SCRIPTURE, BY JANICE HALL
Scripture Lesson Text: Acts 28: 1-10
Related Scriptures: Acts 27: 1-44
In the scripture lesson today, God quickly establishes Paul’s credentials with the local people, and shows the islanders that he is something special. He heals the father of the chief of the island, and many others who were sick from among the people.
Our related scripture, Acts 27: 1-44, we see Paul is finally on his way to Rome. This chapter alternates between Luke’s detailed description of the voyage, and Paul encouraging the people on board to make choices that will not kill them. The verses( 1-8) records the calmer portion of the trip. Paul along with the other prisoners are under the careful watch of Julius, the centurion.
Paul tries to warn Julius to heed to the upcoming winter season, while the crew and passengers were beginning to lose hope. Paul had previous knowledge of being shipwrecked. Paul assures them that no one would die in reference to the promise from the angel of God. Paul’s divine promise is that , he would face Caesar and God would spare those with him. God gave Paul favor in the eyes of this Roman centurion, and that favor kept Paul and all the prisoners, in fulfillment of the word spoken to Paul.( Acts 27:24).
SYNOPSIS, BY DOUG SMITH
The island of Malta was located 60 miles south of the city of Sicily. This area had excellent harbors and was ideally located for trade. As mentioned in verses ( 2-4) “Barbarous people” could be translated, people of the island. “Barbarous” or ” Barbarian” simply meant, people who were neither Greek or Roman. Paul and his companions found that the islanders were very hospitable.
God had promised safe passage to Paul, and he would let nothing stop his servant. The poisonous snake that bit Paul was unable to harm him. God still had work for Paul to do. These people were very superstitious and believed in many gods. When they saw that Paul was unhurt by the poisonous snake, they thought he was a god.
Paul continued to minister to others, even as a shipwrecked prisoner. On this trip alone, his centurion, the leader of Malta, and many others were affected. Thus, the gospel continue to spread. We see Paul continuing to trust God and able to be available because of his faith in God.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION, BY OLIVIA SAUNDERS
“Conquering the Calamity”
In this lesson and the scriptures that are provided to us, we have been blessed to not only read another story about Paul, but to see the hand of our God in the worst circumstances of life. Paul, in this passage gives us an amazing example of when you’re called by God, you’re cared for by God. There is no doubt that Paul was in the fight of his life and this wasn’t the first time. Paul knew and exemplified that in due time the storm will pass over.
Acts 28:1 let us know that when Paul was safely on shore that the people there were very kind to them. Isn’t that like our loving Father to go before us, make provision and prepare what we need in advance. This is no surprise to us in the faith because God has and will continue to be everything we need him to be. The people of the island had no idea who was at work on that island until they experienced the power of God for themselves. Sometimes when we are in the midst of our storm, God is not punishing us or trying to destroy us, but his glory and his power makes room to be revealed and so others may get to know him for themselves.
Let’s consider and ask ourselves today, what storm or calamity are we facing that we need God’s help? When Paul was bitten by that poisonous snake( Acts 28:5) and was expected to swell up and die he shook it off, not worried, stressed, or operating in fear because he knew the God that got him this far would never leave or forsake him or us.
(Deuteronomy 31:8). We are encouraged to try again, hope again, and most of all trust God again. Matthew 14:28 portrays one of the great examples how Jesus will be in the storm with us, even with a moment of doubt. Despite the turbulence, rain, strongholds, and pitfalls, our God can and will never lose as he did for Paul and continue to do for us.
