Paul had warned them not to sail, but they went anyway. Soon the storm came. For fourteen days the sky stayed dark and the sea roared without mercy. The sailors lost hope, but Paul stood firm. An angel had told him he would stand before Caesar. The ship would be lost, but not one life.

The vessel broke apart exactly as he said. All 276 people reached shore safely on the island of Malta. Cold rain fell as the islanders showed unexpected kindness. While gathering wood for a fire, a viper fastened itself to Paul’s hand. The people gasped. Surely this man had escaped the sea only to face judgment.

But Paul did not panic. He shook the snake into the fire and suffered no harm. The crowd watched, waiting for him to swell or fall dead. When nothing happened, they changed their minds about him.

Soon Paul was invited to the home of Publius, the chief official of the island. Publius’ father lay sick with fever and dysentery. Paul prayed, placed his hands on him, and he was healed. After that, many others on the island came and were cured. What began as a shipwreck became a season of miracles.

The storm did not stop God’s plan. The snake did not cancel Paul’s calling. Even on an unexpected island, God’s purpose moved forward.