Making Sense of Suffering and Kindness

Paul’s journey to Rome is nearing its end. After surviving a 2 week storm and shipwreck the crew find themselves washed up on the shores of Malta where they are greeted with tremendous hospitality. As the story unfolds we find Paul helping to tend the fire when he is suddenly bit by a deadly snake. God graciously and miraculously keeps Paul free from harm, but we’re confronted with questions about what just happened and we find that the explanations the people of Malta offer show us a dangerous trap we can fall into today. This sermon explores explanations for suffering and shows us that judgment blocks compassion but hospitality opens doors to the gospel.