How does Acts 28:6 demonstrate God's protection over His servants in ministry? Setting the scene on Malta • After surviving the shipwreck of Acts 27, Paul gathers sticks for a fire (Acts 28:3). • A viper fastens on his hand. The islanders assume he is about to die. The bite that should have killed • “The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.” (Acts 28:6) • No swelling. No fever. No paralysis. Instant evidence that something greater than natural law is at work. A deadly bite meets divine promise Acts 28:6 reveals God’s active, literal protection over His servant. Notice the layers: • Fulfillment of Christ’s prior word to Paul – “You must testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11; cf. 27:24). Rome, not Malta, is the finish line; therefore no snake can truncate the mission. • Confirmation of Jesus’ broader promise – “they will pick up snakes with their hands… it will not harm them” (Mark 16:18). • Public vindication – Islanders who assumed judgment now witness supernatural preservation, paving the way for ministry among them (Acts 28:8-10). Supporting threads through Scripture • Psalm 91:13 – “You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” • Luke 10:19 – “I have given you authority to tread on snakes… nothing will harm you.” • Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Shipwreck, snakebite—same faithful God. • 2 Timothy 4:17-18 – Paul later reflects, “The Lord stood by me… The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed.” The viper episode is one of many proofs. What Acts 28:6 teaches about God’s protection in ministry • Mission first – When God commissions, He also preserves until the task is done. • Protection can be dramatic – Sometimes His care is quiet; here it is immediate and unmistakable. • Testimony for observers – Divine rescue becomes an open door for gospel credibility. • Fear displaced by faith – Paul shakes off the snake and keeps serving; confidence flows from God’s proven track record. Takeaways for today’s servants • Expect opposition, but also expect God’s escort. • Trust His specific promises in Scripture; they are as literal and sure now as on Malta. • Let every deliverance, big or small, point onlookers to the God who keeps His word. |
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