Acts 28:1-6

Acts 28:1-6 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And 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. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. When the sailors, soldiers, and prisoners began to gather on the shore, the local people built a fire to help them dry out and warm up. Paul was gathering some sticks to help build the fire when he accidentally picked up a sleeping snake. The snake bit Paul on the hand, so he shook it off into the fire. When the local people saw it, they thought the gods were punishing Paul because he must have been a murderer or something worse. But when Paul showed no ill effects from the snake’s venom, they changed their minds and decided that he was a god. Paul used the opportunity to share the Gospel with these barbarians. Once again, God was blessing His faithful servant.