Thoughtful, willing and kind hospitality gladdens the heart and encourages the soul of the recipients. Just reading about it makes me feel happy. The apostle Paul along with Luke experienced it on two fronts and sure enough he was deeply thankful and grateful to those who gave.
On the first front, the shipwreck crew, passengers, soldiers and prisoners, were received by very friendly Maltese Islanders as the survivors clambered ashore and shook themselves off. The Islanders guided them to a bonfire specifically built up for them as it was rainy and cold, and they were a wet, bedraggled, shivering mess. Paul, ever the stalwart, did help gather wood, as likely did some of the others, seemingly none the worse for wear having been dumped so unceremoniously into the sea - all water off a duck's back.
Even the chief of the island, Publius, opened his home, likely to a select group out of the 276 rescuees. Paul and Luke were among this smaller company. Publius entertained them for three days!
It was more than long enough for Paul to sniff out where he could be of service on a practical level and show the power of God in the same opportunity. After prayer, he healed Publius' father of fever and dysentry (Acts 28:8). What a surprize!
That sparked a parade of the Island of Malta's sick. They came. They were cured. No doubt they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and the message of His love from Paul as well. What a very interesting 'hostess' gift.
Our Lord, through Paul, gave in good measure, pressed down and running over. The power of God was seen, preached, and heard and even though Luke does not mention it, I would assume and like to believe that some of those hearers and ones cured came to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
The Islanders were not finished showing and giving their gratitude and hospitality. They were thorough from the time of the shipwreck victims' arrival until their departure. Verse 10 tells us that the Maltese "honored" them in "many ways" and even "furnished" the supplies they'd need aboard the next ship out to Puteoli, en route to Rome.
Did ya get that? "Furnished." That's a word we'd use to set up housekeeping in a new house, isn't it? Sounds very complete! It could have been costly too. In all, those friendly Islanders were welcoming, compassionate, caring and willing to share their space, time, possessions and go the extra mile to aid them on their way. What a caution! The common grace bestowed, showing God's way of provision for Paul and Luke while others benefited. Honor bestowed.
Phew!
On the second front, hospitality was shown by believers in Jesus Christ - as should be the case. So Paul and Luke along with the soldiers and likely the other prisoners bound for Rome, set sail on an Alexandrian ship. They reached the major port of Puteoli where Paul and Luke found some "believers who invited them to stay a week". Wow! More friendly faces.
From thence it appears they trooped to Rome on foot - or at least, over land. Along the way at one of the rest stations, The Three Taverns, brothers had come down from Rome and met Paul and Luke there. A wonderfully heart-warming surprize for them causing Paul to become somewhat emotional. He thanked God and was encouraged by these brothers willing to go out of their way, who may even have had to take time off work to travel. This too would have cost them expense. It was worth it to them and we see by Paul's response that he was touched by their considerations and hospitality.
Let us who believe, take heart and look for opportunities to honor one and all with hospitality in as many ways as possible. Generosity in such ways could open up golden occasions to share the gospel and/or encourage a brother or sister-in-Christ. You just never know (Galations 6:10). We must also be willing to receive such honor when it is bestowed upon us allowing the giver to give. Don't offend non-believers who offer genuine hospitality in almost better ways than we believers sometimes do. This too could be the Lord's way of opening a door to share the message and love of Jesus in most unexpected ways even if you are wet and bedraggled and not looking your best. Hearts will be gladdened; be the catalyst.
~ERC February 2022~
Based on Actds 28:1-16 NIV/GoodNews
Mabuhay = long live; expresses good wishes.
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