Acts in 28 DaysSample
Acts 28:1-10
“A viper bit him!” The islanders widen their eyes in disbelief; they recognise that type of serpent. Parents teach their children to stay away from them. They anticipate Paul swelling from the venom, his airways closing, turning blue and convulsing until he succumbs to the poison. They fall prey to their superstitions, hastily concluding that he is a bad man whom the gods had chased down to punish. Yet, Paul remains composed. He knows that Malta is not his destiny. God had promised him that he would testify in Rome, and there is no snake in the world with the power to stop that.
“What a fool, he doesn't know he will die soon”, they probably think. But the minutes pass, and Paul sits calmly warming himself by the fire, with no apparent reaction to the venom. How do the islanders react? Just as before: with superstition. They go from one extreme to another; from believing Paul a wicked murderer, to declaring him a god
Now, this story doesn’t make us immune to snakes – if you are ever bitten by a poisonous one, please run as fast as you can and seek medical help! No, Paul's situation was unique; God had a very special plan for him. Shipwrecked after two horrible weeks at sea, the last thing Paul needed was a venomous snakebite. Yet, he doesn't cry out, "God, why me? I can't take it anymore!" Quite the opposite – Paul knew that God remained in control.
Thanks to this serpent, Paul is summoned to the governor's house, where he prays, and God heals the governor's father. Many sick people on the island are also healed. As a result, Paul and his companions lack nothing during their stay and get given everything they need to be on their way again. Luke doesn't explicitly say it, but it's almost certain that Paul shared the message of Jesus during their three months there; after all, talking about Jesus was Paul's passion. Perhaps some believed, but either way, the seed of God's Word was planted in Malta.
GO DEEP
Reflect on this—God could have directed the ship straight to Rome, but there were people in Malta who had never heard of Jesus. God desires everyone to have a chance at salvation, often sending His people out of their way to reach them. Through the book of Acts we have seen the great lengths that the first Christians went to so that people could hear about the risen Lord Jesus. What places or scenarios has God put you in? How could he use you to share about Christ there?
BE BOLD
Take some time to reflect on all you have read over the last 28 days and what God has been doing in your heart. Is there anything that stands out to you, or any stirrings in your heart that you don’t want to forget about? Write them down and take them to a trusted mentor to talk them through and pray about what steps God may be calling you to take.
MEMORISE IT
“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” - Acts 28:28
Scripture
About this Plan
Wait, receive and go! Join TeenStreet as we read the book of Acts together and discover what it means to continue the ministry of Jesus and live life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Share the plan with your small group and go deep in the Word together!
More
We would like to thank TeenStreet for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://teenstreet.life/