How does Paul's reaction to the viper demonstrate faith in God's protection? A sudden strike on Malta Acts 28:3: “Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.” What the onlookers expected • Islanders assumed instant death—typical outcome for a venomous bite. • Their reaction exposed a worldview of fate and retribution: “Justice will not allow him to live” (v. 4). Paul’s calm response • He simply “shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm” (v. 5). • No panic, no self-pity, no lengthy explanation—just quiet confidence. Why the bite didn’t shake him 1. God had already promised safe arrival in Rome • Acts 23:11—“Take courage… you must also testify in Rome.” • Acts 27:23-25—an angel assured him all aboard would survive the storm. • A viper couldn’t overturn a divine itinerary. 2. Jesus’ words still stood • Mark 16:18—believers “will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them.” • Luke 10:19—authority “to trample snakes and scorpions.” 3. Paul knew the protective promises of Scripture • Psalm 91:13—“You will tread on the lion and cobra.” • Isaiah 43:2—fire and flood cannot consume those God preserves. Faith in action, not abstraction • Faith isn’t proven by avoiding danger but by trusting God when danger strikes. • Paul didn’t test God; he served (gathering wood) and trusted while serving. Immediate fruit of steadfast faith • Islanders’ opinion flipped from “murderer” to “a god” (v. 6), opening hearts to the gospel. • Verses 7-10 record healings and honor—spiritual and practical doors swung wide because Paul kept calm. Lessons for today • Divine purpose outlasts sudden threats. • Knowing Scripture beforehand fuels composure in crisis. • Responding without fear showcases the gospel more loudly than words. Supporting snapshots from Paul’s life • Acts 14:19-20—stoned at Lystra, he rose and re-entered the city. • 2 Timothy 4:17-18—“The Lord stood with me… and I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” • Each rescue strengthens the next step of faith. Takeaway Paul’s reaction to the viper models a settled conviction that God’s promises are literal and unbreakable. When threats clamp down unexpectedly, the believer who trusts those promises can shake them off and keep serving, confident that God’s hand is stronger than any serpent’s fangs. |
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