Acts 28:1-16
Reflect
It was evident, judging by Luke’s writing, that God had protected Paul every single nautical mile on the journey including this event with the viper. God rescued Paul from the sea, and the viper is further proof that God had no intention of taking his life. Although this event is nothing short of a miracle and the providence of God, what amazes me about this passage is Christian hospitality. His journey to Rome is welcome by several groups of fellow Christians (v14-15), which included not just a place to stay, but most likely some sort of support, prayer, and encouragement (v15). Upon seeing them, Paul took courage and thanked God.
In the same way, Christians are never truly strangers to each other, and our homes are a practical expression that we are far closer than we could ever imagine through the blood of Jesus Christ. The biblical practice of hospitality is a challenging one (Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9, John 14:15-24), but nonetheless a formational one. This might require opening our homes not just for missionaries, vocational leaders, or best friends, but also to those who are strangers to the gospel.
Pastor Nathanael
Apply
In what ways do you think you can cultivate a hospital heart like those who welcomed Paul? How can we as a church practice biblical hospitality?
Pray
- Pray for our Childcare staff, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.