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Commentaries
English
Acts
  
7In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.8And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.9So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.10They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.


Publius, the chief of the island, invited the officer and his soldiers and prisoners to stay at his house. He showed them gracious hospitality. Then Publius’ father fell ill with a contagious disease, and was about to die. Yet Paul, ready to show appreciation and return kindness to Publius, went in to his father’s house and healed him in the name of Christ Jesus. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. When it is the will of Christ, believers can heal diseases by placing their hands on and praying over the sick. The power of God flowed out of the apostle to the sick man, and he was healed at once.
This miracle was wonderful to the natives of the island. The news quickly spread from house to house, and the people rejoiced, supposing that the good gods had come down to them. They brought all the sick to Paul, Luke the physician, and Aristarchus, who prayed together and healed them all in the name of Christ. For these services the three men experienced many honors. They left the island supplied with everything they needed for the remaining journey. No doubt Paul also preached on this island in the barbarian language, as much as he could, and as much as he was allowed. Christian healings do not come about as a result of magic or communication with the occult. They are clear signs, which bear witness to Jesus Christ and his rightful power.

Question
What does the snake, which bit Paul, signify? What do you understand from the healings on the island of Malta?