More Miracles on Melita
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | November 2, 2025
Father, thank You for this assembly, our guests, and the miracles in Acts. Help every soul prioritize salvation—what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On November 2, 2025, Senior Pastor Bill Rains delivers the final message in the “Miracles in Acts” series, titled “More Miracles on Melita” from Acts 28:7–10. After the shipwreck and viper miracle, Paul is hosted by Publius, the island’s chief. Publius’ father lies dying of Maltese fever—a bloody flux with gripping pain. Paul prays, lays hands, and heals him. Word spreads; all the sick on Melita come and are healed. The grateful islanders honor Paul with such things as were necessary. Pastor Rains, nearing 50 years in ministry, sees three truths: a picture of sin’s devastation, God’s power to save, and provision for His servants. Even when medicine fails, God prevails.
1. A Picture of Man’s Spiritual Problems
Publius’ father suffers fever and bloody flux—a flowing of blood, mucus, and morbid matter with excruciating pain. This Maltese fever from goat’s milk was notorious on the island. Pastor Rains declares: “Every illness in the Bible is a result of sin entering the world.” Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Romans 5:12). Sin is an organism we all inherit and choose. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Like infected milk passed to children, sin infects families, friends, and generations. Its wages are death (Romans 6:23). No one escapes—be sure your sin will find you out. Dr. Peter Ruckman said, “You’re going to die of something—if this don’t get you, the hobbly goblies will.” Sin’s picture: infectious, painful, fatal.
2. A Power Great Enough to Save
Paul prays, lays hands, and heals Publius’ father—then all the island’s sick. Luke the physician travels with Paul but cannot heal; only God’s power prevails. Pastor Rains testifies: a man saved a year ago now prays for his unsaved wife. “There’s a power to change your direction.” Medicine bypasses hearts and saves lives, but only Jesus saves souls. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4). Not all are healed—Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25–27) and Trophimus (2 Timothy 4:20) remained sick. Yet God’s power gives peace when death comes. “Where could I go but to the Lord?” Sin is too big for you—but not for God. Come to Jesus today.
3. A Provision for All Who Serve the Lord
The healed islanders honored us with many honours… and laded us with such things as were necessary (Acts 28:10). God provides what you need—and often what you don’t, just because He loves you. Pastor Rains shares a surprise gift: a pocket watch from Daryl, engraved “Thank you for having the heart of a servant leader.” Love isn’t spelled T-I-M-E but G-I-V-E. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16). Saved hearts become giving hearts. Pastor Rains recalls his coal-miner father who gave everything—time, sweat, love—though time was scarce. Serve God; He’ll take care of you. “I’m at the end of my race… but God will take care of you.”
