Acts 28:1-10
God confirms His servant’s mission through protection and mercy in unexpected places.
1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.”
5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed.
6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.
8 The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured.
10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
God confirms His servant’s mission through protection and mercy in unexpected places.
To recount Paul’s ministry on Malta following the shipwreck and to demonstrate God’s preserving power and witness among the islanders.
This passage transitions from crisis at sea to ministry on land. Luke emphasizes both hospitality from non-believers and continued divine protection over Paul. The narrative affirms that the mission to Rome continues unhindered.
Malta was a Roman-controlled island strategically positioned in the Mediterranean. The term used for the islanders reflects non-Greek speakers rather than moral judgment. Vipers were present on Mediterranean islands during antiquity. Publius likely served as the Roman chief official. Hospitality customs were significant in ancient Mediterranean culture.
Paul in Rome: The Kingdom Proclaimed Without Hindrance
Acts 28 shows that the word of God cannot be chained: Paul reaches Rome, proclaims the kingdom, teaches the Lord Jesus Christ, and the gospel continues unhindered despite imprisonment, unbelief, and opposition.