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 28:3 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:3 recounts an incident involving the Apostle Paul.

This verse describes Paul's action of gathering sticks for a fire and the unexpected occurrence of a viper biting his hand.

On a literal level, the verse illustrates an event during Paul's journey; metaphorically, it could be seen as a testament to Paul's faith and resolve, as well as an example of divine protection or deliverance.

The snake bite, which often symbolizes evil or harm, does not have the expected lethal effect on Paul.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The events of Acts 28:3 occur after Paul has been shipwrecked on the island of Malta during his voyage to Rome, where he was to stand trial as a prisoner.

The shipwreck is narrated in the preceding chapters of Acts.

In the first century A.D., fire would have been essential for warmth and cooking, especially after the cold and wet conditions of the shipwreck.

It was common for travelers and shipwreck survivors to be assisted by the locals, as seen in the earlier verses of this chapter. Snakebites were often fatal due to the lack of effective medical treatments at the time.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, the reaction to Paul's encounter with the viper and his subsequent survival is often interpreted as a miracle, demonstrating God's protection over His chosen servant.

It signifies Paul's divinely ordained mission was not yet complete.

The incident can also be seen as an illustration of the promise made by Jesus in Mark 16:18 about believers handling snakes without being harmed.

Some interpret this symbolically, meaning that believers will be protected from spiritual harm.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse may inspire believers to trust in divine protection in moments of danger or when faced with unforeseen trials.

It suggests the importance of faith and courage when confronted with potentially harmful or life-threatening situations. It can also serve to remind believers of the importance of community and helping one another in times of need, as Paul was gathering sticks to contribute to the communal fire.

Cross-References

Luke 10:19: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
Mark 16:18: "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Acts 28:5: "And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm."

Language Study

The word "viper" in the original Greek text is "echidna," which could refer to any venomous snake.

The term conveys not just the danger of the animal but also its treacherous nature, as the viper was hidden in the sticks.

The Greek verb translated as "fastened on" is "kathapsen," indicating that the snake attached itself firmly to Paul's hand, suggesting a significant and potentially lethal bite.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, snake bites were often associated with divine judgement or evil influences.

In Greco-Roman mythology, for example, snakes could be seen as both positive and negative symbols, associated with healing (as with the rod of Asclepius) or with danger and trickery (as with the myth of Medusa).

In some pagan traditions, a person's survival of a snakebite might indicate divine favor or special status.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the type of viper and its reaction to heat would be of interest.

Some venomous snakes are indigenous to the Mediterranean region, and their behavior could be affected by fire or heat.

A bite from such a viper could indeed be dangerous or fatal, depending on numerous factors such as the amount of venom injected, the health of the victim, and other mitigating circumstances.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars offer a range of interpretations of Acts 28:3.

Some take the event as a historical account serving to validate Paul's apostolic authority and God's protection. Others suggest that through this event, Luke, the author of Acts, was demonstrating the truth of Jesus' promises.

Some modern commentators, however, may view the story as allegorical or symbolic, representing the victory of faith over the forces of evil. Regardless of the interpretation, the consensus is that this event played a significant role in Paul's ministry and the spread of early Christianity.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:3 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 28:3 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?