Chapter Summary

The landing at Melita. Miracle of the viper's bite. Healing of Publius' father. Paul's arrival at Rome and his ministry there to the Jews. Paul turns to the Gentiles.

Discussion Questions for Acts, Chapter 28

1. What is the significance of Paul being bitten by a "viper" (HCSB) and yet not suffering harm? In what ways do signs, wonders, and miracles help confirm God's message and power to non-believers? How have you seen these in your own life?
2. Why do you think the people of "Malta" (HCSB) were friendly and welcoming? How does this differ from Paul's experience in Thessalonica and other missionary journeys? What does this say about how different cultures react to foreigners?
3. What role did hospitality play in this chapter? In what ways is hospitality still important in your culture, and how you engage lost people? In what ways could you improve or broaden your hospitality?
4. How does the ministry of "healing" from Paul correspond with the ministry of healing of Jesus? In what ways does medical healing affirm the power and presence of God's message? In what way might you have experienced (in your life or others) a medical healing that revealed God's presence?
5. Why are the geographical and historical details from Luke so important for this passage? Why do you think the Bible includes so many specific details? How do these kinds of details help you understand and believe the Bible better?
6. How does Paul's journey reflect his commitment to the Great Commission and his desire to see all nations come to know Jesus? In what ways does his commitment through suffering motivate you to be obedient in your own life?
7. Describe the reception Paul received from his fellow believers. Why do you think this would be so meaningful? What does this say about the value of community amongst the early church?
8. Why do you think Paul addressed the Jewish leaders in Rome first? What does this teach us about effective ways to reach out to different cultures?
9. How did Paul try to "persuade" (HCSB) the Jews to believe in Jesus? Why do you think the Old Testament is so important in evangelism? In what ways might you personally use the Old Testament to testify about Jesus?
10. Why do you think the book of Acts ends so abruptly? Is it important to know more of the historical context? Why or why not? What does the abrupt ending to Paul's journey teach us about the Word of God?

Key Words/Phrase

Healing (v. 9) and teaching (v. 31).

Characters

Jesus, Holy Spirit, Paul, Publius, Captain, Centurion, soldier, Caesar, Moses.

Strong Verse(s)

25, 26, 27, 28.