Life rarely goes according to our plans. We face detours, disappointments, and challenges that seem to arrive at the worst possible times. Yet for followers of Christ, there is a comforting truth that steadies us in the storm: God’s providence is always at work, even when we can’t see it.
In Acts 28, the Apostle Paul’s journey gives us a front-row seat to this truth. Paul had a deep desire to take the gospel to Spain, but first he planned to visit Rome. He probably imagined traveling there as a free man, continuing his missionary work without restriction. But God had a different plan. Paul would arrive in Rome not as a celebrated guest but as a prisoner—after surviving a shipwreck and landing unexpectedly on the island of Malta.
The events of Acts 28 remind us that God’s purposes are never hindered by our circumstances. In fact, He often uses interruptions and hardships to position us for ministry we never expected. This chapter is full of practical lessons for us today—lessons about kindness, service, perseverance, and the unshakable reality that God is always working to fulfill His mission.
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1. God’s Providence Gives Us a Platform for the Gospel
After the shipwreck, Paul and the others swam to shore. Cold, wet, and likely exhausted, they found themselves on Malta—a small island only 17 miles long and 9 miles wide, south of Italy. Verse 2 tells us, “The natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.”
That phrase “unusual kindness” is worth noticing. This was not a wealthy, highly developed place. Yet God moved in the hearts of these islanders to meet the needs of complete strangers—including prisoners. Their compassion was a divine appointment. It created a platform for Paul to build relationships and ultimately share the message of Christ.
Kindness Opens Doors
Kindness is often undervalued in our fast-paced, opinion-driven world. People argue over politics, attack each other over differences, and grow impatient over small inconveniences like parking spaces or long lines. But kindness—genuine, Christlike kindness—stands out.
We sometimes think evangelism is all about what we say, but often it starts with what we do. A warm welcome, a helping hand, or a patient response to rudeness can soften hearts. That’s true in our homes, too. You can’t display bitterness, anger, or selfishness in your family and expect your spouse or children to be receptive to your faith. Kindness makes room for the gospel to be heard.
Paul both received and gave kindness on Malta. That’s important. We are called not only to accept help humbly but to actively extend it. Your act of kindness may be the open door that allows someone to hear about Jesus.
2. Servant Leadership Speaks Louder Than Titles
Paul was an apostle—personally commissioned by Jesus, a man who had seen visions of heaven and planted churches across the Roman Empire. But when he saw the fire dying down, he didn’t sit back and let others tend it. Acts 28:3 says, “But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire…”
He didn’t grab just one stick. He gathered a bundle. Paul didn’t think certain tasks were “beneath” him. He knew leadership in God’s kingdom isn’t about status; it’s about service.
The Humility to Help
Paul could have excused himself from the work. After all, he had survived a harrowing storm, been unjustly imprisoned, and endured more than most people could imagine. But instead of focusing on himself, he saw an opportunity to meet a need. His humility and willingness to help set an example for everyone watching.
This principle applies to us in every sphere of life:
- In your home: Serve your family in practical ways, even in the small tasks no one notices.
- In your church: Don’t just attend—look for ways to contribute, whether that’s greeting people, cleaning, or praying for others.
- In your workplace: Be known as the person willing to help, even with jobs outside your “official” role.
Servant leadership keeps the “fire” of relationships, ministry, and community burning. It’s often the behind-the-scenes acts of service that make the biggest difference.
3. Doing Good Doesn’t Exempt You from Trials
As Paul laid his bundle of sticks on the fire, a viper—driven out by the heat—bit his hand and latched on. The locals immediately assumed he was a murderer receiving divine judgment. In their minds, surviving the sea only to be bitten by a snake was proof that the gods were punishing him.
But Paul simply “shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm” (v. 5). The crowd waited for him to swell up or drop dead. When nothing happened, they changed their opinion, deciding he must be a god.
Trials Even in the Midst of Obedience
Here’s a key lesson: Doing good doesn’t shield you from hardship. Paul was serving others when the snake bit him. We sometimes think that if we’re kind, faithful, and obedient, God will keep us from pain. But the Bible never promises a problem-free life. Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Deliverance doesn’t mean avoidance—it means God brings us through the trial.
Even Jesus faced rejection, betrayal, and suffering. Paul endured beatings, imprisonment, and false accusations. If they weren’t spared from difficulties, neither will we be. But here’s the hope: God can use those difficulties to give us a platform to glorify Him.
Paul’s immunity to the snake’s venom was a visible display of God’s power, pointing people to the one true God. Your faith in the middle of hardship can do the same.
4. Afflictions Can Encourage Others
Paul didn’t waste his suffering. In 2 Corinthians 1:6, he says he hoped his trials would bring encouragement and comfort to other believers. When people see you face challenges with faith, it strengthens their own walk with God. They think, If she can hold on to God through that, maybe I can too.
This is one reason isolating yourself in hardship is so dangerous. We’re tempted to “close the blinds and lock the doors,” but part of healing is serving others even while we’re hurting. That doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine—it means letting God use your experience to help someone else.
5. Providence Creates Ministry Opportunities
After the snake incident, Paul was welcomed by Publius, the island’s chief official, who hosted him for three days. During that time, Paul learned that Publius’s father was sick. He prayed, laid hands on him, and healed him. This led many others on the island to seek help, and Paul ministered to them as well.
Notice something: Paul was still a prisoner. He could have been bitter, withdrawn, and focused on his own injustice. Instead, he looked for ways to bless others right where he was. His chains didn’t cancel his calling.
God’s Providence in Our Position
You may not be where you planned to be. Your current circumstances may feel limiting. But God’s providence means you are never “out of position” for ministry. Whether you’re in a hospital bed, a cubicle, or a season of uncertainty, there are people around you who need the hope you carry.
6. Encouragement is Essential
After three months on Malta, Paul finally set sail for Rome. When believers there heard he was coming, they traveled long distances to meet him. Acts 28:15 says, “When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.”
Even the strongest servants of God need encouragement. Ministry is draining. Life is demanding. Without the fellowship and support of other believers, we can lose heart.
This is a two-way truth:
- We need to be encouraged. Make time for church, small groups, and Christian friendships. They’re not just “optional extras”—they’re vital for your spiritual health.
- We need to encourage others. Think about who in your life could use a phone call, a visit, or a word of prayer. God may want to use you as the answer to someone else’s need for courage.
7. Our Assignment Hasn’t Changed
Through shipwreck, snakebite, imprisonment, and uncertainty, Paul never lost sight of his mission: “Take the gospel across the street and around the world.” That mission didn’t depend on ideal circumstances. It depended on obedience.
We live in a world that is unsettled and often hostile to the message of Christ. But God’s providence hasn’t changed. He is still orchestrating events, relationships, and opportunities so that His people can share His truth.
The question is: Will we align ourselves with His plan, even when it looks different from our own?
Final Encouragement: Trust the Planner
Acts 28 ends with Paul in Rome, still under guard but freely preaching the gospel to all who came to see him. His story didn’t unfold the way he envisioned, but it unfolded exactly as God intended.
The same is true for you. You may be in a season of confusion, trial, or waiting. You may feel like your plans have been shipwrecked. But God’s providence means He’s weaving every detail—even the painful ones—into His greater purpose.
Your role is to remain faithful:
- Show kindness—it opens hearts.
- Serve humbly—it builds credibility.
- Endure trials with faith—it points people to God.
- Encourage and be encouraged—it keeps you going.
- Stay on mission—the gospel is worth every detour.
As Psalm 34:19 promises, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” The deliverance may not come in the way or timing you expect, but you can be sure of this: The One who called you is faithful, and He will finish what He started.
Ready to Experience God’s Hope in Your Life?
At The Open Door Church, we believe God’s providence is at work in every season of your life—and we want to walk alongside you as you discover His plan. Whether you’re exploring faith, seeking community, or looking for a place to grow spiritually, there’s a seat waiting for you.