The Context

Paul is now traveling from Caesarea to Rome (as a prisoner). He was always conscious of his goal to go to Rome. “Now after these things were finished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome’” (Acts 19:21). Along the way, Paul faced many hardships: (1) He encountered a great storm, and the ship drifted. (2) The ship ran aground. (3) Yet, Paul’s life was preserved. (4) And finally, Paul was cast ashore on the island of Malta.

Hospitality of the natives

“When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta.” Paul and his companions landed on the island of Malta. (1) This island is located in the central Mediterranean, 58 miles (93 km) south of Sicily. It measures 18 miles (29 km) in length, 8 miles (13 km) in width, with a highest elevation of 830 ft (253 m). (2) Today, it is the largest island within the Republic of Malta. (3) In December 1989, the Malta Summit was held between the U.S. and Soviet leaders, where the end of the Cold War was declared. (4) The island is also famous for its large cat population (over 700,000 cats, nearly twice the human population). It is also the origin of the Maltese dog breed. “The natives showed us extraordinary kindness, for they kindled a fire and took us all in because of the rain that had started and because of the cold.” (1) The term “island people” in Greek is “barbaros,” which translates to “barbarians.” However, the word does not carry the meaning of savages or uncivilized people. At that time, anyone who did not speak Greek or Latin was referred to as “barbaros”. (2) During this time, the inhabitants of Malta were of Phoenician descent. Although their culture was different from Greek and Roman civilization, they had a refined and sophisticated society. Therefore, they were not uncivilized nor savages. (3) The islanders showed great kindness to the shipwrecked group (since it was raining and cold, they built a fire on the shore to warm them). It was God’s will for Paul to visit Rome. If something is God’s will, it will be fulfilled no matter the obstacles. Let us remember this and walk even more faithfully with God.