Paul on Malta

After they escaped, Paul and the others learned that the island was called Malta. The local people showed them unusual kindness. Because rain was falling and the weather was cold, they lit a fire and welcomed everyone.

Paul helped by gathering sticks for the fire. As he placed the bundle on it, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened onto his hand. The islanders saw the snake hanging there and decided that Paul must be a murderer who had escaped the sea but would not escape justice.

Paul shook the snake off into the fire and was not harmed. The people kept watching, expecting him to swell up or suddenly die. When a long time passed and nothing bad happened, they changed their minds and said he was a god. This was their reaction, not the truth about Paul.

Near that place was land belonging to Publius, the chief man of the island. He welcomed Paul and his companions and cared for them courteously for three days. Publius's father was lying sick with fever and dysentery.

Paul went in to him, prayed, placed his hands on him, and he was healed. After this, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. The islanders honoured Paul and his companions in many ways, and when they sailed away, the people supplied what they needed for the journey. What kindness in this story stands out to you most?