“The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.”

Acts 28:2
Imagine looking out your front door and seeing 276 bedraggled, shipwrecked strangers there in the rain! This is what Publius saw one day.

The ship carrying Paul and the crew had fallen apart in a storm. The sailors had hung on to broken pieces of the ship, floating and swimming to safety on the island of Malta. There the islanders received them hospitably. It was Publius, the island’s chief official, who cared for and entertained all the men at his home for three days. His father happened to be very ill, but Paul healed him. When word got out about this, other sick people on Malta came and received healing, too. After three months, the weather cleared and the men were ready to sail on to Rome, generously provided for by the islanders.

The Bible doesn’t say if Publius became a believer or not. But he saw firsthand the power of Jesus Christ for those who believe. And surely Paul spoke to him about the Lord Jesus. He and his father had no choice but to become walking, living testimonies of the power of the one true God.



Scripture Focus

Acts 27:37-28:10

Insight

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). We can create opportunities to share Jesus by inviting people into our homes.

Bible In A Year

  • Exodus 5-6
  • Psalm 28
  • Mark 8

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