Thoughts for the Day

Paul on the Island of Malta

After we had reached safety, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold, they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us round it. Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘This man must be a murderer; though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.’ He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were expecting him to swell up or drop dead, but after they had waited a long time and saw that nothing unusual had happened to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.

Now in the neighbourhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It so happened that the father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and cured him by praying and putting his hands on him. After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.

Paul Arrives at Rome

Three months later we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead.... And so we came to Rome. The believers from there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

As we have seen, the Book of Acts, written by St Luke provides a fascinating account of the beginnings of Christianity. Jesus had promised the Apostle Peter before his death that he would build his Church around him, and that “the gates of Hades would not overcome it” (Matthew 16.18). In the book of Acts we see how the Apostle Paul took up the mantle of men like Peter, Stephen and Philip spreading it ever wider to the Gentiles. Wherever he goes he continues his unwavering mission to spread the gospel message, even as he makes his final journey to Rome. Paul has allowed his faith in the Lord to guide him through every challenge he has faced. and the last chapter of Acts provides a thrilling climax to the early days of this Church, and to the enduring nature of the Christian faith, even in the midst of seemingly overwhelming obstacles.

From the moment the shipwrecked prisoners and their guards arrive in Malta the surprises continue: the 276 souls are shown great kindness by the locals; a viper bites Paul and he suffers no consequences; the father of the chief official, Publius, is healed; and the sick on the island come to Paul and are cured. God’s hand was upon Paul!

If ever we need reminding of God's power we should re-read today's passage. But God didn’t just stop working 2,000 years ago to support His people. When we walk in faith; when we extend love and hospitality to those in need; when we trust in God’s power to bring about healing; and when we pray in faith, God touches the lives of those in need in ways we cannot begin to imagine.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You have taught us that when we pray in faith,
Your hand intervenes.
The kindly gesture,
the unexpected occurrence,
the dream,
or the passage of scripture that comes to mind,
can be Your way of answering our pleas
when we stay close to You.
Increase our faith this day, we pray.
Amen.