124. PAUL ON MELITA

"They shall take up serpents ... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover"

Aim

To show that Paul never forgot that God was with him in all his trials.

The whole ship's company had been in danger of drowning in the stormy sea, but now they all stood shivering but safe on dry land. Only a few of them would have thankfully prayed to God, the Maker of heaven and earth, of sea and dry land for saving them, from their terrifying ordeal.

Acts 28:1-15

PAUL BITTEN BY THE VIPER (vv. 1-7)

The island of Melita or Malta belonged to the Roman Empire and was ruled by a man named Publius. When the shipwrecked company landed, his people were very kind to them and helped light a fire to keep them warm. As Paul was gathering sticks a poisonous viper fastened onto his hand, but he shook it off into the fire. The islanders were very superstitious, and thought Paul must have been a murderer who, though he had been saved from drowning, was still to be punished. So they watched carefully, expecting to see him swell from the bite and suddenly drop dead. To their great amazement no harm came to Paul at all. The promise which Jesus had given in Mark 16:18 that his disciples would pick up serpents without harm had been fulfilled here and Paul's life was spared. The people of the island however, now changed their minds and decided that Paul must be a god.

PAUL HEALS THE SICK (vv. 8-10)

The Governor of the island, Publius, who felt sorry for the shipwrecked men, was kind enough to invite Paul and his companions to his home, where he looked after them for three days. The father of Publius lay very sick with a fever. Paul came to see him, prayed and laid his hands on him and by the power of the Holy Spirit he was able to make him well again. Thus the kindness of Publius was rewarded.

News of this amazing healing soon spread throughout the island and others with diseases came and were healed by the apostle. As a result of this Paul and those with him were greatly honoured.

PAUL DEPARTS FOR ROME (vv. 11-15)

At the end of three months, when winter was over, Paul and his company set sail once more for Rome. The people of the island, thankful for all Paul had done for them, gave them all kinds of things they would need because they had lost everything in the shipwreck.

Another ship of Alexandria had taken shelter from the rough weather at the island of Malta. They were able to go on board and so continue their journey toward Rome. They stopped briefly at Syracuse, Rhegium and Puteoli, the port from which the company would travel on land to Rome. (You should look these places up on your maps.)

What a joy it would have been to Paul and the brethren with him to be met and cared for by the brethren at Puteoli. They stayed for seven days and we can imagine how they would have talked of the Truth one to another and of the amazing way in which God had cared for them on their voyage. How Paul would have been encouraged and uplifted.

When the brethren of Rome heard the great news that Paul was coming, they went out to meet him in the way. They journeyed as far as Apii Forum and The Three Taverns, a distance of about 80km, to greet him. As Paul met them, he "thanked God, and took courage" (v. 15) and so they journeyed together with him to Rome.

LESSON FOR US

As Paul, the prisoner, made his way to Rome he did not know what his final end would be. Yet because he knew that God wanted him to go to Rome to witness there (Acts 23:11), he set his face steadfastly in that direction. Like Paul, we too must with determination do the will of God and not excuse ourselves when problems arise.

Just as Paul was strengthened and encouraged by the brethren who met him and journeyed with him, so we must learn to comfort and help one another in the work of God.

QUESTIONS

Short Answers

1. What was the name of the island where Paul and the other prisoners were shipwrecked?

2. What amazing thing happened to Paul as the people of Melita watched?

3. Who was Publius?

4. What did Paul do for Publius?

5. How long did the ship's company have to stay on the island?

6. How long did they stay with the brethren at Puteoli?

7. Who came to meet Paul on the road to Rome?

8. How did Paul feel when he met these brethren from, Rome?

Detailed Answers

9. Paul was on his way to Rome when a storm caused the ship to be lost. Tell what happened during Paul's stay on the island of Melita.

10. Tell all you know about the last stage of Paul's journey to Rome, that is, from, the time they left Melita.