Topical Bible: Ship: At Melita (Malta)

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The account of the ship at Melita, known today as Malta, is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. This narrative highlights the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner and the divine providence that accompanied him.

Biblical Account:

The story unfolds in Acts 27 and 28. Paul, having appealed to Caesar, was being transported to Rome under the custody of a centurion named Julius. The voyage was fraught with difficulty from the outset, as adverse winds hindered their progress (Acts 27:4-8). Despite Paul's warning of impending disaster (Acts 27:10), the ship's crew decided to set sail from Fair Havens, hoping to reach a more suitable harbor for wintering.

As they sailed, a violent storm, known as a "Northeaster," struck, driving the ship uncontrollably across the sea (Acts 27:14-15). For many days, the crew battled the tempest, losing all hope of being saved (Acts 27:20). However, Paul, reassured by an angelic visitation, encouraged the crew, declaring that there would be no loss of life, only of the ship (Acts 27:22-24).

After fourteen nights adrift, the sailors sensed they were approaching land. They took soundings and, fearing they might run aground on the rocks, dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight (Acts 27:27-29). As dawn broke, they saw a bay with a sandy beach and attempted to run the ship ashore. However, the vessel struck a sandbar and began to break apart (Acts 27:39-41).

Divine Deliverance:

In the ensuing chaos, the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any escape, but the centurion, wishing to spare Paul, intervened. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land, while the rest followed on planks or debris from the ship. Remarkably, all 276 persons on board reached the shore safely, fulfilling Paul's prophecy (Acts 27:42-44).

Hospitality at Malta:

Upon reaching land, they discovered they were on the island of Melita (Malta). The islanders showed extraordinary kindness, kindling a fire to warm the shipwrecked travelers (Acts 28:1-2). During this time, Paul was bitten by a viper but suffered no harm, leading the islanders to regard him with awe (Acts 28:3-6).

Paul's time on Malta was marked by further acts of divine intervention. He healed the father of Publius, the chief official of the island, and many others who were sick (Acts 28:7-9). The grateful islanders honored them in many ways and provided supplies for their journey when they set sail again after three months (Acts 28:10-11).

Theological Significance:

The shipwreck at Melita serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the perilous circumstances, God's promise to Paul was fulfilled, demonstrating His control over nature and His care for His servants. This event also underscores the theme of divine protection and provision, as well as the spread of the Gospel through unexpected means.

The narrative of the ship at Melita is a reminder of the trials and tribulations faced by early Christians and the unwavering faith that sustained them. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises, even amidst life's storms, and to recognize His hand at work in all situations.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 27:14,44
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... seamen remaining on board to manage the ship, till it ... knew that the island was called
Melita." There were ... upon which he was shipwrecked, was Malta, which has ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Acts XXVIII
... almost universally conceded that the island here called Melita is the modern Malta,
which lies ... led to a more comfortable entertainment of the ship's company ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxviii.htm

After the Wreck
... in the fact that inscriptions discovered in Malta show that ... of notice of evangelistic
work in Melita is noteworthy. ... So the third ship which was used in this ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/after the wreck.htm

The Acts of the Apostles.
... of them rare, to describe the motion and management of a ship, and all of ... Lasea and
Phoenix (two small places recently identified), and Melita (Malta), as well ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 85 the acts of.htm

[Endnotes]
... [142:3] Acts 28:1. That Melita is Malta has been ... The ship of St Paul had, in passengers
and crew, 276 persons on board, besides her cargo of wheat, and as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm