On Malta
Acts 28:1–10FocusHospitality and healing
Connection to the wholeThe survivors receive help, and Paul's preservation and ministry among the sick make the island another setting for witness.
interpretation Acts 28:17
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
Paul's Arrival and Initial Ministry in Rome
Start reading at Acts 28:16 (Acts 28:16 to Acts 28:31).
This unit covers Paul's arrival in Rome and his initial interactions and ministry there, culminating in his two-year imprisonment and preaching.
- 28:16 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.
- 28:17 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.
- 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
- 28:19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
- 28:20 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.
- 28:21 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.
- 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
- 28:23 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.
- 28:24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
- 28:25 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,
- 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
- 28:27 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.
- 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
- 28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
- 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
- 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 28:1–28:31): The islanders of Melita receive the survivors. In Rome Paul speaks with Jewish leaders and other visitors while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? After arriving in Rome and being permitted to dwell by himself, Paul calls the leaders of the Jewish community together to explain his situation. He asserts his innocence regarding any offense against the Jewish people or their customs, despite being delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His continued protection and guidance for Paul, enabling him to bear witness to the Jewish leaders in Rome, even while imprisoned. This demonstrates God's sovereign plan for the spread of the gospel to the capital of the Roman Empire.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is narrative history, specifically detailing Paul's actions and including a direct speech from him to the Jewish leaders.
When
- When was it written? The book of Acts was written approximately A.D. 62 to 64.
- When does the event take place? This event takes place after Paul's arrival in Rome, around A.D. 62, following a three-month winter stay on the island of Melita and a journey through Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli.
Where
- Where did it happen? The event happened in Rome, where Paul had just arrived and was permitted to dwell by himself with a soldier.
- Where was the author located? Traditionally, the author, Luke, was located in Rome when writing the book of Acts.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Arrival and Initial Ministry in Rome (Acts 28:16 to Acts 28:31). Start reading at Acts 28:16. This unit covers Paul's arrival in Rome and his initial interactions and ministry there, culminating in his two-year imprisonment and preaching.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage marks the beginning of Paul's ministry in Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, fulfilling his long-held desire to preach the gospel there and Jesus' prophecy that Paul would bear witness in Rome. It sets the stage for his two-year imprisonment and continued preaching. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Paul's suffering and imprisonment for the 'hope of Israel' (Acts 28:20), which is Christ, mirrors Christ's own suffering and unjust accusations. Paul's steadfast witness, even in chains, demonstrates the power of the gospel and the Lord's presence with His servants, just as Christ promised His disciples. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should be ready to defend their faith and actions with integrity, even when facing false accusations or opposition. Like Paul, we should seek opportunities to share the gospel, even in challenging circumstances, and maintain a clear conscience before God and man. interpretation
Cited: Acts 28:16, Acts 28:17, Acts 28:20, Acts 23:11, Romans 1:10-11
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts.
Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time stated in this passage
2 full years
Stated in Scripture
Paul receives visitors in Rome
Acts 28:30 records two whole years in his own rented lodging. The following verse describes his preaching and teaching.
View passage notes and sources
This duration belongs to the stay described in the passage; it is not an interval between every adjacent verse.
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
- AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension. - About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 28
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
Arrival in Rome
Acts 28:11–16FocusThe journey reaches its destination
Connection to the wholeThe onward voyage and welcome from brethren bring Paul to the city anticipated earlier in the narrative.
interpretation FocusThe kingdom and Jesus proclaimed
Connection to the wholePaul explains his case and message to Jewish hearers, then continues receiving visitors and proclaiming the kingdom and Jesus Christ in Rome.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The promised power and the Jerusalem church
Acts 1:1–2:47FocusWitness begins
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
interpretation Witness and opposition in Jerusalem
Acts 3:1–7:60FocusBoldness, order, and rejection
Connection to the wholePublic testimony and growth are accompanied by internal needs and increasing opposition, culminating in Stephen's death.
interpretation The witness moves outward
Acts 8:1–12:25FocusSamaria, Saul, and Gentile hearers
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
interpretation Mission and the Gentile question
Acts 13:1–15:35FocusChurches established and the council
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
interpretation Further journeys and growing churches
Acts 15:36–21:16FocusStrengthening and expanding witness
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
interpretation FocusTestimony through imprisonment
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.