Acts 28:1-16: "The Last Lap"

Paul and his crew had safely made it to shore w/o their ship. Because of the stormy skies, they were unable to see the sun or stars to help them locate where they were. They later found out that where they had stranded was an island called Malta. Malta can be found 58 miles south of Sicily. St. Paul's Bay as it is called today, currently has a statue of Paul commemorating the event.

When they came to shore they were quickly greeted and shown hospitality by the native people of Malta. MacArthur states, "Luke's use of the term natives to describe the people of Malta does not mean they were primitive or uncivilized. Barbaroi denotes people whose native language was not Greek or Latin; it is not necessarily a derogatory term". To show their kindness they built a fire to keep them warm. Surely, after 2 weeks of being drenched by rain and cold sea water they were in need of some rest, warmth, and food. Just another testament to God's kindness and mercy on Paul and his shipmates.

Paul, not one to impose on anyone, helps with the fire by collecting sticks. While placing some of the sticks on the fire, a viper, who had been hiding behind a stick, came out and bit Paul because of the heat of the fire. As the snake dangled from Paul's hand, they believed he had received what was due to him. Probably, some type of mystic and superstitious beliefs were the only "religion" on this island. Mistaking Paul for a criminal (rightfully so, as he was a prisoner aboard the ship), they believed that the gods were punishing Paul for his sins. They remarked, "Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live". Paul probably saw this as a great opportunity to share the gospel to these men who had no concept of the true God that Paul served. Much to the surprise of the men, Paul shook off the snake and did not swell up and die as they had expected. Most likely this snake was a poisonous snake. For one, the natives must have seen others bit by the same type of snake, and eventually swell up and die. Also, MacArthur states in his commentary, "As a trained physician, Luke would be unlikely to mistake a harmless snake for a poisonous one. Sir William Ramsay notes that "a trained medical man in ancient times was usually a good authority about serpents, to which great respect was paid in ancient medicine and custom" (Luke the Physician [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996], 63-64)". The natives were so amazed that nothing came of the snake bite that they thought Paul was some type of god. Yet another thing I am sure Paul would clearly explain to them.

The generosity to the shipwrecked extended from the "leading man of the island" as well. His name was Publius and was the Roman governor of the island at that time. He had set up shelter, food, and entertainment for 3 days. Paul, helping repay the kindness that he had been shown, went to see the father of Publius who was in bed with an illness and laid hands on him and prayed. Paul once again, given power by the Holy Spirit had been enabled to miraculously heal Publius's father and undoubtedly share the gospel with him, as well as many others who, "after this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured". Luke never states that Paul shared the gospel during this time of healing. However, knowing Paul's character, and humility, it is assured to us that he explained to each of these men and women the source of the power of healing. I am sure Paul used this opportunity like the many before it to share about Christ's sacrifice and love.

After three months of winter in Malta it finally came time to leave. The natives supplied them with all that they needed for their finally lap to Rome. Julius had arranged some type of transport on, "an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead". The Twin brothers, according to MacArthur, "were Castor and Pollux, sons of Zeus in Greek mythology and viewed as the gods who protected sailors". They were engraven onto the front of the ship as a way of identification.

They set sail for Rome and along the way stayed in Syracuse, 100 miles away from Malta on the southeastern shore of Sicily. They continued along the southern tip of the Italian peninsula and disembarked at Rhegium for a day, until they would later arrive at Puteoli, a commercial port in Italy. In Puteoli, they stopped for seven days to visit with some brethren. And finally, many months longer than they thought, they arrived in Rome. Luke then tells us that when the brethren heard about Paul's arrival they, "came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage". It is easy to see why Paul was always so encouraged and overwhelmed to see other believers as he had to go through so much in between times of refreshment. But Paul was always thankful and grateful to God, knowing nothing he received was earned.

We finally learn, that when Paul finally reached Rome, he received lenient treatment by the Roman officials. After all they had been through together and seeing Paul's character through many different circumstances, I am sure Julius was convinced of Paul's innocence, and many times did not look at him like a prisoner, but more as a commrade. While in Rome, Paul was, "allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him".