Lesson 4705

 (Lesson 4705)(12-22-24) Acts 28:1-6 

   “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.” 

 

   Today’s quote relates that, after surviving the shipwreck, Paul and the others were stranded on the island of Malta. Though known for their vicious behavior toward strangers, the islanders showed them unusual kindness, building a fire to warm them. As Paul was gathering wood for the fire, a venomous snake attached itself to his hand. The islanders expected him to die from the bite, but when he shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects, they changed their minds and thought he was a god. The grace of God was with Paul wherever he went. ~