We are nearing the end of Acts. Paul and his companions are on their way to Rome and have been shipwrecked on the island of Malta. By this time in the story, we know who Paul is, what his character is. He is going to spread the Gospel, no matter the consequences, no matter the situation, no matter the setbacks. Today’s problem? Ship wrecking and then getting bit by a viper which the local people believe will kill him. Paul’s response? Shake it off, go to the local population and build the kingdom of Heaven by healing the sick. At this point in the story, I don’t think anyone would fault Paul if he just sat on the beach and took a break by the fire. But that just isn’t his character. The Holy Spirit has called him for a purpose, and so Paul shakes off the snake and gets to the building.

[Acts 28.1-10]

28.1 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

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 hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What bites Paul and how does he react?

+ What are the local people's reactions to Paul getting bit?

+ How does Paul spend his time while shipwrecked?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there a roadblock in my life that I need God’s help to overcome?

+ How God using me to build His Kingdom on earth

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?