They learned the island was called Malta. The native people were kind and welcomed them. Paul gathered sticks for fire and a viper bit him on the hand. The people assumed this was justice for being a murderer, but he shook the creature off into the fire and didn’t suffer any harm, and they changed their minds and said Paul was a god. The land belonged to Publius who was hospitable. Plubius’ father was ill, Paul visited, prayed and healed him. Other people came from the island and he healed them. After 3 months they set sail on a ship of Alexandria for Rome (with the twin gods – sons of Zeus – as a figurehead). They landed at Syracuse, then up to Rhegium, Puteoli and were invited to stay there with brothers (Christians). They came to Rome. The brothers there heard about them and came to meet them. Paul saw them and thanked God and took courage. Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him. Paul called the local leaders of the Jews together and he explained what had happened and that he wasn’t guilty of the charges from the Jews. The Romans were going to set him free, but the Jews objected so he appealed to Caesar. He’s talking with them because of the hope of Israel that he’s wearing his chains (Jesus is that hope!). The Judean Jews sent no letters, and they wanted to hear his views about the Christian sect. They came to Paul’s lodging in great numbers and from morning to evening he expounded (expositionally preached) to them, testifying to the kingdom of God trying to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some were convinced and others disbelieved. He quoted Isaiah to them, “They will hear but never understand, this people’s hearths grown dull. If they would hear and see and understand and turn God would heal them.” He said, “Let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” Paul lived there 2 years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
God fulfilled His promise that Paul would make it to Rome. And even though in chains, Paul preached freely there for 2 years. Notice that Paul is constantly preaching the Bible. Explaining Jesus from the Jewish Scriptures (our Old Testament). He goes to the Jews first, but once they reject Christ he goes to the Gentiles. Jesus is the only hope of salvation for the nations. It constantly seems that death will win. From the shipwreck in the storm, to meeting native people, to being bitten by a snake. The circumstances never seemed to be in Paul’s favor to make it to Rome, but God preserved Him to fulfill His promise. Praise God that on the other side of the world and over 2,000 years later we are able to hear of this message of the gospel. Praise God that Christ is true, and that there is a real salvation by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. And praise God that His Word will never pass away. Preserve us by Your Word, Lord.