Snake Bite Lesson 48 Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. The trip to Rome is mandated. “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar” (Acts 26:32).

2. Paul was under the supervision of Julian of the Augustan Regiment.

3. Paul’s physical problems flared up – the “thorn in the flesh” woe.

a. Migraine headaches.

b. Ophthalmic, a disease of the eyes.

c. Chronic malaria.

4. Luke finished writing his book in Caesarea.

a. Written to Theophilus, a sick Greek Christian.

b. Emphasized the humanity and humility of Jesus.

c. Key words – Son of Man.

d. Used resources. “Many have taken in hand to set in order a narration . . . those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses . . . of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also . . . to write to you an orderly account” (Luke 1:13).

e. Even though Luke did research, his writings were inspired by God. “Having had perfect understanding of all things, from the very first (anothen, i.e., from above)” (Luke 1:3).

B. TRIP TO ROME

1. They detoured around Cyprus because of rough weather, and were forced into Crete’s border of Fair Havens.

2. Paul’s prediction. “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss” (Acts 27:10).

3. They left the harbor when the winds “blew lightly.” There was a terrible storm for 14 days, and they threw the cargo overboard.

4. Paul insisted they eat. “He took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all” (Acts 27:35).

5. Paul was encouraged. “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve” (Acts 27:23).

6. The ship was stuck on the beach and began to break apart. “Some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land” (Acts 27:44).

C. MINISTRY ON MALTA

1. After landing on Malta, Paul was bitten by a deadly snake, but did not die. The people said, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow him to live” (Acts 28:4).

2. Publius’ father was healed by Paul and became the basis of ministry when people began to be saved.

3. Paul sailed to Italy. Word spread among Christians, so they came to meet him on the Appian Way – great highway.

D. MINISTRY IN ROME

1. He was a political prisoner. “Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16).

2. The Jewish leaders met with Paul. “He explained . . . the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus . . . from coming till evening” (Acts 28:23).

3. The Jews were blinded judicial blindness. “And seeing you will not see, and not perceive . . . lest they should see with their eyes . . . lest they should understand with their heart and turn” (Acts 28:26-27).

a. Spiritual blindness – all unsaved (2 Cor. 4:3-4).

b. Physical blindness – physical eyes (John 9).

4. The book of Acts does not conclude. “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31).

E. APPLICATION

1. The Hidden Providence Principle. The work of God in our lives is sometimes hidden to the unsaved, and sometimes even to believers; but God is working all things to His glory” (Romans 8:28).

2. The Divine Protection Principle. Charles Spurgeon said, “A person is immortal until God is finished with him.” This is true of all of us.

3. The Divinely Appointed Detail Principle. God uses small things to accomplish His will, like a snake, a storm, or even people.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

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