Acts 28:1-31
We have come to our final chapter in Acts. If I had to choose one word that I would use to describe the book and especially this final chapter, I think it would be the word: "change." God has done amazing things in the lives of these men and women. The truly amazing thing is that He is still at work to change the live of people like you and me.
GOD CHANGED MISERY INTO MINISTRY ON MALTA: The shipwreck landed Paul and all the men with him on the island of Malta. Here they were greeted by a warm fire and friendly people. As Paul collect some wood a snake latches onto his hand and the natives are sure that he will die soon. They presume that the gods are punishing this wicked prisoner. Soon they change their tune and decide that The God must be with this man. Paul is taken to the wealthiest man on the island and is cared for in this home and while he is there God uses him to heal the man's father. When the word gets out the entire island begins to bring their sick to Paul where they find healing. I believe that we will meet hundreds if not thousands of Maltian brothers and sisters when we get to heaven as a direct result of Paul's ministry in this place. Paul started off cold, shipwrecked, miserable and with a viper chomping on his hands. God changed everything and uses Paul to minister physical healing and start a spiritual revival.
GOD CHANGED IMPRISONMENT INTO ENCOURAGEMENT ON THE JOURNEY: Three months later Paul is back on the seas headed towards Rome. However, his guards have seen that this is no ordinary prisoner. I believe that we will meet many Roman guards in heaven too, whose testimony will include something like: "Then I got chained to Paul one day." Whenever they would arrive at a port Paul was able to receive his brothers and sisters in Christ and they were able to encourage one another. Isn't it wonderful that we serve a God that can change chains into chances for fellowship, love and ministry?
GOD CHANGED ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY IN ROME: I am sure that Paul pictured his first visit to Rome much different than it ended up. However, considering that he was a prisoner, he was given tremendous opportunity to continue the work of the kingdom while under house arrest. His friends could come and minister to him as he taught them the Word of God. He was able to receive the Jewish leaders who came to hear him present Christ to them from the Law and Prophets. He was also given the opportunity to testify of his hope in Christ before the Roman rulers. Paul's adversity never became and excuse for inactivity. In fact I believe, in many ways, his adversity only served to enrich his ministry and expand his opportunities. Paul's life had been changed and God was using him to change the lives of many people both Jew and Gentile. No matter how deep our sin or how difficult our circumstance, isn't it nice to know that we serve a God who is all about change.
GOD CHANGED MISERY INTO MINISTRY ON MALTA: The shipwreck landed Paul and all the men with him on the island of Malta. Here they were greeted by a warm fire and friendly people. As Paul collect some wood a snake latches onto his hand and the natives are sure that he will die soon. They presume that the gods are punishing this wicked prisoner. Soon they change their tune and decide that The God must be with this man. Paul is taken to the wealthiest man on the island and is cared for in this home and while he is there God uses him to heal the man's father. When the word gets out the entire island begins to bring their sick to Paul where they find healing. I believe that we will meet hundreds if not thousands of Maltian brothers and sisters when we get to heaven as a direct result of Paul's ministry in this place. Paul started off cold, shipwrecked, miserable and with a viper chomping on his hands. God changed everything and uses Paul to minister physical healing and start a spiritual revival.
GOD CHANGED IMPRISONMENT INTO ENCOURAGEMENT ON THE JOURNEY: Three months later Paul is back on the seas headed towards Rome. However, his guards have seen that this is no ordinary prisoner. I believe that we will meet many Roman guards in heaven too, whose testimony will include something like: "Then I got chained to Paul one day." Whenever they would arrive at a port Paul was able to receive his brothers and sisters in Christ and they were able to encourage one another. Isn't it wonderful that we serve a God that can change chains into chances for fellowship, love and ministry?
GOD CHANGED ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY IN ROME: I am sure that Paul pictured his first visit to Rome much different than it ended up. However, considering that he was a prisoner, he was given tremendous opportunity to continue the work of the kingdom while under house arrest. His friends could come and minister to him as he taught them the Word of God. He was able to receive the Jewish leaders who came to hear him present Christ to them from the Law and Prophets. He was also given the opportunity to testify of his hope in Christ before the Roman rulers. Paul's adversity never became and excuse for inactivity. In fact I believe, in many ways, his adversity only served to enrich his ministry and expand his opportunities. Paul's life had been changed and God was using him to change the lives of many people both Jew and Gentile. No matter how deep our sin or how difficult our circumstance, isn't it nice to know that we serve a God who is all about change.
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