The Shipwreck and the First Steps of Christianity in Malta
The shipwreck of Saint Paul in Malta is a key episode in both Christian and Maltese history. According to Acts 28, Paul, a prisoner on his way to Rome to be tried, faced a violent storm that destroyed the ship he was traveling on, bringing him and 275 other survivors to the shores of Malta. The island’s inhabitants, described as people of “unusual kindness,” welcomed the shipwrecked, offering shelter and assistance. During the three months he spent on the island, Paul performed acts that would change the course of local history: he healed the father of Publius, the chief Roman official of the island, from a severe fever, as well as other sick people, and survived unharmed from a venomous snake bite (Acts 28:3-6). These events, interpreted as miracles, impressed the Maltese and paved the way for the preaching of the Gospel.
Christian tradition holds that Paul converted Publius to Christianity, making him the first Bishop of Malta. Although historical details are scarce and some scholars debate the accuracy of all the events narrated in Acts, the symbolic and spiritual impact of this visit is undeniable. The shipwreck marks the beginning of Christianity in Malta, transforming the island into one of the first points of irradiation of the Christian faith in the western Mediterranean. Unlike other regions where Christianity arrived later, Malta was directly touched by the presence of one of the greatest apostles, which gives the island a unique place in the history of the early Church.
This historical context is not just a biblical narrative; it laid the foundation for a religious identity that has been consolidated over the centuries. The hospitality of the Maltese, Paul’s preaching, and the alleged miracles created a collective memory that has been passed down from generation to generation, shaping the faith and values of the island.