We have reached the end of Acts. Paul and the others find themselves on Malta. While starting a fire Paul is bitten by a snake. When we are doing God’s work and obeying Him we aren’t exempt from wrong things happening. In fact it seems more things happen than if we aren’t. We have opposition from our enemy. The people had two wrong opinions about Paul. First they thought he must have done something wrong and was thus being punished. We see this sort of thinking today. I know I’m tempted to ask “God what have I done to deserve this?” when things don’t go my way. Sometimes things just happen. Secondly once Paul didn’t die they thought he must be a god. Good things don’t happen to us because we are good, they happen to us because God is good.
Paul prayed for sick people and they were healed. Eventually they set sail again. We have to get back on the ship (our mission) even when we’ve just experienced a shipwreck. Paul eventually was brought to Rome and allowed to stay by himself. Paul was able to preach to the local Jews and some believed and some didn’t. Paul commented and quoted the prophets about their stubborn hearts. Let’s pray that we have 1) a heart that isn’t stubborn 2) open ears that hear 3) open eyes that see 4) open hearts that receive!
Acts end with this…
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Acts 28:30-31 ESV
Let us follow Paul’s example:
- Welcome all who come
- Preach Jesus boldly