Was Paul released, but later possibly rearrested and executed? Despite opposition, did Paul preach to both Jews and Gentiles in Rome? Are we willing? Let’s look at Acts 28.
Where was Paul shipwrecked? Did a snakebite harm him?
When we came ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. The local people were very friendly, and they welcomed us by building a fire, because it was rainy and cold. After Paul had gathered some wood and had put it on the fire, the heat caused a snake to crawl out, and it bit him on the hand. When the local people saw the snake hanging from Paul's hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer! He didn't drown in the sea, but the goddess of justice will kill him anyway.” Paul shook the snake off into the fire and wasn't harmed. The people kept thinking that Paul would either swell up or suddenly drop dead. They watched him for a long time, and when nothing happened to him, they changed their minds and said, “This man is a god.” (Acts 28:1-6 CEV)
Did Paul have a chance to address another government leader?
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed. (Acts 28:7-10 ESV)
Did Paul find believers along the journey and eventually reach Rome?
After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead. Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed three days. From there, after making a circuit along the coast, we reached Rhegium. After one day a south wind sprang up, and the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. Now the believers from there had heard the news about us and had come to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. When we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him. (Acts 28:11-16 HCSB)
Did Paul address the Jews who lived in Rome regarding his arrest?
Three days later, Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. When they assembled, he told them, “Brothers, although I haven’t done anything against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. They examined me and wanted to let me go because there was no reason for me to receive the death penalty in my case. But the Jews objected and forced me to appeal to the emperor, even though I have no countercharge to bring against my own people. That’s why I asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the hope of Israel that I’m wearing this chain.” (Acts 28:17-20 ISV)
Did some of the Jews believe Paul's testimony about Jesus and others not?
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. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. 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. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. (Acts 28:21-24 KJV)
What did Paul quote from the Old Testament regarding those who did not believe in Jesus?
And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Lest they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I heal them.”’ (Acts 28:25-27 LSB)
After speaking with the Jews, did Paul then preach also to Gentiles for two years?
Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” Now Paul stayed two full years in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered. (Acts 28:28-31 NASB)
Was Paul released, but later possibly rearrested and executed? Despite opposition, did Paul preach to both Jews and Gentiles in Rome? Are we willing? You decide!
