“Paul in Rome”

​B I B L E  B I T S  &  B I T E S
Devotions for Families

Season: Book of Acts
Episode 33: “Paul in Rome”
Today’s Bible Bite: Acts 28:11-31

Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJsiwOB0Pvg (Bible Project – Acts 21-28 – Life of Paul – for adults and older children)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tOyAdPhOWQ (Crossroad Kids – Overview of Paul’s life)

“For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.” (Acts 28:30-31, NLT)

On his way to Rome, Paul had been shipwrecked and spent the next three months on the island of Malta. After the winter, they found a new ship and the sailors, soldiers and prisoners continued their trip to Rome. News spread that Paul was on his way and he was greeted by Christians in the ports at which they stopped. Once in Rome, Paul was allowed to live in his own house, but with a guard…he was still a prisoner after all. However, even though a prisoner, he was allowed to have lots of guests. Paul spent the next two years in Rome writing many of the letters we find in the New Testament, having people over and telling anyone who would listen about Jesus.

After the two years, Luke ends Paul’s story and we’re not entirely certain what happened next. Did he present his case to Caesar? Was he given his freedom? Did he make another trip to plant more churches? We don’t really know. Most Bible scholars think that Paul was killed by Nero (one of the Caesars who hated Christians); it is also likely that, as a Roman citizen, he died by beheading which is also why many ancient pictures and statues of Paul have him holding a sword. One thing I think we can be sure of, however, is that Paul stayed faithful to God to the very end.

Think about it...
• The shipwrecked crew wintered on the island of Malta. When and how were they able to continue their voyage?
• Other Christians heard that Paul was on his way. Why do you think they traveled to meet him at the various ports?
• For two years, Paul lived in his own home in Rome. How do we know he was still considered a prisoner? Why do you think he was treated so well?
• Paul had many warnings that he would die in Rome. Why do you think he continued to be determined to travel there?
• Paul served God faithfully, no matter the hardships he had to endure. Would you be willing to spend your life like Paul did?
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Prayer: Thank you, God, that Paul stayed faithful to you, no matter what circumstances he had to face. Help me to be just as faithful in the work you would have me to do.
~ Pastor Jane