God Gives us an Act to Follow (Acts 28: 1-31)

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Welcome to Today's Episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast

In today's episode, we  begin our wrap up our journey through the book of Acts with an exploration of Acts 28:1-31. This powerful conclusion to Paul's incredible story offers lessons about true servanthood, humility, and faithfulness to God's purpose.

We live in a world that often confuses celebrity with heroism, but the truth is, what we need are examples—faithful people whose lives model godliness in action. Paul serves as one such example, showing us that greatness in God's kingdom often begins with simple acts of service, like gathering sticks for a fire. His story in Acts 28 teaches us key lessons about humility, using God-given gifts to serve others, and cultivating a spirit of gratitude.

As we follow Paul's journey from shipwreck on Malta to his arrival in Rome, we witness a servant of God who is unwavering in his mission despite trials and adversity. Whether healing the sick, enduring confinement, or preaching the gospel to anyone who would listen, Paul demonstrates what it means to be faithful to God's call. His story reminds us that servanthood isn't about recognition—it's about meeting needs with love and humility.

Join us as we delve into:

• Paul's example of humble service in Malta.
• The importance of using our gifts to help others.
• The power of gratitude in a servant's life.
• Paul's tireless proclamation of the kingdom of God, even while under house arrest.

Listen and be encouraged by the faithfulness of Paul and the enduring hope of the gospel. As we conclude our study of Acts, let us reflect on how we can follow Paul's example of godly service in our own lives.

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• 9:39 (Cont.) God Gives us an Act to Follow (Acts 28: 1-31)

Transcript

God Gives us an Example to Follow. (Acts 28:1-31)

Transcript:

 We live in a time when heroes seem to be in short supply. In their place, we have celebrities. 

Often one of these celebrities or influencers is lifted up as a sort of hero to be emulated, particularly for young people. More and more as I have looked at the world we now live in I less think we less need heroes, instead we should be satisfied with find good examples.

A hero is someone who does something extraordinary. An example is someone whose life shows us what we should do. Heroes inspire in ways most of us can’t really hope to emulate.

Examples invite us to follow. What we truly need are Godly biblical inspired people whose lives can serve as role models—not just for children, but for adults as well.

Learning, in any form, requires modeling. That’s why we call someone learning a trade an apprentice—they follow the example of a master craftsman. This principle applies not only to skills and professions but also to our spiritual lives.

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as our ultimate example. But it also acknowledges the importance of human mentors.

The Apostle Paul desires he says in 1 Timothy 1 to be a pattern for those who would believe what he believes. Additionally, Scripture calls spiritual leaders to be examples for the flock (1 Peter 5:3). The Bible emphasizes the need for people to show us what godliness looks like in action, and among such human models, Paul stands out.

But what makes Paul such a compelling example for us to emulate?

Of all his virtues, one for me rises to the top, his humility.

Paul considered himself a servant. At the beginning of many of his letters, he identifies himself not just as an apostle but as a servant of Jesus Christ. Servanthood is central to his example.

Jesus Himself, the supreme model of servanthood, embodies this role also.

In the Gospel of Matthew, He is portrayed as the King of Israel, but also particularly in the gospel of Mark, He is presented as a servant. Both Christ and Paul offer us a living pattern of what it means to serve.

So what does servanthood look like in practice?....

Since we’ve been studying the book of Acts, let’s examine the final chapter. 

Paul is on his way to Rome, and even as a prisoner, he continues to serve. Turn with me to Acts 28, beginning in verse 1.

1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

(Acts 28: 1-6)

Let’s pause here and consider the scene.

If you’ve been following this series, you’ll recall that in Acts 27, Paul and his companions were caught in a violent storm that drove their ship far off course. When they finally ran aground, they now discover they were on the island of Malta. Cold, drenched, and exhausted, the survivors built a fire, helped by the kindness of the islanders.

He's a little thing that could easily be missed but stands out for me. Paul is seen to gather a bundle of sticks.

Here is the great Apostle Paul—one of the most influential figures in the history of the Church—collecting firewood. He wasn’t above doing the simple, humble task of gathering sticks to help keep the fire burning.

Then we see that as he placed the wood on the fire, a snake, driven out by the heat, bit his hand. The islanders assumed this meant he must be an evil cursed by fate, and expect him to drop dead. But when Paul shook the snake into the fire and remained unharmed, their opinion of him then immediately flipped, saying he must be a god!

What a shift—from condemned criminal, to thinking he is a divine being—in just a few moments!

But don’t miss the big point buried in this little drama is a remarkable glimpse into Paul’s character. His humble service offers us a vivid example of true servanthood. 

As we continue to explore this chapter, we’ll see more of Paul’s example in action. 

From earlier in Acts we know that God had already declared Paul would reach Rome to fulfill His purposes.

Nothing, not shipwrecks, storms, or even a venomous snake could derail that divine plan. 

Genuine servants are willing to do the unseen, unglamorous work. 

In contrast, pride makes some people think they are “too important” for such things. Paul, however, shows us that a servant’s heart is marked by humility and willingness.

Paul’s example in Acts reminds us that no task is too small for those who follow Christ. Servants of God should, willingly pick up sticks.

The passage continues with Paul serving in another way, healing the sick. 

7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

(Acts 28: 7-10)

These verses show how Paul prayed over and healed Publius’ father, who was suffering from fever and dysentery. Word of this miracle spread, and soon many others on the island came to Paul for healing. 

So again, Paul demonstrates another aspect of servanthood: using the gifts God gives us to meet the physical needs of others.

Now, we might wonder, “Does this mean we should all perform miraculous healings?” Not exactly. The healing ministry was a certainly a sign of Paul’s apostleship (as he himself notes in 2 Corinthians 12:12). 

However, the principle remains, miraculous as well as practical, servanthood involves meeting people’s tangible needs.

In our context, this could mean visiting the sick, preparing meals, or simply offering a listening ear. Whether or not we have miraculous gifts, God still calls us all to use whatever abilities we possess to serve others in love.

Luke, the author of Acts, includes himself in this narrative, indicating that he, too, was involved in caring for the sick. His training as a physician would have complemented Paul’s miraculous work. 

Together, they embodied what we would today call holistic ministry, both supernatural and practical care.

The islanders honored Paul and his companions, providing the provisions they needed for the next leg of their journey. 

This underscores a third trait of servanthood that Paul exemplifies—gratitude. 

Paul’s Arrival at Rome.

11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. 13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

(Acts 28: 11-16)

When he finally reached Rome, he met fellow believers and thanked God for their encouragement.

Gratitude is an essential characteristic of a servant’s heart. Paul continually gave thanks—to God for His faithfulness and to people for their kindness. 

But how often do we neglect this attitude of thankfulness? 

Like the ten lepers Jesus healed, only one returned to express gratitude (Luke 17:11–19). Too many of us forget to thank God for His daily blessings. True servants cultivate a spirit of thankfulness—first for the grace we receive in Christ and then for the countless ways He meets our needs through others.

I recently heard a sermon from a pastor who shared a clever take on the story of the ten lepers, highlighting possible excuses they might have made for not thanking Jesus. 

1.   One might have wanted to wait and see if the healing was real. 

2.   Another may have decided to hold off to ensure it would last. 

3.   Perhaps one planned to thank Jesus later but got distracted. 

4.   Another convinced himself he never really had leprosy in the first place.

5.   Someone may have attributed his recovery to the priest.

6.   Another figured he would have gotten better anyway.

7.   Maybe one dismissed Jesus’ role altogether.

8.   Maybe on thought, “well any rabbi could have done it.”

9.   And another felt he was already improving on his own.

It’s remarkable how many ways people can avoid expressing gratitude when a simple “thank you” should be far easier. 

If you’re married, do you say thank you to your spouse? I’ve seen couples struggling in their relationships, and one common thread is that they stopped showing appreciation for one another. 

The same principle applies to children and parents—thanking each other strengthens relationships.

Paul’s example is powerful. He consistently thanked God and others, as seen in his letters. Here in Acts, he meets believers, thanks God, and is encouraged by their support.

If nothing else today, take this lesson to heart—say thank you. It’s a small gesture with great meaning.

The story in Acts continues with Paul finally arriving in Rome. 

16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. 17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people and say,

“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”

27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;

they hardly hear with their ears,

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them.’

28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [29] 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Verse 16 tells us that he was placed under house arrest, confined but allowed visitors. So, what does he do? Paul, ever purposeful, calls together the Jewish leaders. He explains his situation—how he had done nothing deserving death but had been forced to appeal to Caesar for justice. 

Paul’s words here are significant:

"It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."

Paul frequently spoke of the “hope of Israel,” a phrase pointing to the Messiah. His mission in Rome, even under confinement, was to preach the gospel. The Jewish leaders responded with curiosity, saying they hadn’t received any reports about him but had heard much about “this so called sect” (Christianity) and wanted to know more.

So they meet with Paul at his lodging and he tells them about the Kingdom of God, using the Law of Moses and the Prophets to persuade them about Jesus. From morning until evening, it says! Imagine being part of that Bible study. It must have been extraordinary.

While some interpret the Kingdom as purely spiritual, I believe Paul’s teaching, rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, points to a literal, future Kingdom established when Christ returns. Remember Jesus’ words at the Last Supper:

"I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes."

For me, this confirms that the Kingdom is still future.

The Old Testament clearly prophesies of a coming Messiah who will establish a Kingdom. The Book of Daniel  is a great place to explore this. 

The Jews of Paul’s time rightly expected a political Kingdom, and though its fulfillment awaits Christ’s return, the New Testament also reveals that the Messiah would suffer and die. Daniel 9, one of the Old Testament passages that directly uses the term "Messiah," foretells that He would be “cut off,” but not for Himself.

This dual message of suffering and triumph is central to the gospel Paul preached.

The term "cut off" in Daniel 9:26, referring to the Messiah, means to be killed—but not for His own sins. This prophecy posed a challenge for many rabbis, who struggled to reconcile the concepts of a suffering Messiah and a reigning.

Paul, however, knew the truth. When he gathered the Jewish leaders in Rome, he taught them from the Old Testament, showing how it foretold both the coming Kingdom and the suffering Messiah. He explained that Jesus fulfilled these prophecies. 

His goal was clear: to convert them by addressing their greatest spiritual need.

We see the outcome, and we are told that: "Some were persuaded by the things spoken, and some disbelieved." 

So, was Paul’s mission successful? Yes—and no. Some believed, and some didn’t. This has been a recurring theme throughout Acts: some are convinced, while others remain unconvinced. 

It’s a truth we must remember when sharing the gospel. Not everyone will believe.

Paul himself acknowledged this painful reality. In 1 Corinthians 11:19, he wrote, "There must be divisions among you so that those who are approved may be recognized." Division reveals where true faith lies.

In Acts 28:25-27, you notice the verses are indented in you bibles this is because Paul is quoting Isaiah here:

"Go to this people and say, 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’”

Paul applied Isaiah’s words to his audience standing and sitting in front of him. Some heard the truth but didn’t grasp it. They saw, but they didn’t perceive. It’s like the saying, “There are none so blind as those who will not see.” 

Spiritually, the same applies—some simply choose not to understand.

But verse 28 today marks a turning point:

"Let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!"

The Jews had repeatedly rejected the gospel, but God’s message of salvation would not be stopped. It was now going to the Gentiles, who would receive it gladly. This bold proclamation caused even greater controversy. Verse 29 describes a "great dispute" among the Jews as they left Paul’s house.

Please note, despite being under house arrest, Paul remained focused on ministry. For two years, he welcomed visitors, "preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him" (Acts 28:30-31).

During this under house arrest we also now know that Paul wrote what we now call the Prison Epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  So, his physical confinement didn’t hinder his spiritual work. 

Paul was still serving, both by preaching the gospel to the unsaved and by encouraging believers through his letters.

Paul’s example reminds us of his unbreakable commitment to the gospel. Even facing possible execution, he kept preaching and writing. His life was dedicated to serving others, whether through direct evangelism or by building up the church through his writings.

As we come to a close of our time together in the book of Acts, I hope you can reflect on what this chapter teaches us. 

It highlights many wrongs, yet in the midst of it all, we see several positive actions—Paul healed, he was thankful, and he ministered to people’s spiritual needs.

I believe these actions serve as an example of a grateful servant—an example we should strive to emulate. Paul’s life was a reflection of someone who was focused on helping others, healing the sick, and sharing the gospel.

This is what we, too, should be doing.

One of the main lessons in this chapter is that nothing can hinder God’s purpose. Throughout the narrative, we see how God’s plan continues despite obstacles. In the last chapter we saw that even a shipwreck didn’t prevent God’s purpose from being fulfilled. 

In this chapter Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake, and the people expect him to die. But nothing stops God’s plan.

Let’s remember that—nothing can hinder God’s purpose.

Despite all these challenges, nothing stopped Paul from doing what he was called to do, to  serve. He didn’t let a shipwreck stop him. He didn’t let a snakebite stop him. He shook it off.

That’s a powerful example for us to follow. No matter what came his way, Paul just kept serving.

Paul didn’t let adversity distract him. He picked up the pieces, he healed the sick, he gave thanks, he ministered to people, and when he faced obstacles—he shook it off.

He was falsely accused, beaten, shipwrecked, and bitten by a snake, but he simply shook it off and kept going. In the face of hardship, he pressed forward.

Perhaps you’ve faced wounds from others, ungratefulness, unfaithfulness, or even betrayal. Maybe you’ve been hurt, slandered, or criticized.

Just like Paul, when you face these things, shake it off and keep going. Shake off the discouragement, the criticism, the false accusations. People may doubt you, but don’t let that stop you. Shake it off and keep moving forward.

There’s a great lesson in Paul’s example. He let nothing stop him from serving the Lord. No matter what came his way, he just shook it off.

So, what’s holding you back from serving the Lord? What’s discouraging you? Well the lesson today is just shake it off and keep going.

I once read a fable about a mule who worked hard, pulling the family from field to home to town and back. One day, as the mule grew old and his sight began to fail him, he fell into a well. The farmer decided that the best thing to do was just bury him there. 

As the dirt began to fall on the mule, he was angry, thinking these ungrateful people were burying him alive. But as the dirt piled up, he shook it off and stepped up on top of it. They threw in more dirt, and he shook it off and stepped up again.

Eventually, he was back to solid ground.

That’s what I encourage you to do—when life throws dirt your way, shake it off and step up. Don’t let anything hold you back from doing what God has called you to do. Shake it off, and keep moving forward.