A couple years earlier, God had promised Paul, “As you have testified to the facts about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (23:11). It hadn’t been easy, and there are more troubles ahead, but in Acts 28, the last chapter of this thrilling book, Paul finally arrives at his destination. He and 275 other passengers had left Israel on their way to Italy, until they ran into a storm and were shipwrecked on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. No doubt, all are exhausted, cold, and wet, but the kind people of Malta help them out of the water, bring them safely to shore, and build a fire to keep them warm. Then as Paul helps gather sticks, he encounters a deadly snake that fastens onto his hand! Knowing that Paul is a prisoner whose ship had run aground by a storm, the islanders jump to the conclusion that he is a murderer and justice has finally caught up to him. But when Paul suffers no harm, they change their minds: this is no criminal, this is a god! The truth, of course, was at neither extreme. Paul was a humble servant, protected from harm by the gracious will of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (v 1-6). While on the island, Paul prays for the sick and many are healed of their diseases. After two years of incarceration, this time of ministry on the island must have brought great joy to Paul, along with great blessing to the people. Through their thoughtful generosity, the Lord provides all the supplies needed for the journey to continue (v 7-10). Luke provides another detailed description of the trip, and how the believers at Rome come out to welcome them and escort them back to their city. It was a simple gesture on their part, but it was a sincere act of practical love, and Paul is encouraged and strengthened, giving thanks to God (v 11-16). Paul has come to Rome in chains, awaiting his trial before the emperor. But he has shown no violent behavior and poses no risk of flight, so he is placed under minimum security detail or “house arrest.” For twenty-four hours a day, Paul is chained to a Roman guard. Changing shifts every four hours, six different men are daily given the privilege of hearing the gospel from God’s anointed messenger! In addition, Paul invites the Jewish leaders in Rome to come and hear his story. All day long, he takes them through the pages of God’s Word, trying to persuade them that Jesus truly is “the hope of Israel.” Some believe; others would not. Quoting Isaiah, Paul rebukes them for their hardness of heart, proclaiming that God’s salvation must now be shared with the Gentiles, who will listen. And this mission is still ours today (v 17-30). For further meditation: