Malta, referred to in Scripture as “Melita,” is the island where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked while en route to Rome as a prisoner. The account is detailed in Acts 27 and 28.
After enduring a violent storm at sea, the ship carrying Paul, along with other prisoners, soldiers, and crew, was wrecked off the coast of Malta. Acts 27:44 records that all 276 people on board escaped safely to land, fulfilling Paul’s earlier assurance that God had granted him the lives of all those sailing with him (Acts 27:24).
Acts 28:1–2 describes the islanders as showing “unusual kindness.” They kindled a fire and welcomed the survivors. While gathering sticks, Paul was bitten by a viper, and the islanders expected him to swell up or die. When he remained unharmed, they changed their minds and said he was a god (Acts 28:3–6). This incident mirrored Jesus’ promise in Mark 16:18 that His followers would take up serpents without harm, affirming Paul’s divine commission.
Paul continued to minister on the island. He healed the father of Publius, the chief man of the island, who lay sick with fever and dysentery. After this, many others on the island came and were healed (Acts 28:7–9). The people honored Paul and his companions greatly and provided supplies for their departure.
Paul’s time in Malta exemplifies God’s providential care and the ongoing power of the Gospel. Though shipwrecked, Paul continued to serve, witness, and heal. Malta became a place of divine intervention, kindness from strangers, and testimony to Christ’s power.
