Acts 28:1-16
Paul's Ministry on Malta
1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
Arrival at Rome
11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Escaping the storm and battering of the boat into ruins, Paul and the prisoners made their way to shore on Malta. The inhabitants there displayed great kindness of hospitality as they fed and warmed them by a fire. Paul was bitten by a poisonous viper when gathering more wood and the natives immediately imagined that he was getting his due for a crime Paul must have committed. They thought this sort of island karma had allow him to crawl out of the sea and have a crawling serpent finish the job as justice for his crime of murder. Paul shook it off and went on about his business. They then thought he was a god because the poisonous reptile should have killed him. Then Paul prayed for a leading citizen who was very ill and who recovered, so they attributed the power to him instead of the God whom Paul served and who enabled him. He then was used to heal many more until they at last left on an Alexandrian ship that was wintering somewhere else on Malta. They made their way to Rome at last to be met by fellow believers at Appii Forum, just 39 miles (60 km) from Rome on the Appian Way. Paul was so glad to fellowship with them and they encouraged him on his journey and purpose for the gospel’s sake. When in Rome, Paul was still a prisoner, but with great liberty and a room to himself which was uncommon. The lesson we can learn above all others from this journey is to thank God and take courage in all the adventures and adversities of life’s journey in pursuing knowing Christ and making Him known (Philippians 1:21, 3:10, Romans 1:16) as we make our way to the Celestial City (Revelation 21:2, 21:10) in God’s heavenly kingdom come to earth!
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