Paul's Last Journey (PT-2 The Shipwreck)

Acts 27:44  

"And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken 

pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, 

that they escaped all safe to land."  

   After Paul told them to be of good cheer; he says, "for I believe God that it will be just as it was told to me. Then He warns everyone to stay on board and not attempt to lower the life boat, and encourages everyone to eat by publicly saying grace over his bread. Soon after the entire 276 souls on board begin to eat, (v-27:36). 

   At daybreak the ship hits a sand bar and runs aground. Julius the centurion denies the soldiers request to kill the prisoners even if they could escape, and orders all to swim for the nearby island of Melita. Soon every single person is safely ashore. The people of Melita treated the shivering survivors with kindness, built a bonfire on the beach to get them warm. Paul is suddenly bitten by a poisonous serpent which has hidden itself among the firewood that Paul help to gather. But to the amazement of all, he suffers absolutely no discomfort whatsoever.  

   My Friends, This event was a direct fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in Mark and Luke, "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover," (Mark 16:18),  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you," (Luke 10:19).  Note: Paul did not pick up the serpent directly, the serpent was within the wood that Paul picked up. "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God," (Matt 4:7). During the three month stay on the island, Paul heals many including the father of Publius, governor of the island. Tomorrow (PT -3 Paul Sails To Rome).
Amen! 

Reading: Acts 27:39-44
               Acts 28: 1-10
Ref: HG SB, WGTTB

May God Bless You

And Your Family

Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.

The Cross Life Ministry