MINISTRY ON MALTA
Acts 28: 1-10
I. Safely Ashore (vs. 1-6)
a. From the previous chapter, how did everyone come ashore?
b. How many survived the shipwreck?
c. How were the survivors received by the natives of Malta?
d. What initial kindness was provided and why?
e. What happens as Paul is feeding the fire?
f. What happens to Paul after he is snake bit and how do the people’s
attitudes toward Paul change?
g. Does Paul make a big deal out of it? Why? (Mark 16:18)
II. Publius’ Sick Father (vs 7-8)
a. Publius, the “leading citizen” (magistrate), took in Paul and company and
entertained them courteously. Why may he have been inclined to do this?
b. What was wrong with Publius’ father and what does Paul do for him?
*Healed in verse 8 is the Greek word (Ä“-ä'-o-mÄ«) = to heal, cure.
c. How long does Publius’ father take to get well?
III. Ministering to the Sick (vs. 9-10)
a. What happens when word of Publius’ father’s healing becomes known on
Malta?
b. How do Paul and his associates respond to those who come to them?
*The word healed in verse 9 is the Greek word (the-rä-pyü'-Å) = to heal,
cure, restore to health…also implies attending to or serving.
c. How long do they spend on Malta?
IV. Application: Paul inadvertently handles a snake and is bit with no adverse
effects. Can we take Mark 16:18 to mean we should play with poisonous
snakes and let them bite us?
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