In this account, Paul is on the island of Malta after surviving a shipwreck. While gathering wood for a fire, he is bitten by a venomous snake. The islanders, familiar with the deadly nature of such bites, expect him to suffer or die. Their initial reaction is one of judgment, assuming Paul must be guilty of some wrongdoing to suffer such a fate. However, as time passes and Paul remains unharmed, their perspective shifts dramatically. They begin to see him as a divine figure, attributing his survival to supernatural influence.
This incident underscores the theme of divine protection and the power of faith. It illustrates how God can work through unexpected situations to reveal His power and presence. The change in the islanders' perception also reflects how human judgments can be flawed and how quickly opinions can change when confronted with undeniable evidence of God's intervention. Paul's experience serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that faith can provide, even in the face of danger.
