Unstoppable! 'Kind Hospitality' — Acts 28:1-2

Tuesday, December 22, 2026

[Luke reported that the ship carrying Paul was abandoned as it broke up in the storm and that all the passengers, prisoners, sailors, and officers got ashore safely, as God had promised through the apostle Paul. Then Luke continued:] Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us.

— Acts 28:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

What a wonderful blessing! After two weeks in a horrendous storm and the ship breaking up, all the people on board with Paul were safely ashore and welcomed by the kindness of the people of Malta. Despite the bad weather, they came outside and greeted these weary, hungry, cold, and shipwrecked people with a warm fire. Hospitality is a gift that we give to others and that demonstrates the loving welcome of God. While believers were not the people offering hospitality in this situation, these unbelievers on the island displayed the heart of God by welcoming and caring for outsiders. Hospitality is a gift we share with others because it is one we received when we became children of God!*

* See our Related Scripture Readings to learn more about the importance of hospitality.

Today's Prayer

Father, I want to welcome others just as you have welcomed me. Please use me, and the blessings you've entrusted to me, to bless and welcome others in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Treacherous Travels
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower of The Way, Paul's path to Rome was difficult. First, he faced a series of legal hearings before he even left for Rome. Then, he faced...."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 28:1-2 NLT — [Luke reported that the ship carrying Paul was abandoned as it broke up in the storm and that all the passengers, prisoners, sailors, and officers got ashore safely, as God had promised through the apostle Paul. Then Luke continued:] Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, December 22, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Waiting through the Spirit' (Ga. 5:5)
"For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Self-Examination Before Communion'
"So then, you should each examine yourself first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. For if you do not recognize the meaning of the Lord's...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 138:8
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Urgency!' (Jn. 9:4)
"[To his disciples, Jesus continued,] "We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can..."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!