The Bible Recap — Day 348 (Acts 27-28)

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: December 14, 2025
Episode Theme: Paul’s Perilous Journey to Rome: Storms, Shipwreck, and the Spread of the Gospel

Episode Overview

This episode covers Acts chapters 27 and 28, focusing on Paul's dramatic sea voyage as a prisoner being transported to Rome, his shipwreck on Malta, and the events surrounding his early days in Roman custody. Tara-Leigh Cobble walks listeners through the historical context, the escalating dangers, and how God’s faithfulness is seen through unlikely allies and miraculous rescues. The episode also highlights Paul's steadfast mission, the reactions of various people he encounters, and the continued advance of the gospel amidst adversity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting Sail for Rome—and Into Trouble (00:02–03:10)

• Paul, escorted by Roman authorities and joined by companions like Luke, is being transferred by sea to Rome.
• Historical context: It's around 59 A.D., approximately 30 years after Christ’s resurrection. The seas are especially dangerous due to the season.
• Paul warns them about the perilous journey ahead—not necessarily a prophetic word, but likely practical wisdom (00:55).

  “Paul tells them, I have a bad feeling about this, you guys. If we continue on, I don't think this is going to go well. We'll probably end up losing some of our supplies and some of our shipmates. By the way, we don't have any evidence that this is a message from God.” [Tara-Leigh, 00:55]

2. Storm, Desperation, and Prophetic Assurance (03:11–05:20)

• The warnings are ignored, and the ship is soon caught in a violent storm.
• The crew resorts to throwing cargo and ship equipment overboard.
• Paul steps up as a leader, declaring God’s promise of survival via an angelic message.

  “He told me that no one is going to die. We'll lose the boat, but we'll all live. So be encouraged. God is going to get us all to Rome. But a shipwreck is part of the journey.” [Tara-Leigh, 04:14]

• Paul’s credibility grows—he goes from disregarded prisoner to respected voice.

3. Shipwreck on Malta and Unexpected Hospitality (05:21–08:25)

• After two weeks of storms, the crew shipwrecks on Malta.
• Notably, in the 1960s, four ancient anchors matching biblical details were found off Malta’s coast.
• Roman soldiers contemplate killing the prisoners, but God intervenes through the centurion, Julius, fulfilling His promise of no loss of life.
• The Maltese people demonstrate unusual kindness, aiding all survivors.

4. Paul’s Miracles on Malta (08:26–10:45)

• Paul is bitten by a viper while helping with a fire; the locals react with superstitious dread, interpreting it as divine punishment.
• Paul shakes off the snake unharmed, astonishing the bystanders and flipping their perception—from suspecting him as a murderer to almost divinizing him.

  “Meanwhile, the one true God, Yahweh, is like, I'm sorry, Greek goddess who? You must have the wrong number. This guy belongs to me. Paul shakes off the snake and starts working on some s'mores, and the people are astonished.” [Tara-Leigh, 09:18]

• He heals the island’s chief official’s father, starting a wave of healings.

5. Arrival in Rome: Preaching in Prison (10:46–13:50)

• After three months, Paul and the crew finally travel onward and are warmly greeted in Rome.
• Paul is held under relatively kind conditions due to his status and the goodwill of his soldier-guard, Julius.
• Paul assembles local Jewish leaders to explain his situation; they know little of his case but much about negative rumors surrounding “the followers of Jesus.”
• On the appointed day, Paul passionately teaches from morning to evening; some believe, others dissent.

  “People can hear the same truth and respond differently. That's because it doesn't depend on how well we make our argument or present the facts. The Spirit has to open hearts to hear the truth.” [Tara-Leigh, 13:23]

• When rejected by most of the Jews, Paul turns to preach to the Gentiles, maintaining his consistent approach of reaching out to Jews first.

6. Reflection — God’s Providence Through Julius (13:51–15:17)

• Tara-Leigh’s “God shot”: Observing God’s providence in appointing Julius as Paul’s centurion, a figure who protected him throughout.

  “Of all the soldiers, God made sure to give Paul the softy, the one who would eventually come to listen to him and even spare his life. I bet after watching God speak to and through Paul … he couldn't deny the truth.” [Tara-Leigh, 14:05]

• She notes how salvation can cross enemy lines and speculates on Julius’ possible conversion, emphasizing God’s mercy to those who begin as opposition.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On ignoring Paul’s initial warning:
  “Either way, they don't listen to him. He's a prisoner, after all. Sure enough, they hit a storm.” [Tara-Leigh, 01:45]
• On God’s sovereignty during Malta’s snake incident:
  “Meanwhile, the one true God, Yahweh, is like, I'm sorry, Greek goddess who? You must have the wrong number. This guy belongs to me.” [09:18]
• On human response to the gospel message:
  “People can hear the same truth and respond differently. That's because it doesn't depend on how well we make our argument or present the facts. The Spirit has to open hearts to hear the truth.” [13:23]
• On God using unlikely people (Julius):
  “Of all the soldiers, God made sure to give Paul the softy, the one who would eventually come to listen to him and even spare his life.” [14:05]

Important Timestamps

• 00:02 — Setting up Paul’s journey and the context
• 01:45 — Paul’s warning and the onset of the storm
• 04:14 — Paul’s angelic assurance to the ship’s crew
• 08:25 — Shipwreck on Malta and God using Julius
• 09:18 — Viper incident and Paul’s miraculous recovery
• 10:46 — Paul arrives in Rome and engages the Jewish leaders
• 13:23 — The differing responses to Paul’s message
• 14:05 — Reflection on Julius and God’s providential care

Tone & Language

Tara-Leigh Cobble maintains a conversational, relatable style, peppering her recap with humor (“Paul shakes off the snake and starts working on some s’mores…”), warmth, and genuine encouragement, all while offering rich historical and theological insight.

Conclusion

This episode explores God’s faithfulness amidst life-threatening adversity, the unpredictability of human responses to truth, and the subtle ways God’s provision works through both miracles and ordinary relationships—even among supposed enemies. Tara-Leigh draws out the personal, human dimensions in these ancient accounts, underscoring God’s relentless pursuit and provision, always circling back to the joyful refrain:

“Because he’s where the joy is.” [Tara-Leigh]

Listeners are encouraged to look out for prep episodes and additional resources for upcoming Bible readings.