Acts 28:7-8 Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. Publius’s father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him.”
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Martin Luther wrote, “None can believe how powerful prayer is, and what it is able to effect, but those who have learned it by experience. It is a great matter when in extreme need to take hold on prayer.”(1)
Prayer was essential to Paul. The last stop on this long and dangerous journey that Paul has experienced on his way to Rome is the island of Malta. This was an ‘unscheduled’ stop as they were shipwrecked just off the island. Paul and his companions were treated with “extraordinary kindness” by the people of Malta (28:2), and were amazed that Paul survived a snake bite that should have killed him (v.3-6). In fact, they were so amazed that they thought he was a god.
Providentially, they were nearby to the “leading man of the island,” a man named Publius. He treated Paul and his companions compassionately for three days. Publius’ father was quite sick, and Paul went to him, prayed for him, laid hands on him, and as a result, saw the man healed.
This is the last reference of prayer in the book of Acts, and also the last healing. The book of Acts closes with Paul finally in Rome, staying for two whole years still in custody, but living in his own rented house, welcoming all who visited, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hinderance. (28:30-31)
Throughout the book of Acts, the gospel has been spread throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea region, and it was prayer that fueled this work. May we also take that same gospel to our world, likewise propelled with the wings of prayer.
PRAYER STARTER…
O Great Lord God, may we take the example of the early church and show that same diligence and confidence with sincere and faithfulness in prayer. With this confidence, let us make our prayers our highest priority and greatest delight. In Jesus precious, holy name —
Martin Luther and Alexander Chalmers, The Table Talk of Martin Luther: New Edition, to Which Is Added, The Life of Martin Luther, with Additions from Michelet and Audin, ed. William Hazlitt, trans. William Hazlitt, New Edition. (London: H. G. Bohn, 1857), 155.