The beloved physician Luke wrote how he, Paul, and others with him were shipwrecked and swam to “the island” that “was called Melita. And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 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. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke shared how the Barbarian people, “honored us with many honors” where we read:
Who also honored us with many honors;
and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
The verse begins, “Who also honored us with many honors;” Luke began with the words, “who also honored us” which means “the people of the island of Melita even so and indeed gave reverence, valuables and dignity to us, Luke, Paul and the others with them from the ship” “with many honors” or “by giving a large and abundant amount of valuables and prizes”. Luke shared how the people on the island extended reverence and deference to he, Paul and the others by giving them numerous gifts.
The verse continues, “and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.” Luke added the word, “and when we departed” which means “and at the time and moment we, Luke, Paul and the others with them left and went away from the island”, “they laded us” or “the people on the island put and set upon us, Luke, Paul and the others with them” “with such things as were necessary” which means “with regard to and toward requirements of their needs and uses”. Luke shared how the people on the island also gave him, Paul and the other people with them things they would need on their further travels.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the people on the island of Melita expressed their appreciation for what “Paul” did for them as he was on the island. Sick people were healed, and others who were afflicted with troubles were set free. God had moved among the people on the island, and they knew it. Although this seemed to be a misdirection of plans, God the Father used “Paul” to minister to the people on the island. God loves people, and He desires to render to people His salvation through His Son Jesus. When they yield to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Let all who read these words realize the significance of “Paul” ministering to these “barbarous” people, and understand God is willing to “save” all who yield themselves to His Son Jesus.
Next time Luke shares how, “after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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