Luke the beloved physician 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”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse nine of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed” where we read:
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
The verse begins, “So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, ...” Luke began with the words, “So when this was done” which means “and it happened at the time and moment Paul healed Publius' father”, “others also” or “other people even so and indeed”, “which had diseases” which means “who were afflicted with weaknesses, feebleness of health and infirmity” “in the island” or “upon the islet or land that was surrounded by water known as Melita”. Luke shared how other people who were on the island of Melita who suffered from bodily illnesses observed how “Paul” healed “Publius' father” and did the following.
The verse goes on to say, “... came, and were healed:” Luke continued with the word, “came” which means “arose and appeared”, “and were healed” or “and were cured and made whole”. Luke shared how the other people who were sick and ill upon the island “came” to “Paul” and were also made whole from their afflictions.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the news spread quickly about the healing of “Publius' father”, and those who were afflicted in their bodies also came to “Paul” to be cured of their “diseases”. God was working through “Paul” in miraculous ways, and because these people believed “Paul” could cure their illnesses, they readily came. Jesus was sent by God the Heavenly Father to provide “spiritual healing” to every person who surrenders their life to Him. When they see others whom Jesus has “cured”, they themselves should also “come” to Him in humility, ask Him to forgive their sins and allow Him to give them the promise of eternal life with Him forever and ever. God loves people, and He wants to cure the whole world of their sin problem, and anyone who yields to Jesus will be healed.
Next time Luke shares how the diseased people, “honored us with many honors”, 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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