After Paul and his companions had been at sea in a violent storm, they were stranded on an island called Malta. Everyone was wet and exhausted, but they were happy to have finally reached land. The friendly people on the island helped them by making a big fire so they could warm themselves.
Paul also wanted to help, so he collected some branches for the fire. But when he threw the wood into the fire, a snake suddenly crawled out, startled by the heat. The serpent bit Paul’s hand and clung to him!
The people of Malta knew this species of snake very well and knew that it was very venomous. They looked at Paul and thought, “This man must have done something really bad if a snake is now biting him despite being rescued from the sea. I’m sure he’ll get sick and die soon.”
But Paul remained very calm. He simply shook the snake into the fire without fear or getting hurt. The islanders watched him attentively, waiting for something to happen to him. But Paul remained completely healthy, he had no pain and was fine.
The people were amazed. They understood that there was something special about Paul. God had protected him, and that was a great miracle. They realized that the God Paul served was powerful and strong.
Thus, the people of Malta realized that God was with Paul, and they were very impressed by God’s protection and care.
Message of history
God protects us, even in dangerous situations, and shows His power and love in a wonderful way. We can always trust Him.
Bible passage
The story of how Paul was bitten by a serpent and remained unharmed is found in Acts 28:1-6.
“And after we were rescued, we learned that the island was called Melite. 2 The natives showed us unusual kindness; for they lit a fire and received us all because of the rain and cold. 3 So when Paul was gathering up a pile of twigs and putting them on the fire, an otter came out because of the heat and bit his hand. 4 But when the natives saw the beast hanging by his hand, they said to one another, “This man must be a murderer whom vengeance will not allow to live, even though he has escaped from the sea.” 5 But he swung the beast into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they expected it to swell and suddenly fall down dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing that no harm came to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.”
