Acts 28:1-16
Paul and his companions were shipwrecked on the island of Malta around 58 AD, but all survived. Despite cold and rain, the locals showed kindness by building a fire. As Paul helped, a viper bit him. The locals assumed he was a criminal being punished by fate, but when he remained unharmed, they changed their minds and called him a god. This shift highlights how quickly people judge based on appearances. The lesson drawn is to avoid snap judgments and instead use wisdom and discernment, as taught in Scripture (John 7:24, Proverbs 18:13, 22:3, 27:12).
Paul then healed the father of Publius, the island’s chief official, and many others. These healings mirror Jesus’ ministry (Luke 4:38–40) and demonstrate Jesus’ promise that believers would do similar works (John 14:12). According to tradition, Publius became the first bishop of Malta, and Christian artifacts from centuries later confirm a Christian presence.
After wintering on the island, Paul resumed his journey toward Rome. His route matches historical Roman grain trade paths. When he arrived in Italy, he was greeted by believers, showing that the Gospel had already reached Rome, likely through earlier converts. Paul had even written his letter to the Roman church years before.
In Rome, Paul was placed under house arrest with a guard but allowed visitors and continued preaching. He wrote several New Testament letters during this time. The guards chained to him—members of the elite Praetorian Guard—were exposed to the Gospel and impacted by it (Philippians 1:13).
The message concludes with three key points: First, trust God during hardship. Challenges may not mean you’re off-track but could be part of His plan (Romans 8:28). Second, you can serve God in any circumstance, just as Paul did while imprisoned. Third, true value isn’t found in fame or wealth but in God’s infinite, personal love. You are deeply loved by God, not as part of a group, but uniquely, as if you were the only person in the universe. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of that love.
English 
Português