Paul is Bitten by a Snake on an Island

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. Acts 28:1-11

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

In God's providence Paul, and the men on the ship sent to Rome, were shipwrecked and escaped to an island called Melita. The people of the island treated the men well and while making a fire to get them warm Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake. The people of the island thought that Paul must be a criminal seeking to escape justice. They expected him to die for no lived after a bite by this kind of snake. But Paul showed no harm and then the people changed their minds and thought Paul must be a demi-god. Paul ends up healing all of the people on the island and thus brings the good news of salvation to all of these peoples. Shortly after this experience they continue on their way to Rome, where Paul has an appointment made by God.

Prayer for Today: Please Lord help us to take advantage of any crisis that occurs around us and help us to be able to preach about You and Your power so that people are convinced of Your love and grace.