FocusHospitality and healing
Connection to the wholeThe survivors receive help, and Paul's preservation and ministry among the sick make the island another setting for witness.
interpretation Acts 28:1
KJVAnd when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
Read it in context
Paul's Arrival in Melita and Journey to Rome
Start reading at Acts 28:1 (Acts 28:1 to Acts 28:31).
The entire chapter details the events on Melita, the subsequent journey to Rome, and Paul's initial ministry there, forming a cohesive narrative unit.
- 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
- 28:2 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.
- 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.
- 28:4 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.
- 28:5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
- 28:6 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.
- 28:7 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.
- 28:8 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.
- 28:9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
- 28:10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
- 28:11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
- 28:12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
- 28:13 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:
- 28:14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
- 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
- 28:16 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.
- 28:17 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.
- 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
- 28:19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
- 28:20 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.
- 28:21 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.
- 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
- 28:23 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.
- 28:24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
- 28:25 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,
- 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
- 28:27 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.
- 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
- 28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
- 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
- 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 28:1–28:31): The islanders of Melita receive the survivors. In Rome Paul speaks with Jewish leaders and other visitors while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event is the successful escape of the shipwrecked group to an island, which they then identified as Melita.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His providential care and faithfulness in preserving His servants through perilous circumstances, fulfilling His promise that no life would be lost (Acts 27:22, 27:24).
- What is the literary style? The literary style is narrative history, recounting the events of the early church and the missionary journeys of the apostles.
When
- When was it written? The book of Acts was written between approximately A.D. 62 and 64.
- When does the event take place? The event takes place around A.D. 60, following the shipwreck described in Acts chapter 27, as part of Paul's journey to Rome.
Where
- Where did it happen? The event happened on the island of Melita (modern Malta), located in the Mediterranean Sea. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Luke, was traditionally located in Rome when he wrote the book of Acts. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Arrival in Melita and Journey to Rome (Acts 28:1 to Acts 28:31). Start reading at Acts 28:1. The entire chapter details the events on Melita, the subsequent journey to Rome, and Paul's initial ministry there, forming a cohesive narrative unit.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse marks the successful conclusion of the shipwreck narrative from Acts 27 and the beginning of the next phase of Paul's journey to Rome. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in bringing Paul safely to his destination, despite severe trials, in preparation for his ministry in the imperial capital. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The preservation of Paul and all those with him through the shipwreck and their safe arrival on Melita points to Christ's sovereign power and providential care over His people. Just as God protected Paul for his mission, Christ ensures the ultimate safety and salvation of all who are His, guiding them through life's storms to fulfill His divine purposes. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today can find encouragement in this passage, knowing that God is faithful to His promises and exercises providential care over their lives. Even in unexpected and difficult circumstances, such as a shipwreck, God can bring about safety and open new opportunities for ministry and witness, as He did for Paul on Melita. interpretation
Cited: Acts 28:1, Acts 27:26, Acts 27:44
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts.
Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Time stated in this passage
3 months
Stated in Scripture
The travelers remain on the island
Acts 28:11 says they departed after three months in a ship that had wintered on the island.
View passage notes and sources
This duration belongs to the stay described in the passage; it is not an interval between every adjacent verse.
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
- AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension. - About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 28
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
Arrival in Rome
Acts 28:11–16FocusThe journey reaches its destination
Connection to the wholeThe onward voyage and welcome from brethren bring Paul to the city anticipated earlier in the narrative.
interpretation The witness continues
Acts 28:17–31FocusThe kingdom and Jesus proclaimed
Connection to the wholePaul explains his case and message to Jewish hearers, then continues receiving visitors and proclaiming the kingdom and Jesus Christ in Rome.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The promised power and the Jerusalem church
Acts 1:1–2:47FocusWitness begins
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
interpretation Witness and opposition in Jerusalem
Acts 3:1–7:60FocusBoldness, order, and rejection
Connection to the wholePublic testimony and growth are accompanied by internal needs and increasing opposition, culminating in Stephen's death.
interpretation The witness moves outward
Acts 8:1–12:25FocusSamaria, Saul, and Gentile hearers
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
interpretation Mission and the Gentile question
Acts 13:1–15:35FocusChurches established and the council
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
interpretation Further journeys and growing churches
Acts 15:36–21:16FocusStrengthening and expanding witness
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
interpretation FocusTestimony through imprisonment
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.