Acts 28

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

What does Acts 28:1 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:1 describes the realization by Paul the Apostle and his companions that they have landed on the island of Melita after surviving a shipwreck.

The verse expresses a moment of relief as they have safely escaped a life-threatening ordeal at sea.

The literal meaning here is straightforward, the survivors have found themselves on an island, which they came to know as Melita.

On a deeper level, the verse signifies divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan for Paul, who is on his way to Rome to spread the Christian message.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke, recounts the history of the early Christian church and the spread of the Gospel after Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven.

The verse in question occurs as part of the narrative detailing Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial. The shipwreck they survive is one of many challenges that Paul faces.

Historically, Melita is identified with modern-day Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. The event is believed to have occurred around AD 60.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights God's protection and sovereignty. Despite the perilous circumstances, God ensures the safety of Paul and his companions for the greater purpose of the Gospel's propagation.

Some Christian traditions might see this as an affirmation of God's promise in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good to them that love God." It also may be interpreted as a testament to faith and perseverance through trials.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse might inspire individuals to have faith during their own life storms.

Recognizing that every difficult situation can lead to a place of safety and revelation of God's plan could provide comfort and hope.

It teaches about endurance, trust, and the importance of understanding that overcoming obstacles may lead to unexpected destinations and opportunities for growth.

Cross-References

Acts 27:44 - "And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.

And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land."

Acts 27:22-25 - "And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee."

Psalm 107:28-31 - "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

Language Study

The key word in this verse is "Melita," which is the Roman name for the island that is now known as Malta. The original Greek for "escaped" is "διασωθέντες" (diasōthentes), which is a verb indicating that they had been preserved or saved through the experience.

The word for "knew" is "ἐπέγνωσαν" (epégnōsan), a form of "γινώσκω" (ginōskō) meaning to come to know or recognize, indicating that the information about the island's name may have been provided by the islanders or inferred by other means.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of survival after a shipwreck is not unique to the Christian narrative and can be found in other ancient myths and traditions.

For example, in Greek mythology, Odysseus experiences shipwreck and divine intervention on his journey home in Homer's "Odyssey." Religious interpretations across cultures often view survival from natural disasters as evidence of divine favor or a destiny to be fulfilled.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the account of the shipwreck in Acts can be examined for its adherence to the understanding of Mediterranean storms and shipbuilding techniques of the period.

Modern research into ancient shipwrecks around Malta could potentially provide archaeological corroborations or insights into the details provided in the Acts narrative.

Commentaries

Experts on the Book of Acts offer varying interpretations of this verse.

Some emphasize the historical veracity of Luke's travel narrative, citing archaeological and geographical evidence supporting the details provided.

Others focus on the theological implications, seeing in the shipwreck a metaphor for the trials faced by the church and individual believers, as well as a demonstration of Paul's apostolic mission and the spread of Christianity under divine guidance.

They may also discuss the symbolism of water and storms in biblical literature, representing chaos and the saving power of God in the midst of it.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 28:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?