Acts 50. Acts 27:1-28:10

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 3. Think about each of Paul’s comments and actions. What do you learn about him (his gifts, character, beliefs, attitudes toward people, view of God, and so on)? 
leadership. He took charge 
confidence, steadiness. Even though he was a prisoner. 
closeness to God: an angel appeared to him. He belonged to God and worshipped God. He had faith. He gave thanks to God 
bravery. Rising above danger 
concern for people
compassion for the sick
God in control of everything 
Ready to speak up.

 
4. Paul’s life was saved several times on this trip: land was sighted, the crew did not abandon the passengers, the centurion kept the soldiers from killing the prisoners, nonswimmers could float ashore even though the ship ran aground, and the viper was somehow harmless. 
a. What did the Maltese natives conclude from all this (see 28:4-6)?
Paul deserved death: we misjudge culpability from external circumstances
Paul was an invincible god: we misjudge power from another source, we 

b. To what do you think Paul and Luke attributed these “lucky coincidences”? 
 The infallible hand of God, who 'grants' answers to prayer and protects His people
 
For Thought and Discussion: 
a. What do you think of the Maltese view of Justice? Does God always give retribution like this? Why or why not?
“God works immediately and in this life to punish evil”
Yet it should be clear that He does not punish all evil quickly and equally in this life
The dichotomy between God's power and love is false.
He permits evil for His own good purposes
All deserve 'evil' Lk 13:1-5)
He waits for repentance (2 Pe 3:9) 
 
b. Does Luke imply in 28:3-6 that there is something superhuman about Paul? Why or why not? 
 Paul demonstrated the truth of God's providential protection (Mk 16:18 "they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 
There was supernatural activity, but not because Paul was superhuman
 
For Thought and Discussion: In your opinion, why did Luke describe the ship voyage to Rome at such length—longer than Paul’s time in Corinth or Ephesus? What was so important about this episode?
Paul's stature is enhanced. He is controlled, reasonable, leading and ministering. He is not a political threat to Roman order and authority, has the favour of his captors. On coming to rome he appears as a divinely favoured figure.
 
Acts 27-28 is an eyewitness account, the final part of the journey of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. The spread of the gospel against opposition is mirrored. 
 
5. Should we conclude from these events that God will always protect His servants—if not from hardship, then at least from death? If so, why? If not, why not, and what should we conclude?
We are preserved spiritually for eternity despite physical death (Lk 21:18)
Acts tells us some are saved physically (for the moment, Peter), while some die (James, Stephen).


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