Acts 28:7-9

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.

Who was Publius?

He was "the leading citizen of Malta.

According to Doctor Luke, Publius was the wealthiest man of Melita. He was kind, generous, and a fantastic host

The Miracle

The whole island was cured. It says "the rest of the island came to be healed"

He heals the father of a high official and cures the ills of all the sick islanders, then spends the winter with them.

Mark 16:18 NLT

They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed

We Should Pray for Healing

The New Testament teaches that the Spirit gives this gift (and others) to the church

When God heals someone, he does it for the common good of the church and as a witness to the world.

Paul tells us that healing, like all the spiritual gifts, is given for the “common good” of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7).

The New Testament also makes it clear that healing is a sign to the world that the kingdom of God is invading the domain of darkness under Satan’s rule

Matthew 4:23

And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

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