How does Acts 28:4 illustrate God's protection over His faithful servants? Setting the Scene on Malta Acts 28:4: “When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘Surely this man is a murderer; though he has been saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.’” God’s Protection in the Midst of Misinterpretation • Paul survives a violent storm and shipwreck (Acts 27). • Islanders assume the venomous bite is divine retribution. • Their verdict is wrong, but it highlights the contrast between human judgment and God’s safeguard. Shaking Off the Serpent • Acts 28:5 records Paul simply shaking the viper into the fire, unharmed. • The incident fulfills Jesus’ promise: “...they will pick up serpents; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them...” (Mark 16:18). • It also echoes Luke 10:19—authority “to trample snakes and scorpions” without injury. Promises of Preservation • Psalm 91:13—“You will tread upon the lion and cobra...” • Isaiah 54:17—“No weapon formed against you shall prosper...” • These Old Testament assurances find real-time expression in Paul’s experience. Why God Protected Paul Here 1. Mission Continuity – Acts 23:11: the Lord had already told Paul he must testify in Rome. No serpent could derail that plan. 2. Witness to Unbelievers – The miracle opens Maltese hearts to the gospel (Acts 28:6-10). 3. Confirmation of Apostolic Authority – The immunity reinforces Paul’s God-given commission, validating his message. Lessons for Today’s Servants • God’s purpose overrules hostile circumstances. • Misinterpretations by onlookers cannot negate divine protection. • Physical dangers remain real, yet God’s sovereignty is greater. Connected Snapshots of Divine Safety • Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6:22). • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace (Daniel 3:27). • Peter’s jailbreak (Acts 12:7-10). Each scene reinforces the same truth seen on Malta: the Lord shields those He sends until their assignment is complete. |
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