When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”
The Maltese judge rightly that calamity testifies to God's wrath against sin; this principle is written on all men's hearts. But they fall into the common error of condemning without exception every sufferer as wicked, forgetting that God often exercises the godly with the cross rather than punishing them for sin.
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
They saw the viper fasten on him and concluded he was a murderer, likely because they believed divine vengeance punishes in manner like the offense. The Jews held the same notion: when legal execution became impossible, God Himself would strike down the guilty by serpent or flame.
AI summary