The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-10-30

experience at Lystra (Acts xiv: 11-18.)
2. Paul fulfills Ministry of
Healing, vs.. ITO.
The news of the landing of company
of two hundred and seventy-five ship
wrecked people must needs come quick
ly to the ruler of the island. At this
time Malta being dependency of Sicily
was ruled by Publius, an agent of the
Sicilian governor: In due time Publius
appeared from his adjacent estate and
extended to the unfortunates govern.
mental protection.
We infer from Luke's record that, on
learning who Paul was. doubtless from
Julius, he received him and his COM
psny in his own home, and accorded
them for three days the customary
Oriental hospitality. This was prelimin-
airy to the disposition of all the way
farers, Paul with the rest, to places of
entertainment among the native people
for the months of waiting.
During the early days of this period
Paul had an opportunity to employ the
healing power of the Gospel in the case
of the father of Publius, who was sick
with an intermittent fever and dysentery,
said to be still a common disease on the
island. Paul visited him and by prayer
and laying on of hands impaired re-
storing energy to the sick man.
Paul was Immediately beset by those
who believed that he could deliver them
from their bodily ills. Many wonders of
healing were by Paul wrought upon the
islanders. This caused the way farers to
be abundantly supplied with such things
as they had need of for the day when
they should again embark.
So the three months of winter passed
on the island of Malta. We have no
record of church being organized on
the island: but we cannot doubt that
Christian faith took some vital hold of
the people.
3. Paul Reaches Rome.-vs. IL
16.
Julius, resuming his journey to Rome,
embarked with his prisoners in another
grain-veesel from Alexandria. The for
NAL day for the opening of Mediterran-
can navigation, the arch biologists tell US,
was February eight; and as this vessel,
The Twin Brothers, had been detained
on the island during the entire winter it
is probable that it sailed on the first day
when navigation was reckoned safe. A
prosperous voyage appears to have been
made to Syracuse, the renowned capital
of Sicily; and here three days tarry
was made. The vessel then beat up to
Rhegium. on the very tip-end of the
Italian peninsula. The intended tarry
here appears to have been shortened by
the springing up of south wind, favor
able for sailing northward along the
western shore of Italy. After rapid
run of one day Puteoli was reached.
This was the chief seaport of peninsula.
the Liverpool of Italy"
Here Paul found company of Chris
tian brethren. who entreated him to
spend a week with them. which would
give them an opportunity to hear him
on one never-to-be forgotten Sabbath.
This delay was allowed by the centurion,
who was inclined in every way possible
to favor Paul.
And so, says Luke. ace came to Rome.
Paul had not yet reached the city; but
word was forwarded of his approach,
and preparation was made by the Chris
tians for his reception. They had been
expecting visit from the famous apos.
tie. That be was now prisoner for the
Gospels sake was not a reason why they
should withhold from him a Christian
hospitality. They sent commission of
welcome forty-three miles down the
Appian Way to station called The
Market of Appius; and another COM
mission met him at Three Taverne,
thirty three miles from the city. At
the sight of these brave brethren Paul
thanked God and took courage
On reaching Rome Julius surrendered
his prisoners to the captain of the impe.
rial guard. Paul was treated with
courtesy. He was permitted to live in
house by himself He was always,
day and night, chained to his guard;
but his liberty of speech was not denied.