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 28:10 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:10 describes the generosity of the inhabitants of Malta towards Paul and his companions. After Paul had healed many sick people on the island, as narrated in the preceding verses, the Maltans honored them and provided them with necessary supplies for their journey.

This verse highlights the gratitude and respect that the people of Malta had for Paul's healing works, as well as their willingness to support the mission of the apostle and his friends.

This act of generosity underscores a pivotal theme in the Book of Acts: the formation of Christian community through sharing and fellowship.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The events in Acts 28:10 occur toward the end of the Book of Acts.

Paul is en route to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial before Caesar, having appealed to Caesar as a Roman citizen.

The ship he was on faced a violent storm and eventually wrecked on the island of Malta.

The islanders welcomed Paul and his companions, and during his three-month stay on Malta, Paul performed miracles and healings.

The verse reflects the practices of the time: hospitality, honor, and provision for travelers, especially those who were seen as benefactors.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 28:10 reflects the Christian teaching of hospitality and the idea that kindness to strangers aligns with divine will.

In this passage, the islanders' actions can be seen as a response to the grace that Paul had shown through his ministry, indicating a tangible demonstration of love and care rooted in Christian ethics.

Additionally, their generosity can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of God's work through Paul.

Practical Applications

Acts 28:10 can inspire modern readers to practice hospitality and generosity.

Acknowledging and reciprocating acts of kindness unite communities and foster an environment of mutual respect and care.

In practical terms, supporting those who are in a position of service, especially in faith communities, can be seen as an integral part of Christian life.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Acts 10:38: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
3 John 1:5-6: "Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well."

Language Study

The phrase "honoured us with many honours" (Greek: "ἐτίμησαν ἡμᾶς τιμαῖς πολλαῖς") employs the Greek word "τίμησαν" (etimēsan), which means "to honor" or "to value," indicating great respect.

"Laded" (Greek: "ἐπέθεντο") suggests the idea of loading or providing abundantly. These words emphasize the extent of the gratitude and the substantial nature of the provisions given.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of honoring guests and providing for their needs is common across many cultures and religions.

In Greek mythology, the concept of "xenia" pertained to hospitality and the respect between host and guest.

Ancient customs often included ensuring that travelers were well-treated, mirroring the generosity the Maltese showed to Paul and his companions.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, acts of generosity and support within a community can be linked to increased social cohesion and individual well-being.

Studies in social sciences have observed that altruistic behaviors can enhance the giver's physical and psychological health, as well as contribute to the overall health of the community.

The actions of the Maltese can be seen as beneficial from both a social and a well-being standpoint.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 28:10 highlight the Maltese people's reciprocal kindness in response to the miraculous healings performed by Paul.

Many commentators note the cultural importance of hospitality in the ancient world and the way the Maltese upheld this value with Paul.

They also point out the fulfillment of Jesus' promises that those who give up things for the Gospel's sake would find new families and homes (Mark 10:29-30), as Paul found such generous hospitality on Malta.

The verse is often seen as a beautiful expression of mutual care within the early Christian world, illustrating how the divine and human can work together, completing the narrative arc of the shipwreck episode with a positive and hopeful closure.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:10 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 28:10 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?