you could be the healing presence someone needs.

Acts 28:30-31 (NIV)

"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!"

Explanation:Despite being under house arrest, Paul continues to share the gospel. His circumstances did not stop him from fulfilling his mission. The boldness and persistence of Paul here show that no matter where we are, we can still be active in our faith and proclaim God's message.

Real-Life Application:

Mission in Every Season: Regardless of our circumstances, we are all called to be witnesses of Christ. Paul’s example shows that we can live out our purpose in any situation. Whether you are working in an office, at home, or in a challenging environment, God can still use you to impact those around you.

Illustration: Consider how people continue to serve in different ministries, often in difficult situations. Whether through phone calls, messages, or acts of kindness, the mission of sharing God’s love never ends, no matter where we are or what we face.

Final Thoughts:

In Acts 28, we see how God used Paul's trials, including shipwrecks and snakebites, as opportunities to demonstrate His power, care, and protection. Paul’s boldness in proclaiming the gospel and his willingness to show love and kindness to those around him, despite being in a foreign place, challenge us to be persistent in our faith and to use every opportunity to be a witness of God's grace.