Theme Number 60 Paul and the Passengers on the Isle of MALTA

Acts chapter 28

Act 28:1  Our lives having been thus preserved, we discovered that the island was called Malta.

Act 28:2  The strange-speaking natives showed us remarkable kindness, for they lighted a fire and made us all welcome because of the pelting rain and the cold.

the barbarous people — so called merely as speaking neither the Greek nor the Latin language. They were originally Phoenician colonists.

showed us no little — “no ordinary”

kindness, for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain — “the rain that was on us” - not now first falling, but then falling heavily.

and because of the cold — welcomed us all, drenched and shivering, to these most seasonable marks of friendship. In this these “barbarians” contrast favorably with many since bearing the Christian name. The lifelike style of the narrative here and in the following verses gives it a great charm.

Act 28:3  Now, when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and had thrown them on the fire, a viper, driven by the heat, came out and fastened itself on his hand.

Act 28:4  When the natives saw the creature hanging to his hand, they said to one another, "Beyond doubt this man is a murderer, for, though saved from the sea, unerring Justice does not permit him to live."

Act 28:5  He, however, shook the reptile off into the fire and was unhurt.

Act 28:6  They expected him soon to swell with inflammation or suddenly fall down dead; but, after waiting a long time and seeing no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

Notes: The Power of God prevented anything from hindering God’s Purpose for Paul to testify before Caesar. What God has said will always come to pass. The 14 day storm at sea and the viper attached to Paul’s hand, did not stop what God had said would come to pass.

they looked — “continued looking.”

when he should have swollen or fallen down dead — familiar with the effects of such bites.

and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said ... he was a god — from “a murderer” to “a god,” as the Lycaonian greeting of Paul and Silas from “sacrificing to them” to “stoning them” (Act_14:13, Act_14:19). What has not the Gospel done for the uncultivated portion of the human family, while its effects on the educated and refined, though very different, are not less marvelous! Verily it is God’s chosen restorative for the human spirit, in all the multitudinous forms and gradations of its lapsed state.

Paul bitten by a Viper

The Healing of the Governor’s Father and many others.

Act 28:7  Now in the same part of the island there were estates belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius. He welcomed us to his house, and for three days generously made us his guests.

Act 28:8  It happened, however, that his father was lying ill of dysentery aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him.

Act 28:9  After this, all the other sick people in the island came and were cured.Bible Verses About Healing - The Bible speaks often of miraculous healing through the work of Jesus Christ and through faith in God. Find Scripture that will encourage you and help you focus on finding comfort through the healing of Christ both spiritually and physically.

• Proverbs 4:20-22

• My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;  for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

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