Acts 28: Shipwreck, Viper, and the Unhindered Gospel

Discover the dramatic climax of the Book of Acts! After miraculously surviving a ferocious storm and shipwreck, Paul and 275 others land safely on Malta (Melita), where they are shown remarkable kindness by the islanders. But the journey is not over: in a terrifying display of spiritual warfare, Paul is struck by a venomous viper that fastens onto his hand. Witness the shocking moment where Paul simply shakes the beast into the fire and suffers no harm, providing a direct and powerful fulfilment of Jesus's promise of supernatural protection. This powerful sign immediately opens the door to an island-wide miraculous healing ministry, starting with the high-profile miracle of healing the chief man’s father from fever and dysentery through prayer and the laying on of hands. Trace Paul's final journey to Rome, where, despite being a prisoner chained to a guard, he turns his confinement into a strategic pulpit. He preaches the Kingdom of God and the hope of Israel for a full day, leading to an inevitable division among the listeners and a landmark declaration that the salvation message will go forth to the Gentiles. Finally, explore the book's triumphant conclusion: Paul's ministry continues for two whole years, demonstrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by opposition, prison, or physical circumstances—the gospel advances completely unhindered. This study will challenge you to see your limitations as the very platform God wants to use for His glory, ensuring you take away practical application for sharing the hope of Jesus right where you are.

THE SHIPWRECK: Divine Wisdom vs. Deadly Storm

Experience the incredible true story of Acts Chapter 27, a dramatic eyewitness account of Apostle Paul's perilous voyage to Rome, where the path of God's will immediately meets the path of resistance. Though traveling in chains as a prisoner, Paul steps forward with a prophetic warning that this journey will bring "hurt and much damage" not only to the ship and cargo, but also to their very lives. Witness the critical mistake made when Centurion Julius ignores this divine insight, choosing instead to trust the professional judgement of the ship's master and owner. Not long after, they are struck by the violent, northeasterly hurricane-force wind called Euroclydon, leading to a shocking loss of control and eventual loss of all hope among the 276 souls aboard. Discover how, in the darkest hour, Paul rises to speak a supernatural word of hope received directly from an angel, confirming that God's purpose cannot be stopped, and every life will be saved. This episode is a masterclass in God's sovereignty that challenges us to ask: do we trust worldly expertise, or the higher wisdom of God?. Learn the profound theological lesson that God requires our obedient cooperation even when His deliverance is sovereignly promised, resulting in a triumphant ending where every person escapes all safe to land.

HIGH-STAKES DEFENSE BEFORE KINGS!

Tune in for a gripping and unprecedented look at Acts Chapter 26, where the Apostle Paul stands as a prisoner before the highest authorities: King Herod Agrippa II, Governor Festus, and Bernice. Far from being a cowering defendant, Paul delivers a masterclass in diplomacy and evangelism, speaking with confidence and authority, even stretching forth his hand like an ancient orator. Discover the shocking details of his past as a former insider—a zealot belonging to the "most straitest sect" of the Pharisees who was "exceedingly mad" against believers, actively pursuing them to force them to blaspheme and consenting to their execution. The true centerpiece of his testimony is the miraculous, life-altering Damascus Road encounter: a light "above the brightness of the sun" and the direct voice of the risen Christ commanding him to stand.

SUPERNATURAL TRUTH & THE CORE CHALLENGE

Paul masterfully re-frames his entire case, declaring he is on trial not for a crime, but for "the hope of the promise" made to the Jewish fathers—the central hope of the Messiah and The Resurrection. We analyze the moment of dramatic tension when the Roman governor Festus shouts that Paul is mad, attributing his powerful rhetoric to "much learning". Paul’s calm and firm response declares his words to be "truth and soberness," appealing to the fact that these events "were not done in a corner". Finally, witness Paul's unrivaled boldness as he backs King Agrippa into a corner with a direct challenge regarding his belief in the prophets. Hear the infamous line, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" and examine Paul's breathtaking reply—a profound wish for everyone in the room to experience the same total salvation he had, "except these bonds". This episode is a powerful demonstration that salvation is a supernatural deliverance from the power of Satan to God, and proof that God uses imprisonment and injustice to advance His SOVEREIGN PLAN.