Week 4 – Wrecked

Acts 28:1-2

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

Acts 28:3-4

Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”

Acts 28:5

But Paul shook the snake off into the fire…

Don’t overreact.

Acts 28:5

…Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.

God is still with you.

Acts 28:6

The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead…

Acts 28:6

…but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

Trust God’s purpose.

Acts 28:7-8

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. 8His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.

Exercise survivor faith!

Your ministry will be born in your storm.

Acts 28:9

When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.

Advance the kingdom.

Acts 28:10

They honored us in many ways, and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

Receive God’s blessings.

Acts 28:11

After three months, we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island.

Keep going.