Opinions
Scripture Reading: Acts 28:1-6
The account of Paul’s experience with the native people of Malta is comical and instructive. After Paul was bitten by a viper, the people of Malta conclude that was a sign that he was “No doubt…a murderer.” But then, only a few minutes later, realizing that the viper’s venom didn’t kill Paul or even make him sick, they changed course and said, “he was a god.” Talk about going from one extreme to another with whiplash speed! That’s funny, right there.
There is something practical to learn and take to heart in this story as well. Don’t put too much stock in other people’s opinions. I’m not one to believe you should take the extreme position of “I don’t care what anyone says or thinks about me!” After all, we aren’t the best and most unbiased judges of ourselves, and a little outside, objective counsel never hurts. The trick is being able to discern which voices to listen to.
In the case before us in Acts 28, the Maltese people weren’t credible critics. They had only known Paul for a few hours at most. They hadn’t had time to properly understand him, his beliefs, his character, or his motives. They were basing everything on circumstantial evidence that was colored by their superstitions and suspicions. There is no need to heed the rantings or ravings or even the praise and back-slapping of people who don’t know you.
There is also another lesson here. Stand on the other side of the equation for a moment. Don’t stand in Paul’s shoes (or sandals), but instead sit down among the Maltese and realize how foolish it is to pass judgment on others based on circumstantial evidence. Think of how unfair it is for you to believe you can sum up a man’s whole life because you have seen one picture out of the whole album.
