Bible Study: September 24, 2020

Acts 28

Paul arrives in Rome after being Shipwrecked in Malta

October, 2020

Our Weekly Bible Study begins with us reading the assigned scripture ahead of time and preparing our hearts for study and discussion. When we meet (virtually or in person) we first read the scripture as a group, and then take turns sharing and discussing what impacted us the most, and our general interpretation of what we read.

Making Notes as we go through Bible Study is always encouraged, as it helps to increase our understanding of what we have read, and also allows us to become more comfortable and familiar with the Bible.

To make participation easier and more memorable for our younger children, we will include a link to Storybook Bible images of the readings whenever these are available.

This week’s virtual Bible Study focused on Acts 28, the final chapter in our study on the Book of Acts. After praying and reading through the chapters, we discussed the verses at length, and shared our personal views on what we had read.

Themes in this Chapter:

God’s provision
Resisting evil
The providence of God
Judgement without basis

Verse 2: Paul and his shipmates were shown “unusual kindness” by the natives of the island of Malta where they were shipwrecked. This is clearly the result of God’s provision as it is unlikely that the natives would have shown such hospitality to a large number of potentially dangerous prisoners and their guards.

Verse 3: A viper attaches itself to Paul’s hand. As a believer, it is important to realize that evil will always present itself where good is being done.

Verse 4: The natives formed opinions on Paul’s character without having all the details. First they assumed Paul was a murderer without having any evidence, and then they completely reversed their position only moments later and viewed him as a god. The Bible warns us repeatedly not to judge. Judgement is not our job, it is reserved for the Lord.

Verse 5: We must resist the devil. We must shake him off as Paul does with the viper. (Ref. James 4:7- “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”.)

Verse 8: God’s providence- The Lord intimately foreknew all the lives and needs involved in this situation. As such, he ordained circumstances so that Paul’s ship ended up in a place where he could bring hope, healing and the gospel. The natives were also repaid for their kindness to Paul by having their leader’s father healed.

Verses 14-15: Paul meets brethren in the faith. Encountering and fellowshipping with brothers and sisters in Christ along your journey can be an uplifting and spiritually rewarding experience. Iron sharpens iron. (Ref Proverbs 27:17).

Verse 16: Paul was once again granted favour. We see further evidence of God’s provision; His providence.

Verses 23-24: Paul went through the Gospel and the Law of Moses and the Prophets, spending all day testifying. Some believed, and others, despite all the evidence presented, did not.

Verses 26-27: Paul refers to the words of the Holy Spirit spoken through Isaiah the Prophet- He warns that many people’s hearts have become so hardened that the Word of God will have no effect on them, they will hear and not understand and see and not believe. We must carefully and relentlessly guard our own hearts against hardening.

Verse 31: The importance of God’s Assignment- Although Paul was in confinement, he remained faithful to God’s assignment.

As you read through this week’s Bible passage, ask yourself:

What are MY thoughts on what I am reading?

How can I apply this to MY life?

Blessings!