Acts 28:2 “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.”
The Practical Grace of our Merciful God is often astonishing! When Paul and those who were taking him, as a prisoner, to Rome were shipwrecked in an awful storm; they lost everything but their lives, they were beached destitute and cold. However, the Lord was with them and provided for them in extraordinary ways. Instead of being hostile, the “barbarous people” on the island of “Melita” showed them “no little kindness”! They cared for them for three days and “when” they “departed, they laded” them “with such things as were necessary” (Acts 28:10). The same Merciful God Reigns today! We certainly do go through devastating storms in our lives, but God’s Commandments are still true and valid for us: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day” (Exodus 14:13) and “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalms 46:10). And, His Comforting words still ring true and lovely in our ears: “… Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God …” (Isaiah 43:1-3)!