“And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.” Acts 28:1-2

Did Paul swim to shore?

What about Luke?

Or did they both grab a piece of the ship and drift to land? (And if that, what a blessing that the current was pulling inward, not further out to sea!)

Interesting questions, the answers to which the Holy Spirit has not decided to reveal to us.

The verb “escaped” is built on the “sozo” root, meaning they were “saved!” Physically delivered! This verb is passive too, God Himself being the Deliverer! (Though He clearly used the Centurion and boards and planks from the vessel!)

“Melita” in Paul’s day is called “Malta” today, a small island at the “toe” of the “boot” of Italy! It’s just a “dot” on many maps, south of Sicily. It’s only 28 miles long and 8 miles wide (at its extremes). There’s a coastal area there to this day named “Saint Paul’s Bay!”

In Greek the noun “island” is spelled “nesos,” probably because a ship is a “naus,” (and “nao” is “to float”) … the only way to get to an island being by sea! (I thought this little fact interesting.)

“Melita” means “honey,” my lexicon says. I forgot to tell you that. And it was a “sweet” place in reference to their deference to Paul and the other men.

“Barbarous people” translates one word, “barbaros,” an onomatopoeic adjective. To the Romans anyone not speaking their language (Latin) simply spouted gibberish! They sounded like they were grunting “bar, bar, bar, bar, bar!” Hence the term “bar-bar- barbarians!” (Interesting as well.)

The Jews were trying to kill Paul.

And the gentiles couldn’t be kind enough to him!

Hint, hint: preach to the people to whom God sent you, dear little Apostle friend! “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” Romans 11:13, finally realized! (Though we can’t help but admire Paul’s fervent passion to see Israel saved!)

These island people “showed” Paul and his company much kindness! This verb is “para” (a prefix) plus “echo” (the root) and just means “held out, reached out, put forward” some genuine hospitality!

The noun “kindness” is our word philanthropic, literally suggesting “brotherly love!”

Wow!

Then we benefit form Luke’s eyewitness testimony. It was a rainy and cold day when they splashed ashore!

That verb “received” implies the inhabitants ran out to the sea edge and actually helped the crew and passengers reach firmer, drier ground. “Proslambano” in Greek.

Wow again!

I’d say the Lord did for Paul here what He had earlier done for Daniel in Babylon, another gentile land! “Now God had BROUGHT Daniel into FAVOUR and TENDER LOVE with the prince of the eunuchs.” Daniel 1:9

Yes, God gives us our (true) friends!

Including One who “sticketh closer than a brother!” That would be Jesus our Saviour!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

During this shut-down ordered by the government for our health’s sake ,,, we have learned several friends have specially prayed for us. Some have even done more than that! To the three or four who read/study here daily, thank you sincerely!

And these friends … gifts from God for such a time as this!

For whom we praise His Name!

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