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 28:9 mean?

Explanation

Acts 28:9 describes a scene from the early Christian church where Paul, having survived a shipwreck, finds himself on the island of Malta.

According to Acts, Paul is shown to have the ability to heal, in this particular instance, having cured the father of Publius, the chief man of the island, of a fever and bloody flux (dysentery).

Following this miraculous healing, other islanders with diseases come to Paul and are healed as well.

This passage highlights the power of God working through Paul, which not only helps the ill but also serves to spread the Christian faith among those who witness or hear of these miraculous events.

The deeper meaning reflects the spread of Christianity through acts of compassion and miraculous signs, which both affirm the message of the Gospel and the authority of its messengers. It also shows the early Christian community's emphasis on physical healing as a means of spiritual outreach.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, provides a historical record of the early Christian church. Acts 28:9 is set towards the end of the book when Paul is on his way to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial.

The verse occurs after Paul and his companions have been shipwrecked on Malta during the winter.

The historical context is that of the Roman Empire, around 60 A.D., where travel by sea is perilous, and native populations may have had limited access to advanced medical care.

This context underscores the impact that Paul's healing abilities would have in such an environment.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reinforces several key ideas:

Divine Healing: The ability of Paul to heal validates the divine nature of his ministry and echoes the healing works of Jesus. 2.

Miracles as a Sign of Apostleship: Miracles were seen as signs that confirmed the message and the messenger were from God. 3.

God's Compassion: God's willingness to heal physical ailments is a demonstration of His compassion for human suffering.

Different denominations may place varying levels of emphasis on these insights. Charismatic and Pentecostal Christians may view this as a support for the continuation of the gifts of healing, while more cessationist traditions may believe these gifts were unique to the apostolic age.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire modern readers to see the value in:

Spiritual Gifts: Embrace the spiritual gifts and talents given by God to serve others. 2.

Compassionate Action: Offer help and care for the sick and suffering in one’s community. 3.

Witness through Deeds: Understand that one’s actions, including acts of kindness and healing, can be a powerful testimony to the faith.

Cross-References

James 5:14-16: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."
Mark 16:17-18: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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 5:15-16: "Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them."

Language Study

The key words in this passage are "diseases" (Greek: "noson", meaning ailments or sicknesses) and "healed" (Greek: "etherapeuonto", from "therapeuō", meaning to cure, to restore to health).

The use of "etherapeuonto" in the imperfect tense indicates that the healing was an ongoing process during Paul's stay on the island.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be made with other ancient practices of healing in various cultures and religions. For instance, the Greco-Roman world had a tradition of healers and gods associated with healing, like Asclepius.

Moreover, in many ancient religions, the ability to heal was often seen as a divine endorsement of a person's special status or message.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, spontaneous healing and the placebo effect are well-documented phenomena, where belief and psychological state can have a significant impact on physical health.

While contemporary medicine might approach the healings in Acts 28:9 with skepticism, the influence of community support and belief on health outcomes is an area of growing research interest.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentaries have reflected on this passage:

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible suggests that the healing of many on the island was a fulfillment of Mark 16:18, about believers laying hands on the sick for recovery. 2.

The Pulpit Commentary notes that the healing acts of Paul served as a practical demonstration of the love and power of God to the inhabitants of Malta. 3.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the importance of using God-given gifts for the benefit of others and the advancement of the Gospel, which is illustrated by Paul's actions on Malta.

Commentators generally agree that Acts 28:9 illustrates God's power to heal and confirms the truth of the Gospel message as proclaimed by Paul.

Acts 28

Acts 28

What does Acts 28:9 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 28:9 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?