Acts 28:1-10

MELITA. Acts 28:1-10.

Acts 28:1

And when we were escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita.

Acts 28:2

And the barbarians showed us no common kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Acts 28:3

But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out by reason of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:4

And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped from the sea, yet Justice hath not suffered to live.

Acts 28:5

Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm.

Acts 28:6

But they expected that he would have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but when they were long in expectation and beheld nothing amiss come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Acts 28:7

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius; who received us, and entertained us three days courteously.

Acts 28:8

And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him.

Acts 28:9

And when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came, and were cured:

Acts 28:10

who also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board such things as we needed.

Acts 28:1-6 The natives of the island were doubtless as intent upon seeing what was in the sea before their island as those on board were in seeing what lay before them.

The first passenger had hardly come out of the water until the natives began to gather sticks and brush for a fire. It was cold and these strangers were wet. Thus in a short time a great bonfire, was blazing and the thankful survivors were standing around it trying to warm themselves.
Paul again shows his humility and helpful spirit. Up into the wooded area went the apostle to gather an armful of furzeroots and laid them on the fire, but even as he did so he knew that he had gathered more than roots in that armload. Because of the heat, the snake that had hidden there came out. Paul evidently was yet in the position of putting the fuel on the fire when the viper slithered out and immediately struck at him and fastened itself to his hand. The creature so firmly fastened itself that it hung from Paul's hand. All could see it. The Maltese were seen whispering among themselves. Luke learned that they were saying of Paul
Surely this man was a murderer (possibly having learned that there were prisoners among the strangers), that even though he has escaped the sea yet justice is giving him his just deserts.
But the snake did not hang on Paul's hand long for it was shaken off into the fire. Then were the barbarians the more intent upon watching this stranger, but he neither fell over dead nor did they see him swell up at all. Then in a few moments they repeated in reverse what had happened to the apostle at Lystra. They called him a god!

1005.

What was the first act of kindness on the part of the natives?

1006.

What caused the snake to come out of the roots?

1007.

How were the Maltese like and unlike those of Lystra?

Acts 28:7-10 Following the episode on the beach they were taken to the governor of the island whose name was Publius. He was a wealthy land owner and was very kindly disposed toward these unexpected visitors. For three days they were treated royally by Publius. The unusual escape of Paul from the bite of the serpent was probably noised about but the islanders were to have even more proof of the power and presence of God with this man.

They had not been any time with the governor until they were told of the severe sickness of his fathervery probably he was confined to his bed in his son's house. He was suffering from dysentery in the aggravated form. Paul doubtless saw an opportunity to repay some of the kindness shown them and at the same time an opportunity to give testimony for his Saviour. Going into the room where the sick man lay, Paul placed his hands upon him and prayed; he was healed. This exciting and wonderful incident was soon told in every part of the island. In no time at all Paul had a business of healing on his hands. Those with all types of diseases came to be curedand were they? Ah, yes! Like in the days of the Saviour (and so unlike today) there were no disappointments. These persons were not without a deep sense of gratitude. Paul, Luke, Aristarchus and others were honored with many honors. And when they sailed, the natives put on board the ship as many things in foodstuffs and other gifts as they thought they could use.

1008.

How did Paul repay the natives for their kindness and at the same time open a door for the gospel?

1009.

How are the cures of Paul and Jesus unlike those of today?

PUTEOLI

A famous watering place of the Romans, located in a sheltered part of the Bay of Naples. Its Greek name was Dicaearchia. It was the most accessible harbor near to Rome. So Paul was brought to this port with other prisoners (Acts 28:13). Vespasian conferred great privileges upon the city. Cicero had a villa here, and Hadrian a tomb. Portions of its famous baths remain to this day, and a part of the pier at which St. Paul must have landed on his way to Rome. The present name is Pozzuoli. (Unger's Bible Dictionary, P. 904, 905.)