Acts 28:1-10

Paul kindly received at Melita Acts 28:1-10: The 276 people all safely reached the shore on the island of (Melita) Malta. The local people received them and were friendly to them. They were willing to help them; they built a fire because of the rain and cold. Paul gathered some wood to put on the fire. He was not content to let someone else do for him what he could help do for himself.

As he gathered the wood a snake bit him on the hand. When the local people saw the snake hanging on Paul's hand they said, "This man must be a murderer!" They felt that even though Paul had escaped the sea, vengeance would not allow him to live. Paul shook the snake in the fire and felt no harm. The people watched Paul expecting him to swell up or die. When nothing happened they said, "This man is a god."

The chief man of the Island welcomed Paul into his house. Publius' father was sick and Paul healed him of his disease. Many others brought sick people to Paul and by the power of God he healed them all. When Paul and the others sailed away the people were very kind to them and gave them everything they needed.