There are many kinds of friendship. It is good to be friendly and helpful to people, but there is friendship that is much greater than that. Would you like to know how you can have the best of friends in countries all around the world?
While Paul was being taken as a prisoner to Rome, he was shipwrecked off the coast of the island of Malta. The chief of the island, a man called Publius, welcomed the survivors kindly, and for three days they were guests on his property.
Publius’ father was “in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to see him, and after prayer, placed his hands on him, and healed him.” (verse 8.) When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.” (verses 7-9) Paul had quickly become their “friend”!
When the Lord Jesus was on earth, many people appeared to be His friends, for the same reason - because of His miracles. But such people did not necessarily make the best of friends. Many of them would not trust or obey Jesus’ teachings. (John 6:26-29, 36.)
Some today, who would call themselves friends of Jesus, seldom, if ever, check up in the Holy Bible, God’s Word, for the true teachings of Jesus Christ! Some so-called “friends” of Jesus insult Him by seeking forgiveness of their sins, and access to God, through the words and actions of religious leaders!
Jesus said, "I am the way.... no one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6. 1stTimothy 2:5-6.)
Don't YOU be that kind of so-called “friend” of Jesus, who ignores His teachings. (John 12:48. Matthew 7:21-27.)
After three months on Malta, the survivors of the shipwreck were able to continue their journey towards Rome. They arrived on the coast of Italy, far away from friends and relatives. But, recorded in the diary of Paul and his Christian friends we find this; At Puteoli “we found some believers there who invited us to spend a week with them.” (verse 14.) Then, further on, “The believers in Rome travelled out … to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” (verse 15.)
What an encouragement for Paul to meet with these best of friends he likely had never seen before - true Christians in this foreign land. You see, true Christians all over the world have much in common. They have become brothers and sisters to each other in God’s family, by their faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour. (John 1:12-13. Ephesians 2:19-20.)
So, Paul in this foreign land, found himself among the best of friends; people who truly loved Jesus, and wanted to live to please Him as their Lord. People who were eager to help and encourage other believers. (Galatians 6:10)
Are YOU part of that wonderful worldwide family - a child of God by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, as your Priest and Saviour? (Hebrews 2:9-18.)
Read Acts chapter 28, verses 7-15.
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