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 28:2 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:2 describes the kindness that the indigenous inhabitants of Malta showed to the Apostle Paul, his companions, and other shipwreck survivors.

The verse highlights the surprising welcome and hospitality they received from these people who were considered "barbarous," meaning foreign or non-Greek speaking, from a Hellenistic perspective.

Despite their cultural differences, the islanders provided care and comfort by building a fire to alleviate the cold and wet conditions the survivors were experiencing.

This act of compassion is noted despite the ruggedness or simplicity that might be associated with the term "barbarous."

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Historical Context

The verse falls within the narrative of Paul's journey to Rome, where he was to stand trial as a Roman citizen.

Acts 27 details the perilous journey by sea that ended in a shipwreck on the island of Malta.

At the time, Malta would have been considered a remote place, and its inhabitants were likely unfamiliar with Jewish customs or the nuances of the Roman civilization.

Notwithstanding, they demonstrated the universal values of hospitality and kindness to strangers in need.

This event occurred in the first century AD, during the early expansion of the Christian church.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be seen as an illustration of God's providence and the unexpected ways He can provide for His people.

It shows that acts of kindness are not limited to the faithful or the civilized but can come from any corner of humanity.

This narrative may also be used to highlight the Christian doctrine that all individuals, regardless of cultural background, are capable of displaying God's love through actions, fulfilling the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse teaches believers to be open to receiving kindness from unexpected sources and to challenge their own biases or prejudices regarding different cultures or societies.

It also speaks to the value of hospitality and providing comfort to those in hardship, without discrimination.

In daily life, individuals can strive to emulate the Maltese islanders in being generous and welcoming to all, particularly to those in dire need.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Luke 10:33-34: "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him."
Matthew 25:35: "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in."

Language Study

The phrase "barbarous people" translates from the Greek word "βάρβαροι" (barbaroi), which originally referred to those who did not speak Greek.

It was not always used pejoratively, but it did indicate a cultural and linguistic difference.

The word for "kindness" in Greek is "φιλανθρωπία" (philanthropia), which is where the English term "philanthropy" comes from, denoting a humaneness or benevolence towards others.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, hospitality was regarded as a crucial virtue.

The Greek concept of 'xenia' or guest-friendship, obliged individuals to show hospitality towards strangers.

Similarly, numerous ancient myths from different cultures include themes wherein gods visit individuals in disguise to test their hospitality.

The hospitality shown by the Maltese islanders reflects a universal value found across cultures and religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse does not present any measurable phenomena but does reference practical measures taken for survival in inclement weather (i.e., building a fire for warmth).

The importance of warmth and protection from the elements is well-documented in survival literature and aligns with basic human physiological needs.

Commentaries

Commentators have often focused on the surprising nature of the islanders' hospitality, contrasting it with the expected behavior towards shipwrecked foreigners.

Adam Clarke's Commentary emphasizes the human and Christian duty to assist those in distress.

Matthew Henry's Commentary draws spiritual lessons on the divine care for God's servants and the kindness believers should show to strangers.

Most commentaries remark on how this event in Acts exemplifies practical demonstrations of love and care, transcending culture and language barriers.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:2 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 28:2 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?