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

Friday, December 22, 2023

[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

  • Romans 12:9-13; Hebrews 13:1-3
  • Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 14:1-4

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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.

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.

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