Today's Daily Bread

PAUL’S HEALING MINISTRY AS A CASTAWAY

Date : Tuesday, December 09, 2025
Passage : Acts 28:1~10
Keyverse : 8-9  
1
Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
2
The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.
3
Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.
4
When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live."
5
But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
6
The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
7
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.
8
His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
9
When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.
10
They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
By God’s providential care, the people who lived on the island of Malta were unusually kind to the castaways, providing heat and provisions. When a viper tried to kill Paul, God protected him. Those who saw it were in awe (6). Although Paul was just one of the prisoners, God was drawing attention to him, making opportunities for gospel work even in such a tumultuous event.

Publius, the chief official of the island, welcomed the castaways to his home. His father was sick. Paul was just a guest and a prisoner. But he did not hesitate to press in to help this family, praying for the man, placing his hands on him and then healing him. This opened a way for all the sick of the island to come to Paul, and they were cured. Paul the castaway and prisoner became a source of blessing to that entire island. The people honored Paul and his companions, providing for all their needs.

We can only imagine how the centurion and his soldiers as well as the pilot and his sailors viewed Paul at this point. Regardless, the gospel Paul lived was powerfully testified to and transformed a terrible event into a blessing for many.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the healing you have worked in and through me. The need around me is great. Grant me faith to press into the opportunities you provide, small and great.
One Word: Tragedies can be opportunities