The short episode described in the last chapter of the book of Acts is about an island called ‘Malta.’ Malta means honey. In the ancient days, the place was known for producing honey. It was a beautiful place surrounded by waters. The islanders equally lived up to its name ‘Malta.’ They were honest, kind, welcoming, generous and peaceful.
For fourteen days, the Alexandrian ship was lost in the Adriatic Sea. The hope of survival for the rovers was cut off. But God’s mercy prevailed as Paul stood to encourage the grief-stricken crew. Howbeit, the ship struck a sand-bar and ran aground. The bow got stuck and the stern was broken to pieces. This shipwreck led Paul and his companions to land on this less-known island, Malta. Dr. Luke describes the people of Malta as welcoming and hospitable. The inhabitants were no ordinary barbarians but bore human love and kindness. The day was stormy, cold and it rained incessantly. The islanders built a fire for the soldiers and prisoners. As the others looked on, Apostle Paul went about collecting pile of brushwood for the fire. Driven by the heat of the flame, a venomous viper glided itself around the hand of Paul. The islanders thought he was a murderer and said, “Though he made his way out of the sea, Justice has not let him escape.” Indeed, he was oncea murderer! The people supposed he would swell up and die instantly but after waiting a long time, nothing as suchoccurred, so they changed their mind and said he was a god. God was true to his promise as stated in Mark 16:18, “they will pick up snakes with their hands;” Paul suffered no ill effects and shook the snake off into the fire.
For three days, they were entertained hospitably by the chief officer of the island, Publius. Thefather of Publius was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul, after prayer, laid hands on him and healed him. The rest of the sick people in the island also came and were cured. They expressed their gratitude by honouring them and furnishing with the supplies they needed and send them off.
Never is heard again of this small island in the other parts of the New Testament. But this short note on Melitaisland in Acts 28 provide a rich application for the modern world even today. The heart-warming generosity, love and kindness of the islanders gave way for the gospel and divine healing to penetrate into the populaces of this deserted island. Currently, Malta stands as the 15th richest countries among the European countries. It is also predominantly inhabited by Christians. As the world gets colder and stiffer day by day, the noble qualities of kindness and generosityare seldom found. The ancient Malta of the Bible teaches us to be more welcoming and generous to our fellow humans.
Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” God bless!
Vebu Khamo
