Paul and the Snake

After we had reached safety, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold, they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us around it. Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man must be a murderer; though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were expecting him to swell up or drop dead, but after they had waited a long time and saw that nothing unusual had happened to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god. 

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It so happened that the father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and cured him by praying and putting his hands on him. 

                                                              (Acts 28:1-8 NRSV)

Snakes have never bothered me much. When my sons were young, they were always bringing home different sorts of creatures to care for. They were usually allowed to keep and care for them when my husband was deployed. He wasn't too big on creatures in the house and so they were not allowed when he was home. 

My eldest son brought home a whole slew of baby water moccasins when he was in Jr. High. We kept them for a while in a covered bowl on the kitchen table; at least, until the day I came home from work and they had all escaped. I rounded them up and released them into the National Forest behind our home. No more snakes. I also drew the line at the bats he tried to bring into the house. But, most other creatures, slimy, scaly, feathered, or furry were welcome. 

Many people understand snakes to be bad omens. The people on Malta figured that Paul was being punished by the gods for some heinous crime he may have committed when a snake latched onto his hand. They figured he was as good as dead. But, no. Paul merely shook the snake off of his hand into the fire and remained unharmed. 

Opinions do change. The people then wondered if he was a god. How much more they must have thought that when he prayed and laid hands on Publius' father and the man was healed. No, Paul was not a god. But, God was with him on Malta as God led him to Rome to stand trial. The power of God continued to minister to others through Paul until the day of his death. 

Paul was not afraid. He was calm as he shook the snake off his hand. He did God's will without hesitation as he prayed for and healed the sick man. May God help us to serve Him and all of His people, one day at a time, one step at a time, wherever he will lead us.

God's Peace - Pr. J