Podcast Summary: Back to the Bible Podcast, Episode 135: Acts 27-28

Host: Larsen B. Plyler
Date: December 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Larsen B. Plyler wraps up a year-long study of the Book of Acts by delving into chapters 27 and 28, recounting the Apostle Paul’s perilous voyage to Rome and his arrival there. The discussion is both textual and practical, highlighting the providence and faithfulness of God in the face of adversity, the historical journey itself, and the final acts of Paul's ministry as detailed by Luke.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context and Setup

• Review of Previous Chapters: Larsen revisits Paul’s defense before Herod Agrippa II (00:55), clarifying the Herodian line and its historical importance.
• Paul’s Legal Situation: Paul appeals to Caesar to avoid a deadly ambush awaiting him in Jerusalem, not merely as a legal maneuver but a matter of survival (02:00).

2. The Voyage to Rome (Acts 27)

• Travel Arrangements:

  • Paul, along with other prisoners, is entrusted to a centurion named Julius of the Augustan Cohort (03:15).
  • Sailing in the 1st century involved using commercial ships and securing passage along trade routes, not private vessels.
  • Larsen gives a practical “hand map” for visualizing the route from Caesarea to Rome (06:00).

• Storms at Sea and Paul’s Warnings:

  • Paul predicts disaster but is overruled by the ship’s crew and owners whose interests are economic (08:40).
  • When a violent wind, the “Euroclydon,” strikes, the journey quickly becomes life-threatening. “All our hope of being saved was gradually abandoned.” (Luke, read by Larsen, 12:35).

• Divine Intervention & Leadership:

  • Paul shares a message from an angel: “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar, and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.” (Paul, 13:40).
  • Larsen connects God’s promise here to earlier assurances given in Acts (15:40).

• Shipwreck and Providence:

  • After two weeks adrift, as land approaches, Paul insists that everyone stays on the ship for safety: “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” (Paul, 17:30).
  • Paul gives thanks, breaks bread, and encourages 276 people to eat and take courage (18:20).
  • The ship finally wrecks, but miraculously, all survive thanks to both divine providence and wise leadership (19:50).

3. Malta: Miracles and Hospitality (Acts 28:1-10)

• Island Reception and Miraculous Signs:
  • Islanders of Malta show “extraordinary affection” to the shipwrecked travelers (20:25).
  • Paul is bitten by a viper but suffers no harm—initially seen as a criminal, then as a god (21:00).
  • Paul heals Publius’s father and many others, earning respect and further generosity from the Maltese (22:20).

4. Journey’s End: Arrival in Rome and Paul’s Ministry (Acts 28:11-31)

• Final Leg to Rome:

  • After wintering at Malta, Paul and companions sail to Sicily and then up to Rome (23:30).
  • Paul is greeted by fellow Christians at the Appian Market and Three Inns, which encourages him greatly: “When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.” (24:15).
  • In Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest but enjoys a measure of freedom with a single guard (25:00).

• Jewish Leaders and Gospel Proclamation:

  • Paul gathers Jewish leaders, explains his situation, and defends the message of Jesus as fulfillment of the Law and Prophets (25:45).
  • The Roman Jews had heard nothing negative about Paul but are keen to hear about the “sect” (Christianity) (26:30).
  • A day of teaching leads to division: “Some were being persuaded by the things which were spoken, but others were not believing.” (27:10).
  • Larsen notes the pattern: “Some believed and some believed not”—a reflection of the broader response to the gospel.

• Isaiah’s Prophecy and the Turn to the Gentiles:

  • Paul quotes Isaiah to explain Jewish unbelief, then declares: “Let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles. They will also hear.” (28:00).

• Paul’s Ongoing Ministry:

  • For two years, Paul teaches “the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered,” even as he awaits trial before Caesar (28:45).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Journey’s Hardship:
  “All our hope of being saved was gradually abandoned.” (Luke, 12:35)

• Divine Assurance:
  “For this very night, an angel of God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar, and behold God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.” (Paul, 13:40)

• Leadership in Crisis:
  “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” (Paul, 17:30)

• Hospitality and Miracles at Malta:
  “The natives showed us extraordinary affection… Paul…laid his hands on him and healed him.” (Larsen reading Luke, 21:00–22:20)

• Encouragement at Rome:
  “When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.” (Luke, 24:15)

• Gospel’s Mixed Reception:
  “Some were being persuaded… but others were not believing.” (27:10) “Let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles. They will also hear.” (Paul, 28:00)

Important Timestamps

• 00:55 — Review of Herodian line and Paul’s legal problems
• 03:15 — Paul’s travel to Rome and use of commercial ships
• 06:00 — Route visualization and sailing method
• 08:40 — Paul’s warning dismissed, economic interests prevail
• 12:35 — Luke’s comment: hope abandoned
• 13:40 — Paul’s angelic assurance
• 17:30 — Paul demands all remain on the ship
• 18:20 — Paul gives thanks and encourages taking food
• 19:50 — Shipwreck; all are saved
• 20:25–22:20 — Snake bite, healing miracles, and respect at Malta
• 23:30–25:00 — Final journey to Rome and Paul’s house arrest
• 26:30–28:45 — Paul’s meeting with Jewish leaders, proclamation to Gentiles, and open-ended ministry

Takeaways and Reflections

• Providence and Faith: The episode underscores God’s faithfulness and providence through repeated danger and uncertainty, keeping His promise to bring Paul to Rome.
• Leadership under Adversity: Paul’s spiritual, practical, and moral leadership saves lives and wins respect, despite initially being disregarded.
• Mixed Response to the Gospel: The summary of Acts ends as the whole book has gone—some are persuaded, some reject. The gospel’s impact is universal, extending to Gentiles as well as Jews.
• Encouragement to Listeners: Larsen emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s promises and being willing to “go back to the Bible” for guidance—no matter the trials or opposition.

In Larsen’s words:
“He was bearing witness about the kingdom of God, God’s rule, God’s reign, and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets. He was trying to make the case that Jesus was indeed the fulfillment of those Old Testament promises... Some believed and some believed not. And that is the way that the sharing of the message… goes.” (27:30)

For future episodes: The study of Paul’s post-Acts ministry will continue in the new year, with more topical and textual studies ahead.