After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.
When those men crawled ashore drenched, fouled, and stiffened with cold, they were all but dead already. Yet God moved the Maltese to kindle fire and shelter them, fulfilling His promise that not one would perish. The viper that struck Paul was no accident; the Lord directed it by His secret counsel to seal his apostleship before unbelievers and confirm the gospel's majesty even among those who would not believe.
AI summary
Paul was a planet, not a fixed star, and God had work for him even on this remote island. Though the shipwreck seemed an ill wind, it blew good to Malta. Providence continued its care when they reached shore; every kindness shown them came from God's hand, who makes strangers friends in their deepest need.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 28:1-10
The island's name comes from the Greek for honey, which it was known for producing. It lies about sixty miles from Sicily and traces a direct course from shipwreck through Syracuse and Rhegium to Rome, proving this was Malta, not the other Melita in the Adriatic, which would have taken Paul far out of his way.
AI summary