KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING

• Map: Follow Paul's journey from Malta (also called Melita) to Rome. Observe on the map the wavy lines indicating when they were in the storm.
  
• Imprisonment: The charges against Paul were general and insignificant from a Roman viewpoint. It is likely, too, that the centurion reported Paul's behavior on the journey. All of this may account for the fact that he was not kept in an ordinary prison, but was allowed to rent his own house. However, he was chained to a soldier at all times, day and night.
  
• Books written:   During this imprisonment Paul wrote 4 books of the New Testament: Ephesians Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. In these he speaks often of his bonds (chains) and at least once of his guards. Read these letters.
  

CONTENTS OF THE CHAPTER

When the victims of the shipwreck had gotten ashore, they learned that they were on the island of Malta (Melita). The inhabitants treated them kindly, but when they saw Paul bitten by a poisonous snake, they assumed that he was a dangerous criminal who had escaped the sea but now was receiving what Justice demanded.  However, when he did not even swell they changed their minds and decided he was a god. They were further impressed when Paul healed the father of the chief man of the island as well as others.
After 3 months they were able to leave the island for Rome. Along the way they visited with brethren and some from Rome came to meet Paul.
In Rome Paul was allowed to remain in his own rented house, chained to a soldier. This allowed him freedom to do much teaching and writing. He even invited prominent Jews in the city to come to him so he could inform them that he was not in Rome to accuse his fellow-Jews or to cause them trouble, but to defend his faith in Christ. He took opportunity to preach to them and some believed.  He taught many others as well as he had opportunity.

NOW READ ACTS CHAPTER 28 CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

QUESTIONS
1. Have you read Acts, chapter 28? Yes ______ No ________
2. When the viper bit Paul, Paul felt and suffered no ____________.
3. The chief official of the island was named _________ and Paul healed his father.
4. The people of the island _____________ Paul and his companions and supplied their needs as they left.
5. Paul found some brethren in ______________ and remained with them 7 days.
6. When Paul saw the brethren who came from Rome, he ______ God and _______ __________.
7. Paul told the Jews in Rome that he was bound with his chain for the _______ of Israel.
8. When the Jews came to hear Paul's teaching, he explained the kingdom of God from ______ till  ___________.
9. When some of the Jews believed and some disbelieved, Paul quoted a passage from _______ the prophet.
10. For ____ whole years, Paul remained in his own rented house and _____ all who came to him, preaching the ________ of God and teaching about ___________.