Acts 27:1 to 28:31 No storm, shipwreck, snake, or prison chain can stop God's sovereign plan; the gospel triumphs unhindered to the ends of the earth. Trace God's protection of all 276 passengers during the terrifying shipwreck on Malta. See how Paul shook off a venomous viper into the fire and healed the sick on Malta. Celebrate the glorious conclusion of Acts: preaching the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Paul sailed toward Rome under military guard. A ferocious storm named the Northeaster pounded the ship for fourteen days until they ran aground on the island of Malta. Take Heart in the Violent Storm While sailing to Italy, a hurricane-strength tempest struck the ship. For fourteen terrifying days, neither sun nor stars appeared, the wooden ship took on water, and all hope of being saved was abandoned. But Paul stood up before the 276 soaked sailors and passengers: 'Take heart, men! For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship stood by me, saying, Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all who sail with you!' Not a single hair fell from anyone's head as they all made it safely to shore on Malta. Vipers and Healing on Malta On Malta, islanders showed extraordinary kindness, lighting a warm fire in the rain. As Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a venomous viper fastened itself to his hand! Islanders thought Paul was a murderer receiving justice. But Paul simply shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm! Paul then laid hands on the sick father of the island's chief official and healed him, ministering to everyone who came. Unhindered in the Imperial Capital Paul finally reached [Rome](/bible/explorer/place/rome). For two whole years, Paul lived in his own rented lodging under a soldier's watch. He welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance! The Book of Acts ends with an open triumph: the gospel had traveled from a small upper room in Jerusalem to the heart of the greatest empire on earth, and continues spreading through us today! Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:31 What promise did God's angel give Paul during the violent two-week storm at sea? The ship would find gold Do not be afraid, you must stand before Caesar, and God has granted safety to all on board Build a smaller boat Jump into the ocean immediately Do not be afraid, you must stand before Caesar, and God has granted safety to all on board God promised that Paul would reach Caesar in Rome and that all 276 souls would be preserved. What happened when a poisonous viper bit Paul's hand on the island of Malta? He died instantly Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm He ran into the ocean The islanders locked him up Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm By God's power, Paul shook the snake off into the fire completely unharmed. How does the Book of Acts conclude Paul's ministry in Rome? He was silenced and forgotten Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance He went back to Jerusalem The church was shut down Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance Acts triumphantly concludes that God's Word was preached with all boldness and without hindrance. Look at a map or globe this week and pick one nation to pray for, asking God to let his gospel spread there boldly and without hindrance. Lord of all the earth, thank you that no storm, shipwreck, or obstacle can stop your good news. Thank you for our whole year of Sunday School learning about your kingdom. Give us faith, courage, and love to carry the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. Amen. How did Paul's calm trust in God bring peace to 275 frightened people during the shipwreck? What was your most exciting lesson from the Book of Acts this term? Celebrate God's sovereign protection and the unstoppable advance of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. Show a toy boat or map of the Mediterranean Sea. Trace the miraculous voyage from Caesarea through shipwreck to Rome. Did Paul ever get free? Historically, Paul was released for several years of further travel before later being martyred under Nero, but his message never stopped. 5 minutes hook, 15 minutes narrative, 10 minutes celebration, 10 minutes prayer.