The islanders of Malta, upon seeing Paul bitten by a snake, immediately concluded that he must be a murderer. Their reaction was based on the belief that the goddess Justice was ensuring that Paul would not escape punishment, despite surviving a shipwreck. This reflects a common ancient worldview where suffering or misfortune was often seen as a direct consequence of personal sin. However, as the story unfolds, Paul suffers no harm from the snakebite, which astonishes the islanders and leads them to reconsider their initial judgment.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder that human assumptions about divine justice can be flawed. It underscores the idea that God's ways are not always predictable or understandable by human standards. The narrative invites readers to trust in God's overarching plan and to recognize that His protection and purposes may defy human logic. Paul's experience on Malta also becomes a testament to God's power and presence, as it opens the door for him to minister to the islanders, demonstrating God's grace and mercy in unexpected ways.
