Acts 28 reminds me of the expression “snakebit”. It refers to someone with bad luck, or on a losing streak. Some people begin to doubt every good outcome because they are sure something bad will follow. Today’s lesson is about shaking off the snake. We begin with Paul and all of his shipmates safely onto the island of Malta. The inhabitants showed them “unusual kindness”. It was still raining and cold, so they built a fire for their guests. Paul gathered additional wood, and while putting it on the fire, “a viper… fastened itself on his hand”. The natives recognized the deadly snake, and assumed “This man must be a murderer”. How else can you explain a man escaping a storm at sea only to be killed by a snake on dry land? They expected him to fall over dead. To their astonishment, “Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects”. Seeing Paul unharmed, they believed “he was a god”. Paul did not go out looking for snakes, but there are always those that will inject poisonous ideas into our mind. Paul did not allow that bite to turn him from his true purpose. When Paul learned the father of the chief official was sick, he “went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him”. Very quickly “the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured”. Friend, are there poisonous snakes in your life?
After 3 months, they finally put out to sea on a ship that had wintered on the island. The locals supplied everything they needed for their journey. They secured additional vessels and eventually Paul made it to Rome. “The brothers and sisters… heard that we were coming, and… At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged”. Everyone needs encouragement! Although he was technically a prisoner, “Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him”. Clearly Paul’s behavior through the long journey earned him this unique privilege. Do your actions earn the privilege to speak freely?
Paul called together “the local Jewish leaders” to explain the circumstances of his arrest in Jerusalem. “I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors”. He continued, noting the Romans were ready to release him until the Jews protested. Paul appealed to Caesar, adding, “I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people”. These Jews in Rome had not been indoctrinated to hate Paul. “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you”. As a result, they actually listened without prejudging him. “We want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect”. Paul next spoke to a much larger group. “He witnessed to them from morning till evening”. He taught “from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets… about Jesus”. Faith cannot be forced. “Some were convinced… others would not believe”. Paul correlated their disbelief back to the early history of the Hebrew nation; “The Holy Spirit spoke… to your ancestors… through Isaiah the prophet”. We can all be so stubborn to change, “hearing but never understanding… this people’s heart has become calloused… and they have closed their eyes”. Paul’s plea was that they would embrace God’s promise of salvation. This promise remains for all: “turn, and I would heal them”. God is not through with the Jew, but for now forgiveness is also given to the Gentiles as an example for Israel. “God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” For the next two years Paul welcomed every visitor. “He… taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” My friend, has your heart become calloused? Change is possible. Restoration begins with first seeing yourself through God’s eyes. Do you believe that God has a bigger purpose for your life too?