How does Acts 28:6 connect to God's promises of protection in Psalm 91? Setting the scene on Malta Acts 28:6: “But they were expecting that he was going to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.” • Paul has just shaken a deadly viper from his hand into the fire (v. 3). • The islanders know the snake’s bite is normally fatal, so they watch for the expected swelling and sudden death. • Nothing happens—no swelling, no fainting, no death. Paul simply continues gathering sticks and ministering. The heartbeat of Psalm 91 Psalm 91 highlights a believer’s secure refuge in the Lord: • v. 1 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” • v. 3 – “He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague.” • v. 10 – “No evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent.” • v. 13 – “You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” Each promise is literal, rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness to those who trust and obey Him. Promise fulfilled before their eyes Paul’s brush with the viper mirrors Psalm 91’s assurances word-for-word: 1. Physical threat met with supernatural safety – Psalm 91:3: protection from lethal dangers – Acts 28:6: the lethal snake causes no harm. 2. The serpent specifically named – Psalm 91:13: authority “over the cobra” – Acts 28:3–6: Paul literally handles a venomous snake without injury. 3. Watching world amazed – Psalm 91:8: “You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.” – Acts 28:4–6: islanders “watch” for judgment but instead witness deliverance. 4. Outcome: glory to God – Psalm 91:16: “With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” – Acts 28:30–31: Paul lives on, preaching Christ in Rome “two whole years” unhindered. Echoes throughout Scripture God’s protective pattern repeats: • Mark 16:18 – “They will pick up snakes; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them.” • Luke 10:19 – “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions.” • Daniel 6:22 – “God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” • 2 Kings 6:17 – Elisha’s servant sees angelic armies surrounding them. • Isaiah 43:2 – “When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.” Each passage reinforces Psalm 91 and finds a living illustration in Acts 28. Living under the same protection today • God’s promises did not expire with Paul; they belong to all who abide “in the shelter of the Most High.” • Obedience and trust place believers under the same wings of refuge (Psalm 91:4). • While God may choose different means—miraculous deliverance, providential escape, or sustaining grace—His covenant of protection stands unbroken. • Paul’s testimony turns bystanders into seekers; our peaceful confidence in danger can do the same, pointing people to the Savior. |
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