11/12/2021 - THE GOOD BARBARIANS

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They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. Acts 28.10

The apostle Paul’s stay on the island of Malta was of great help to its inhabitants, to the point that they distinguished the castaways with many honors. Our stay anywhere in the world can be no different. Besides the duty to love everyone with true love, we have to do more for being members of the Body of Christ. Now, no one can give solutions to problems except those who believe in Christ!

It would´ve been so sad for the Kingdom of God if the apostle Paul had not behaved in the standard required by the Word! No doubt a false impression and prejudice against the Gospel of Jesus would be generated in those islanders. Christians are representatives of Heaven:  If anyone inquiries about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 8.23). Glory to the Lord!

Wherever the children of God go by, they should leave a trail of good things. According to the Lord Jesus, we need to do for others what we would like them to do for us (Matthew 7.12). This will speak louder than any other action. Then people will be happy and they will reward us in the same measure. When the Christian thinks like the world, he is treated like the world treats people. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4.17).

Paul’s ministry among those barbarians was so blessed that it must have been difficult to leave them. However, since he was still in prison because of the Word of God, which the Jews did not really know, but only heard of, he headed to Rome. Good things would happen there, too. In the Lord’s good plan, the capital of the Roman Empire was an important part, for Paul would honor his Lord there!

Have the feeling that you have to honor God all the days you are given on Earth (Psalms 90.12). No matter where you are; fulfill God’s will with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Thus, you will please the One who called you to represent Him. There is no greater honor than to be called a Christian – Christlike. Therefore, watch and pray that you may never enter into temptation (Mark 14.38).

The barbarians of Malta provided them with the necessary things, without anyone asking. What a good example Paul’s ministry gave to those who traveled with him and who were saved because of the apostle’s faith! Surely, wherever they went after they parted ways in Rome, they would recount the exploits of that fateful but blessed journey. The servant of God needs to exercise faith in Christ, so that the Lord may be glorified in him.

Besides the barbarians, how many of those who traveled with Paul surrendered their lives to Jesus? The bad things that happen should not guide our behavior, but the Lord’s command to be the light of the world: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5.16).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares