Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 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.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
Comment: They were shipwrecked on the island Malta. Prisoners were pretty much considered filth but the Centurion had got to know Paul and admired him, Had he been led to trust in Jesus as he spent so much close time with Paul? The soldiers thought it better to kill the prisoners than to be charged with allowing them to escape if they did in fact do so. The Centurion stopped that. ‘Jump into the sea, and, if you can swim, swim ashore. If you can’t swim grab onto a bit of wood and kick your feet!’ We’re told that they made shore, the natives were friendly, but Paul got bitten by a nasty snake. The snake was the one who died as Paul shook it into the fire. There have been so many examples of miraculous events leading up to this that we shouldn’t be surprised that Paul has no problems. On the other hand, do we really believe this story or are we skeptical and underneath do we doubt the truth of it all!
Prayer: Help me to be honest with You as I work through my relationship with You, Father God and Lord Jesus Christ.
As I read it! 