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Scripture • World English Bible
Acts 28:1–10
1When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
2The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.
3But 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.
4When 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.”
5However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed.
6But 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.
7Now 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.
8The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
9Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured.
10They also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
World English Bible (WEB) • Public Domain
Reflection
Acts 28:1–10 places Paul and his companions on an unfamiliar shore after a dangerous shipwreck. Wrecked, wet, and cold, they could have expected suspicion or indifference. Instead, the islanders do something notable: they show uncommon kindness. They build a fire, welcome the survivors, and provide shelter — ordinary acts made extraordinary by the circumstances.
That kindness creates a context for the gospel to be seen. The story takes an unexpected turn when a viper bites Paul. Rather than panic, Paul shakes the creature off and suffers no harm. The islanders interpret his survival through their cultural lens — first as judgment, then as divinity — and curiosity is piqued. When Paul enters Publius’s house and prays for his sick father, healing follows and many on the island come to be restored. Hospitality opened the door; God used the events that followed to point people to his power and compassion.
Two truths stand out for us. First, concrete, compassionate care matters. The islanders didn’t open an argument; they kindled a fire and received travelers. That simple mercy met an immediate need and created trust. Second, God often uses unexpected circumstances to reveal himself. The viper and the healing aren’t just dramatic details; they are moments that unsettle assumptions and invite questions. The gospel often advances when human kindness and God’s power intersect.
This passage also models a posture for believers. Paul does not demand a platform or use the crisis for self-promotion. He accepts hospitality, lives dependably among the people, and responds to needs — physical and spiritual — with prayer and practical touch. The church’s witness is strengthened when followers of Jesus receive graciously, serve faithfully, and trust God in the midst of adversity.
We should not read this as a promise that every act of service will produce a dramatic miracle, nor as a guarantee of safety. Rather, Acts 28 shows that everyday compassion prepares hearts, and God’s kingdom can break into ordinary life through faithful presence and prayer. In a world full of brokenness, your willingness to offer warmth and to pray is a vital part of how God brings good news to the ends of the earth.
Putting Faith Into Action
- Invite someone in who is struggling — when you see a practical need (cold, rain, loneliness), offer immediate care: a warm drink, a meal, or a place to dry off. Small acts open doors for gospel conversations.
- Be ready to pray and serve the sick in humility: follow Paul’s example by offering prayer and compassionate care, and trust God with the outcome rather than promising a particular result.
- Support and encourage local missionaries and displaced people with concrete provisions — donate needed supplies, help supply travel costs, or send a note of thanks and practical help to those serving in difficult places.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give us hearts of uncommon kindness. Help us welcome those who are weary, serve without seeking reward, and trust you in danger and uncertainty. Use our simple acts of mercy to open doors for your love and truth. Amen.
Memory Verse
Acts 28:2 — 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. (WEB)
“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.”
Bible Context
Read all of Acts 28
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Bible Context
Read all of Acts 28
Acts 28
World English Bible • WEB
1When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
2The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.
3But 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.
4When 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.”
5However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed.
6But 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.
7Now 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.
8The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
9Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured.
10They also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
11After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was “The Twin Brothers.”
12Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
13From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,
14where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.
15From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
17After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
18who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.
19But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
20For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
21They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.
22But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.
24Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
25When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one message: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,
26saying,
27For this people’s heart has grown callous.
28“Be it known therefore to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”
29When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
30Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him,
31preaching God’s Kingdom and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
World English Bible (WEB) • Public Domain
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