Acts 28 covers Paul’s shipwreck on Malta, his ministry there, and his arrival in Rome, where he spends two years preaching the kingdom of God. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Each set moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily life, so a leader can use them without preparing a separate summary.
Acts 28 at a Glance
The chapter opens on the island of Malta, where the islanders show unusual kindness to the shipwrecked travelers. Paul is bitten by a viper and survives, and he heals the father of Publius and others on the island. The journey then continues by ship to Italy, and believers in Rome come out to meet Paul along the road.
In Rome, Paul calls together the local Jewish leaders and explains why he has come as a prisoner. Some are persuaded and some are not, and Paul closes with a quotation from Isaiah and a declaration that God’s salvation is being sent to the nations. The chapter ends with Paul preaching freely for two years from his rented house.
Observation Questions
Use these questions early in the session to make sure everyone has read the chapter closely. Ask group members to point to the verses before anyone offers an interpretation, and let the answers stay close to the words on the page.
Acts 28:2
The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
(WEB)
Read this to begin the session and to set the tone of generous hospitality. It introduces the chapter’s theme of kindness shown by people who had no obligation to help.
Acts 28:8-9
8 The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. 9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.
(WEB)
This passage shows prayer and healing working together on the island. Reading it aloud helps the group see Paul as an instrument of God’s compassion rather than the source of the power.
Acts 28:15
From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.
(WEB)
The believers travel to meet Paul, and he responds with thanksgiving and courage. Reading this slows the group down to notice how encouragement among believers strengthens faith.
Acts 28:20
For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
(WEB)
Paul names the hope of Israel as the reason for his chain, which ties the whole chapter together. Reading it aloud helps the group see that his suffering is connected to his message.
Acts 28:30-31
30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him, 31 preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
(WEB)
Read this last to close the study on the note Luke leaves behind. The image of open, unhindered preaching gives the group a hopeful picture of the gospel moving forward.
Memory Verse for Acts 28
Acts 28:31
Preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
(WEB)
This verse sums up the chapter’s final picture of boldness and clear teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. Encourage the group to repeat it together and to think about one way they can speak about Jesus with the same openness this week.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that the gospel went forward in Malta and in Rome through people who trusted you in hardship. Give us the same hospitality toward strangers, the same steadiness when we are misunderstood, and the same boldness when we speak of Jesus. Where we are restricted or weary, remind us that your word is not held back. Help us to listen well to one another and to act on what we have learned today. Keep our hearts open to your kingdom and our words faithful to your truth. Amen.
