NOTES for Act 28:1-16

Once again, we see Paul fulfilling Jesus’ words about the signs that accompany those who believe in Him: “These signs will accompany those who believe: ...they will pick up snakes and... it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18). But these signs are not simply some “special powers” given by God to Paul. The superstitious terror of the inhabitants of Malta has a very real basis. They rightly sensed that immunity from the bites of poisonous snakes or the gift of healing is a manifestation of divine power. Christ lives in Paul (Gal. 2:20), acts through him, heals, comforts, and gives him strength to fulfill his apostolic calling. Here it is fitting for us to remember Paul’s words that we too are called to such a life, so that the Lord may reveal Himself in us through gifts, the greatest of which is love. If we understand this, then such things as love, joy, mercy, and readiness to help our neighbor will no longer be mere “sentiments,” each person’s private affair, but will become a kind of service to God—the realization of His presence here on earth.