Topical Encyclopedia The account of a viper fastening on the Apostle Paul's hand is found in the New Testament book of Acts, specifically in Acts 28:1-6. This incident occurs during Paul's journey to Rome, where he was to stand trial before Caesar. After surviving a perilous shipwreck, Paul and his companions find themselves on the island of Malta. The narrative highlights both the miraculous protection of God over Paul and the subsequent impact on the island's inhabitants.Biblical Account: Upon reaching the shore, the shipwrecked group is met with kindness by the Maltese people, who build a fire to warm them. As Paul gathers a bundle of sticks and places them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastens itself onto his hand. The reaction of the islanders is immediate and superstitious; they assume that Paul must be a murderer whom justice has not allowed to live, despite surviving the sea. Acts 28:3-4 states: "As Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, 'Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.'" However, Paul remains calm and shakes the creature off into the fire, suffering no ill effects. The islanders, expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, are astonished when nothing happens to him. Their perception of Paul shifts dramatically, and they begin to regard him as a god. Acts 28:5-6 continues: "But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The islanders were expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god." Theological Significance: This event is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's divine protection over Paul, affirming his mission and the truth of the Gospel he preached. The incident echoes Jesus' promise in Mark 16:18, where He states that His followers "will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all." This promise is not a call to test God but rather an assurance of His protection in the fulfillment of His purposes. The viper's attack and Paul's unharmed state serve as a testament to the power of God working through His servant. It also provides an opportunity for the Gospel to be shared with the people of Malta, as the miraculous event opens their hearts to the message Paul brings. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient world, vipers were often associated with danger and death due to their venomous bites. The reaction of the Maltese people reflects common beliefs of the time, where misfortune was often seen as divine retribution for wrongdoing. The transformation of their perception from seeing Paul as a condemned man to a divine figure underscores the impact of witnessing a miracle. The island of Malta, known for its strategic location in the Mediterranean, was a melting pot of cultures and beliefs. The kindness shown by the islanders and their openness to the miraculous event highlights the providential nature of Paul's journey and the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish and Roman boundaries. Application for Believers: For contemporary believers, the account of the viper on Paul's hand serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and protection. It encourages faithfulness in the face of adversity and trust in God's purposes, even when circumstances seem dire. The incident also illustrates the power of a faithful witness to transform perceptions and open doors for the Gospel. Nave's Topical Index Acts 28:3And 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. Nave's Topical Index Library Concerning Persecution Resources What happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.org Viper: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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