Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Though the people of Melita were very kind, they were just like people always are, suspicious of those they did not know, especially the prisoners.
We see almost no compassion when Paul got snake bit. He was one of the prisoners and they determined he must have been one of the worst ones. At first, they judged him. Then they just watched him, waiting to see the effects of the venom work its horror on the man. They believed gods had gotten him for his crimes. But then, when he didn’t die or even get sick, they changed their minds. He must be, they reasoned, a god himself. It wasn’t the first time such a claim had been made.[1] That the Bible does not describe Paul’s denial of deity is of little concern. We have the other case to assure us he did.
One lesson I see in the passage is the ease with which a person’s faith can transfer from God to the man of God. It isn’t always necessary to get in the face of those who place such faith in the pastor, evangelist, missionary, or godly believer. What is necessary is that we do not begin to do the same for ourselves.
Deflect all worship, praise, and faith to God.
[1] Acts 14:11-15 (KJV)
And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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Acts 28:6 (KJV) Deflect It All To God
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