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 28:4 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:4 describes a scene that occurs just after the Apostle Paul has been shipwrecked on the island of Malta.

He is gathered with the islanders around a fire when a venomous snake, driven out by the heat, fastens itself onto his hand.

The "barbarians" or natives of the island witness this and immediately draw a conclusion about Paul's character.

They assume that the snakebite is a form of divine justice, indicating that Paul must be a murderer.

In their worldview, his survival of the shipwreck was not a fortunate escape but rather a delay of inevitable divine punishment.

The term "venomous beast" refers to the snake and the phrase "hang on his hand" suggests that it bit him and remained attached. This incident is packed with symbolism and cultural assumptions about guilt, justice, and divine intervention.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 28:4 takes place in the first century A.D. after Paul's ship, destined for Rome, is wrecked on the shores of Malta.

The term "barbarians" here was used by ancient Greeks and subsequently by the Romans to refer to people who did not speak Greek or Latin and were therefore considered uncivilized.

However, it is noted in the text that the inhabitants of Malta showed exceptional kindness to Paul and the others.

At this time, it was commonly believed in many cultures that supernatural forces could deliver immediate justice.

An incident like a snakebite could easily be interpreted as a divine punishment for a past wrongdoing.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this incident illustrates the concept of Providence and protection.

Despite the initial interpretation by the natives that Paul is under divine condemnation, in subsequent verses, it is shown that Paul suffers no harm from the snakebite.

This miracle provides Paul with an opportunity to demonstrate God's power and opens the door for the evangelization of Malta.

This situation contrasts human judgment and presupposition about guilt versus God's grace and protection over His chosen vessel, Paul.

Practical Applications

This verse impresses upon modern readers the danger of rushing to judgment based on appearances or circumstances.

It is a reminder that sometimes negative circumstances can be turned into opportunities to witness and demonstrate faith.

The verse encourages believers to trust in God's protection and plan, even when others may misinterpret their life experiences.

Cross-References

Luke 13:4: "Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?"
Romans 8:31: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Acts 28:3: "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."
Acts 28:5-6: "And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

Language Study

Two significant original Greek terms in this verse are "barbaros" which is translated as "barbarians," signifying those who were non-Greek in language and culture, and "therion," meaning a wild animal or venomous beast, commonly used to refer to dangerous creatures, such as serpents.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This belief that supernatural retribution could be witnessed in everyday occurrences can also be found in other ancient cultures.

For example, in Roman and Greek mythology, the gods would often directly punish mortals for their hubris or crimes.

Ancient mythologies are replete with stories of creatures and deities executing justice in visceral, immediate ways that reflect the cultural understandings of cosmic justice.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, it is interesting to note that there are no known species of venomous snakes currently on Malta.

This has led to speculation among scholars and scientists about whether the snake was truly venomous or if the word "venomous" was an assumption by the observers.

Modern medical knowledge also informs us that not all snakebites result in severe envenomation, and some people may experience little to no symptoms after a snakebite, depending on various factors.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentaries offer differing views on Acts 28:4.

Many agree that the event serves as a testament to God's protection over Paul and as a fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Mark 16:18, "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." Some see it also as an example of the early church's experience with signs and wonders that accompanied the apostolic ministry.

Others view it as a lesson against the fatalistic interpretation of unfortunate events as signs of divine displeasure.

Commentators have noted the irony in the swift change of opinion among the islanders from considering Paul a murderer to later thinking he was a divine being when he did not succumb to the snake's venom.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:4 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 28:4 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?