Congregational Book Study, Week of May 19-25, 2025, Chapter 26, paragraphs 18-22 and box on page 209. Answers.

Congregational Book Study, May 19-25, 2025, Chapter 26, paragraphs 18-22 and box on page 209. Answers.

Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) BT chap. 26 pars. 18-22 and box on p. 209.

18-20. How did the people of Malta demonstrate “extraordinary kindness,” and what miracle occurred?

The people of Malta showed extraordinary kindness by warmly welcoming the shipwrecked sailors, lighting a fire to keep them warm from the cold and rain, and showing no prejudice toward them. The miracle that occurred was that, after being bitten by a poisonous viper, Paul suffered no harm. Although everyone expected him to swell and die, he simply shook the snake off his arm and remained unharmed, causing great astonishment among those present.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The people of Malta showed extraordinary kindness by welcoming the soaked and shivering shipwrecked sailors, treating them with great kindness and caring for them. They lit a fire to warm them from the cold and rain. The miracle that occurred was that Paul was bitten by a poisonous viper that came out of the fire, but when he shook it off, he suffered no harm, which amazed the island's inhabitants.

The extraordinary kindness of the Maltese people reflects a universal value of hospitality and compassion, which Acts 28:2 highlights as a natural response to need, showing how practical help is linked to an attitude of Christian service.

The fact that Paul was unharmed by the bite not only demonstrates a miracle, but also validates his spiritual authority and mission, similar to other miracles that confirm divine power acting through the apostles.

21. a) Which expressions in this part of the story are good examples of accuracy?

The phrase "the most important man on the island" is historically accurate, as it coincides with archaeological finds that use that same title. Furthermore, Luke is accurate in stating that Publius's father was "bedridden," underscoring his serious condition and reinforcing his eyewitness account.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Expressions that demonstrate accuracy include Luke calling Publius "the greatest man on the island," a title that matches actual historical inscriptions found in Malta. He also uses precise medical terms to describe Publius's father's illness, such as being bedridden with fever and dysentery.

Luke's reference to Publius as "the most important man on the island" and its concordance with historical inscriptions demonstrate a careful focus on detail, reinforcing the account's reliability and showing that Luke sought historical and cultural accuracy.

The use of specific medical terms, such as "fever" and "dysentery," to describe Publius's father's illness reveals that Luke, being a physician, wanted to offer a realistic and professional description, thus increasing the credibility and depth of the account.

21. b) What miracles did Paul perform, and how did the people of Malta react?

Paul miraculously healed Publius's father, which generated trust among the Maltese. This led to the entire island turning to Paul for healing, and as a token of gratitude, they offered him material aid and hospitality.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul healed Publius's father, who was ill with fever and dysentery, and then cured other sick people brought to him. The people reacted with great admiration, bringing him more sick people to be cured and giving him gifts and providing him with what he needed to continue his journey.

Paul's healing miracles were not only demonstrations of divine power, but also served to open doors for evangelization, as impressed people began to trust him and come forward for help.

The reaction of the people—who brought more sick people to be healed and offered gifts to Paul and his companions—reflects how miracles generated a sense of gratitude and acceptance, facilitating the witness and mission of the early Christians.

22. a) How did one scholar praise Luke's account of the journey to Rome?

The expert stated that the account is so remarkably accurate that it appears to have been written from a travel journal, demonstrating Luke's reliability as a historian.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

One scholar praised Luke's account of the voyage to Rome, saying it is one of the most vivid and descriptive passages in the Bible, with precise details about navigation and first-century weather conditions. This suggests that Luke may have used a journal to write it.

A scholar's recognition of the accuracy and detail of Luke's account underscores the historical and literary quality of the text, helping to validate the authenticity of the journey narrated and strengthening confidence in the biblical narrative.

Luke's possible use of a travel journal indicates that the author combined direct experience with careful research, making the narrative not only spiritual but also a rigorous historical document, which adds additional value to the text.

22. b) What will we see in the next chapter?

In the next chapter, we will discover how Paul's mission in Rome continues and what new experiences he will have as a servant of Jehovah in that city.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In the next chapter we will see what happened to Paul when he finally arrived in Rome.

The anticipation of the next chapter about Paul's arrival in Rome builds anticipation for the fulfillment of his mission, demonstrating the narrative progression and the importance of the final destination in Paul's story.

This approach prepares the reader to understand the continuation of the journey not only as a physical movement, but as a crucial event in the development of Christianity, highlighting the impact Paul would have on Rome, the center of the empire.

BOX ANALYSIS: WHICH ISLAND WAS MALTA?

What are the three proposed locations for the island called “Malta”?

The text mentions:

1. An island off the western coast of Greece, close to Corfu.

2. Mljet Island (known in Latin as Melite Illyrica), located off Croatia.

3. The present island of Malta, located south of Sicily.

Why doesn't the reference to the "Adria Sea" rule out the present-day island of Malta?

Because in Paul's time, the "Sea of ​​Adria" included the Ionian Sea and the waters east of Sicily and west of Crete. That historical definition also included the location of the island of Malta, so it still fits the description in Acts 27:27.

What argument based on the route and winds favors identifying the island with modern Malta?

The ship was driven south from Cnidus to below Crete. Given the stormy winds, it would have been highly unlikely that it would have subsequently reversed course northward to reach Mljet or the island near Corfu. It would have logically continued westward and foundered in present-day Malta, which lay in that natural path under the force of the storm.