Once on Malta a number of signs and wonders occurred. First a snake bit Paul, but to no ill effect. This had the effect of swiftly changing the people's view of him from being a murderer to being a god. Of course both were equally wrong (though in a sense the first one was right, if one looks at Paul's former life). The opinions of crowds are notoriously unreliable, as was shown to be the case with Jesus. One day there were shouting hosanna, a few days later "crucify him". This incident is an illustration of Mark 16:18 (cf Luke 10:18). However, it most definitely is not a reason for making snake handling a normal part of church worship, as some crazy groups in USA have done!
Eventually Paul arrived in Rome and the believers went to greet him. Paul was held under some sort of house arrest, but was given considerable freedom.
Later Paul met with the Jewish leaders. They had not heard of the specific charges relating to Jerusalem, but had certainly heard lots of other things about Paul. Paul told them about Jesus, but while some believed, most did not. Paul saw this as a fulfilment of Isaiah 6:9,10. Paul had now spoken first to Jews in most of Europe, and had always received the same response. He declared that salvation had now been sent to the Gentiles. Romans 9-11 give a fuller explanation of what Paul believed. Since these days we have seen the gospel spread throughout most of the world. One day the Jews will turn in large numbers to Christ, finally recognising who He is and believing in Him.
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