Acts 28: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 28 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

After escaping shipwreck, Paul and the others arrive on Malta, where the natives show them uncommon kindness (vv. 1-2). As Paul gathers sticks, a viper bites him, but he suffers no harm, leading the natives to believe he is a god (vv.

Key verse

“Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him, preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.”
Acts 28:30-31 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 28:1–6 Arrival on Malta and Paul’s Survival
Acts 28:7–10 Healing on Malta
Acts 28:11–16 Journey to Rome Begins
Acts 28:17–22 Paul Addresses Jewish Leaders
Acts 28:23–28 Testimony and Rejection
Acts 28:29–31 Paul’s Continued Ministry

Discussion questions

In v6, why do the natives change their minds about Paul's fate?
What happens to Publius' father in vv. 8-9 when Paul visits him?
Paul's mention of chains in v20: what does this imply about his view of suffering?
The phrase 'the hope of Israel' in v20: how does this connect to Paul's mission?
When have you felt God's protection in a challenging situation like Paul's viper encounter?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 28: Mark 8, Luke 10, Isaiah 6.

Before next time: read Romans 1.