After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Lady McBeth frets in William Shakespeare’s play, McBeth, that her husband, MacBeth, is “too full o’ the milk of human kindness” to take the ruthless actions needed to seize the throne. In these days of vicious political attacks, we can certainly understand her perceived need for ruthless tactics. I, for one, can imagine powerful politicians, CEOs, administrators, or generals feel the need for ruthless resolve. Some would call it just being decisive. It seems rare, though, that the milk of human kindness would flow from such high-powered men or women.
I’m not certain Paul would be known for this attribute. But Publius certainly would. He seems to be predisposed to kindness. He received [them] and entertained [them] hospitably for three days, Luke records. The “us” refers to Luke for certain, but also implies a far-flung kindness, and hospitality toward several if not all 276 people from the shipwreck.
I’ve certainly experienced kindness on many occasions, and many fronts. From the offer of an apartment when I stay in Friendswood as I serve the church there, to hospitality from friends who opened their home to us when we had a several-day conference near them, to a friend who invited me to have lunch once a week, and asked if we could be friends. These acts of kindness are blessings that reach far beyond the act itself.
In the case of Paul, Publius’ kindness extended to providing provisions for his ongoing trip to Rome. And that, I’m sure, also made an impression on those who accompanied him and Luke. People see these acts of kindness.
This is what Jesus means when he says, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) It’s what Paul gets at when he writes to the church in Corinth saying, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) It’s what God called for through the prophet Micah, “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
It’s not clear that Publius was a believer. But he certainly did things in line with one who confesses faith in Jesus. If we are known more for our ruthlessness than our kindness, we must repent, and seek to know the love of God.
Jeremiah wrote, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) If the King of the Universe is kind and tender, certainly those who bear his name should reflect his mercies, kindness, and love.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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