Paul and his shipmates end up in Malta, where the natives are kind to them. After Paul suffers a viper bite and shakes it off unscathed, they go from believing he is a murderer to exalting him as a god. The chief man of the island, Publius, hosted Paul and his friends. Upon learning that Publius’ father was sick, Paul prayed over him and healed him. Islanders with all sorts of ailments then flocked to Paul for healing themselves. It was a beautiful way for Paul to spotlight the power of God and be a blessing to these folks. They very kindly furnished what was needed for the shipmates to continue on to Rome. Remember how the natives first thought that Paul was a murderer when the viper attacked? How many times do we find ourselves preemptively judging others by what we think we se as signs? We can learn from the natives here to be hospitable and withhold judgement of those that God brings to us.
Once they arrived in Rome, Paul was granted the freedom to live alone, with just one guard. He called together local Jewish leaders and shared the story of how he arrived in Rome and the associated charges. Surprisingly, they had not received any letters from Judea concerning Paul and were interested in what he had to say, so Paul continued. Through his testimony, there were still Jews that didn’t completely buy into the truth. But he continued to reach gentiles along the way.
Paul’s continual faith in God and reliance on the promises he’d received allowed him to continue sharing the gospel wherever he was and whatever circumstances arose from it. We live in a fallen world with both man made and natural disasters. But, isn’t it comforting to know that the God of the universe can use any version of what we see as roadblocks and setbacks as divine setups for His will and purpose?
God I know that you have me placed exactly where I am for a purpose. Please include me in the plans you have concerning where I am and who I will be blessed to meet.
