Acts of the Apostles bible study chapters 22 through 28

            Here is the concluding part of the book of the Acts of the Apostles, this showing Paul going through various hearings, giving the testimony of his conversion, and then his missionary journey to Rome, where he would eventually be martyred after the events of the book of Acts conclude, but not before having an effective ministry in Rome. Here is a link to the previous seven chapters, 15 through 21

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In chapter 22 he indeed does make his testimony to the Jews who were persecuting him, a big crowd. They listened up until a point, then enraged about him being sent to the gentiles. This time being a Roman citizen saved Paul from being beaten by the Romans, who disallow this beating of their own citizens to find out why the Jews were so accusing him

(Acts 22:1)  "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you."

(Acts 22:2)  And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

(Acts 22:3)  "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.

(Acts 22:4)  I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,

(Acts 22:5)  as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

(Acts 22:6)  "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.

(Acts 22:7)  And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'

(Acts 22:8)  And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'

(Acts 22:9)  Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.

(Acts 22:10)  And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'

(Acts 22:11)  And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

(Acts 22:12)  "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

(Acts 22:13)  came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him.

(Acts 22:14)  And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth;

(Acts 22:15)  for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.

(Acts 22:16)  And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'

(Acts 22:17)  "When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

(Acts 22:18)  and saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.'

(Acts 22:19)  And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you.

(Acts 22:20)  And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.'

(Acts 22:21)  And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"

(Acts 22:22)  Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live."

(Acts 22:23)  And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air,

(Acts 22:24)  the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this.

(Acts 22:25)  But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?"

(Acts 22:26)  When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen."

(Acts 22:27)  So the tribune came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" And he said, "Yes."

(Acts 22:28)  The tribune answered, "I bought this citizenship for a large sum." Paul said, "But I am a citizen by birth."

(Acts 22:29)  So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

(Acts 22:30)  But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

In chapter 23 then Paul has a hearing before the Pharisees and Sadducees, then Jesus tells Paul that he must testify about Jesus in Rome. The Jews then plot to kill Paul but he is protected and promised to be given a hearing before Felix on the charges that the Jews have brought against Paul

(Acts 23:1)  And looking intently at the council, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day."

(Acts 23:2)  And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

(Acts 23:3)  Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?"

(Acts 23:4)  Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God's high priest?"

(Acts 23:5)  And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

(Acts 23:6)  Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial."

(Acts 23:7)  And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

(Acts 23:8)  For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.

(Acts 23:9)  Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, "We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?"

(Acts 23:10)  And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

(Acts 23:11)  The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."

(Acts 23:12)  When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

(Acts 23:13)  There were more than forty who made this conspiracy.

(Acts 23:14)  They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul.

(Acts 23:15)  Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near."

(Acts 23:16)  Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

(Acts 23:17)  Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him."

(Acts 23:18)  So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, "Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you."

(Acts 23:19)  The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

(Acts 23:20)  And he said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him.

(Acts 23:21)  But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent."

(Acts 23:22)  So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of these things."

(Acts 23:23)  Then he called two of the centurions and said, "Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.

(Acts 23:24)  Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor."

(Acts 23:25)  And he wrote a letter to this effect:

(Acts 23:26)  "Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.

(Acts 23:27)  This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen.

(Acts 23:28)  And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council.

(Acts 23:29)  I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.

(Acts 23:30)  And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him."

(Acts 23:31)  So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.

(Acts 23:32)  And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him.

(Acts 23:33)  When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him.

(Acts 23:34)  On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia,

(Acts 23:35)  he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.

In chapter 24 there are hearings but little is really decided on, then they decide to wait, but Paul is kept in prison to please the Jews

(Acts 24:1)  And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.

(Acts 24:2)  And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation,

(Acts 24:3)  in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.

(Acts 24:4)  But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.

(Acts 24:5)  For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

(Acts 24:6)  He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him [and we would have judged him according to our law.]

(Acts 24:7)  [But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands,]

(Acts 24:8)  [commanding his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him."

(Acts 24:9)  The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

(Acts 24:10)  And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.

(Acts 24:11)  You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,

(Acts 24:12)  and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city.

(Acts 24:13)  Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.

(Acts 24:14)  But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

(Acts 24:15)  having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

(Acts 24:16)  So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.

(Acts 24:17)  Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.

(Acts 24:18)  While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia--

(Acts 24:19)  they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me.

(Acts 24:20)  Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,

(Acts 24:21)  other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'"

(Acts 24:22)  But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case."

(Acts 24:23)  Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

(Acts 24:24)  After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

(Acts 24:25)  And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you."

(Acts 24:26)  At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.

(Acts 24:27)  When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

More hearings are held which are about Paul and his Jewish accusers. Here also Paul makes his appeal to Caesar his right as a Roman citizen, to fulfill Jesus command for Paul to testify about Him in Rome, given in Acts 23:

(Acts 25:1)  Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

(Acts 25:2)  And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him,

(Acts 25:3)  asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem--because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.

(Acts 25:4)  Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.

(Acts 25:5)  "So," said he, "let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him."

(Acts 25:6)  After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.

(Acts 25:7)  When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.

(Acts 25:8)  Paul argued in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense."

(Acts 25:9)  But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?"

(Acts 25:10)  But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.

(Acts 25:11)  If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar."

(Acts 25:12)  Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, "To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go."

(Acts 25:13)  Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.

(Acts 25:14)  And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix,

(Acts 25:15)  and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.

(Acts 25:16)  I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.

(Acts 25:17)  So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.

(Acts 25:18)  When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.

(Acts 25:19)  Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.

(Acts 25:20)  Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.

(Acts 25:21)  But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar."

(Acts 25:22)  Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," said he, "you will hear him."

(Acts 25:23)  So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

(Acts 25:24)  And Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.

(Acts 25:25)  But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.

(Acts 25:26)  But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write.

(Acts 25:27)  For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him."

Paul’s hearing with Agrippa is then held, where Paul is allowed to speak for himself and again shares the testimony of his conversion and in doing so very nearly persuades Agrippa to be a Christian himself, and Agrippa says that Paul would have been set free had he not appealed to Caesar, however it was God’s will in Paul’s life for him to go to Rome, as Jesus Himself said to Paul in chapter 23

(Acts 26:1)  So Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

(Acts 26:2)  "I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,

(Acts 26:3)  especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

(Acts 26:4)  "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.

(Acts 26:5)  They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.

(Acts 26:6)  And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,

(Acts 26:7)  to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!

(Acts 26:8)  Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

(Acts 26:9)  "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

(Acts 26:10)  And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.

(Acts 26:11)  And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

(Acts 26:12)  "In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.

(Acts 26:13)  At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.

(Acts 26:14)  And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

(Acts 26:15)  And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

(Acts 26:16)  But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,

(Acts 26:17)  delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you

(Acts 26:18)  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

(Acts 26:19)  "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

(Acts 26:20)  but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

(Acts 26:21)  For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

(Acts 26:22)  To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:

(Acts 26:23)  that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."

(Acts 26:24)  And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind."

(Acts 26:25)  But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.

(Acts 26:26)  For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.

(Acts 26:27)  King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."

(Acts 26:28)  And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?"

(Acts 26:29)  And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am--except for these chains."

(Acts 26:30)  Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.

(Acts 26:31)  And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, "This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment."

(Acts 26:32)  And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

Chapter 27 starts Paul’s actual sea journey to Rome where a sea storm is encountered during the voyage but everyone is saved alive and makes it to shore of an island and only the ship and its cargo is lost to the storm.

(Acts 27:1)  And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.

(Acts 27:2)  And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

(Acts 27:3)  The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.

(Acts 27:4)  And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us.

(Acts 27:5)  And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia.

(Acts 27:6)  There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board.

(Acts 27:7)  We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone.

(Acts 27:8)  Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

(Acts 27:9)  Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,

(Acts 27:10)  saying, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."

(Acts 27:11)  But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.

(Acts 27:12)  And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

(Acts 27:13)  Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore.

(Acts 27:14)  But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land.

(Acts 27:15)  And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.

(Acts 27:16)  Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat.

(Acts 27:17)  After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along.

(Acts 27:18)  Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo.

(Acts 27:19)  And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands.

(Acts 27:20)  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

(Acts 27:21)  Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss.

(Acts 27:22)  Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

(Acts 27:23)  For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship,

(Acts 27:24)  and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

(Acts 27:25)  So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.

(Acts 27:26)  But we must run aground on some island."

(Acts 27:27)  When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land.

(Acts 27:28)  So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.

(Acts 27:29)  And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.

(Acts 27:30)  And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow,

(Acts 27:31)  Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved."

(Acts 27:32)  Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.

(Acts 27:33)  As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing.

(Acts 27:34)  Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you."

(Acts 27:35)  And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.

(Acts 27:36)  Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.

(Acts 27:37)  (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.)

(Acts 27:38)  And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

(Acts 27:39)  Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore.

(Acts 27:40)  So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach.

(Acts 27:41)  But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.

(Acts 27:42)  The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape.

(Acts 27:43)  But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land,

(Acts 27:44)  and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

In chapter 28, they find safe haven in Malta where they stay for a while, some miracles and healings happen before Paul then completes his journey and ends up in Rome. The Jews there then have a decidedly mixed response to Paul’s message, some believing and some not, so Paul then turns to the gentiles with the message, saying that they will receive it, and continues giving the message of salvation to all comers to his house for two years

(Acts 28:1)  After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.

(Acts 28:2)  The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

(Acts 28:3)  When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.

(Acts 28:4)  When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live."

(Acts 28:5)  He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.

(Acts 28:6)  They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

(Acts 28:7)  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.

(Acts 28:8)  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.

(Acts 28:9)  And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.

(Acts 28:10)  They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

(Acts 28:11)  After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead.

(Acts 28:12)  Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.

(Acts 28:13)  And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.

(Acts 28:14)  There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.

(Acts 28:15)  And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

(Acts 28:16)  And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.

(Acts 28:17)  After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

(Acts 28:18)  When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.

(Acts 28:19)  But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar--though I had no charge to bring against my nation.

(Acts 28:20)  For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain."

(Acts 28:21)  And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.

(Acts 28:22)  But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against."

(Acts 28:23)  When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

(Acts 28:24)  And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

(Acts 28:25)  And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

(Acts 28:26)  "'Go to this people, and say, You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.

(Acts 28:27)  For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'

(Acts 28:28)  Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."

(Acts 28:29)  [And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves.]

(Acts 28:30)  He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,

(Acts 28:31)  proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

The mercy of God is shown here, for much was accomplished in getting people saved in those years of the early church which are chronicled in the book of Acts. God is no different today than He was then because He never changes, using people to give the message so that other people hear the message and then can come to Christ. God shows His mercy, love, and grace in many varied ways in this entire book, a history of the early church and Paul’s missionary journeys up to his time in Rome. If you are feeling convicted and convinced I am now giving you the opportunity to come to Christ today yourself for there is no guarantee of tomorrow. If you have fallen away he will welcome you back too when you repent. In either case please pray this following prayer with me:

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.

God bless you and yours