1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. 7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
Commentary
Vs. 1-2 1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.
Having made a harrowing escape from their sinking vessel, and then the stormy sea, they all landed safely on an island called Malta (vs. 1). Now the native peoples there showed them unusual kindness and prepared a fire for them and made them all feel welcomed, “because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.”
Vs. 3-6 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
Luke now recalls an incident that took place while the Apostle Paul was gathering sticks for the fire whereupon a viper (a poisonous snake) because of the heat suddenly leaped out from the bundle of sticks and fastened itself to Paul’s hand (vs. 3). Now when the natives saw this happen to him, they right away assumed Paul was a murderer, and began saying amongst themselves, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” (vs. 4) However the Apostle Paul shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm (vs. 5). Now when the natives saw that the Apostle Paul suffered no harm from the serpent, they changed their minds and said that Paul was a god. Which of course was not the case, rather Paul was a servant of the Living God, who according to His own Sons Word made this happen (Mark 16:18). That said no one should presume upon doing likewise for God Himself chooses when and where and even if such things will happen as a witness for Himself. Do not then presume upon yourselves to test God or His Word in anything requiring His deliverance of you!
Vs. 7 “In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.”
Though the island was occupied by native peoples, there were also other peoples who dwelt there, one of which was a leading citizen of the island whose name was Publius, (a wealthy Roman official), who received them and entertained them courteously for three days.
Vs. 8-9 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
The Apostle Paul not only bore witness to the Lord Jesus Christ by the fire on the beach incident, but also upon hearing that the father of Publius lay sick with a fever and with dysentery, he went in to him and prayed and laid his hands on him and healed him (vs. 8). And so, when this became known everyone who was sick on the island came to Paul, and they also were healed (vs. 9). As Christ’s people and church then we never stop being a blessing to others when the Lord is working through us. Therefore, never let you’re your circumstances dictate your ability to bless, help, or comfort others.
Vs. 10 “They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.”
Now as it turns out the blessing was reciprocal, for not only were they blessed but they also honored Paul and his entourage in many ways, (which by doing so they were honoring the Lord), and even when Paul and those with him departed, they provided such things as were necessary for their travels onward. Really cool to see people care for one another.
Scripture Quotations
New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.
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