Acts 28
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Commentaries
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They knew that the island was called Melita - There were two islands of this name: one in the Adriatic Gulf, or Gulf of Venice, on the coast of Illyricum, and near to Epidaurus; the other in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and Africa, and now called Malta. It is about fifty miles from the coast of Sicily; twenty miles long, and twelve miles in its greatest breadth; and about sixty miles in circumference. It is one immense rock of white, soft freestone, with about one foot depth of earth on an average, and most of this has been brought from Sicily! It produces cotton, excellent fruits, and fine honey; from which it appears the island originally had its name; for μελι, meli, and in the genitive case, μελιτος, melitos, signifies honey. Others suppose that it derived its name from the Phoenicians, who established a colony in it, and made it a place of refuge, when they extended their traffic to the ocean, because it was furnished with excellent harbours: (on the E. and W. shores): hence, in their tongue, it would be called מליטה Meliteh, escape or refuge, from מלט malat, to escape. The Phaeacians were probably the first inhabitants of this island: they were expelled by the Phoenicians; the Phoenicians by the Greeks; the Greeks by the Carthaginians; the Carthaginians by the Romans, who possessed it in the time of the apostle; the Romans by the Goths; the Goths by the Saracens; the Saracens by the Sicilians, under Roger, earl of Sicily, in 1190. Charles V., emperor of Germany, took possession of it by his conquest of Naples and Sicily; and he gave it in 1525 to the knights of Rhodes, who are also called the knights of St. John of Jerusalem. In 1798, this island surrendered to the French, under Bonaparte, and in 1800, after a blockade of two years, the island being reduc…
Open source ↗THE WINTERING AT MALTA, AND NOTABLE OCCURRENCES THERE--PROSECUTION OF THE VOYAGE TO ITALY AS FAR AS PUTEOLI, AND LAND JOURNEY THENCE TO ROME--SUMMARY OF THE APOSTLE'S LABORS THERE FOR THE TWO FOLLOWING YEARS. (Acts 28:1-31) knew the island was called Melita--(See on Act 27:39). The opinion that this island was not Malta to the south of Sicily, but Meleda in the Gulf of Venice--which till lately had respectable support among Competent judges--is now all but exploded; examination of all the places on the spot, and of all writings and principles bearing on the question, by gentlemen of the highest qualification, particularly SMITH (see on Act 27:41), having set the question, it may now be affirmed, at rest.
Open source ↗And when they were escaped,.... From the danger they were exposed to by shipwreck, and were got safe to land; this is omitted in the Syriac version: then they knew that the island was called Melita; an island toward the African shore, where it is placed both by Pliny (g), and Ptolomy (h); in which, the latter says, was the city Melita: it lies between Sicily and Tripolis of Barbary, and is now called Malta: it was famous for the knights of Rhodes, which are now called the knights of Malta: it has its name from "to escape", it being formerly a refuge to the Phoenicians, especially in stormy weather, in their long voyage from Tyre to Gades; and was indeed a place of escape to the Apostle Paul, and those that were with him. And perhaps it might be so called from its being a refuge for pirates; for Cicero (i) says, here pirates used to winter almost every year, and yet did not spoil the temple of Juno, as Verres did: though some say it was so called from the great abundance of honey found in it; for it was a very pleasant and fruitful island, bringing forth great plenty of wheat, rye, flax, cummin, cotton, figs, wine, roses, thyme, lavender, and many other sweet and delightful herbs, from whence bees did gather great plenty of honey. It was, according to Pliny, distant from Camerina eighty four miles, and from Lilybaeum a hundred and thirteen; and it is said to be distant from the promontory of Sicily an hundred miles, though others say sixty; and that it was so far from Syracuse, which is the next place the apostle came to in this voyage, was from Africa an hundred and ninety miles. On the east side, a little from the chief city of it, now called Malta, was a famous temple of Juno, spoiled by Verres, as before observed; and on the south side another of Hercules, the ruins…
Open source ↗What a great variety of places and circumstances do we find Paul in! He was a planet, and not a fixed star. Here we have him in an island to which, in all probability, he had never come if he had not been thrown upon it by a storm; and yet it seems God has work for him to do here. Even stormy winds fulfil God's counsel, and an ill wind indeed it is that blows nobody any good; this ill wind blew good to the island of Melita; for it gave them Paul's company for three months, who was a blessing to every place he came to. This island was called Melita, lying between Sicily and Africa, twenty miles long, and twelve broad; it lies furthest from the continent of any island in the Mediterranean; it is about sixty miles from Sicily. It has been famous since for the knights of Malta, who, when the Turks overran that part of Christendom, made a noble stand, and gave some check to the progress of their arms. Now here we have, I. The kind reception which the inhabitants of this island gave to the distressed strangers that were shipwrecked on their coast (Act 28:2): The barbarous people showed us no little kindness. God had promised that there should be no loss of any man's life; and, as for God, his work is perfect. If they had escaped the sea, and when they came ashore had perished for cold or want, it had been all one; therefore Providence continues its care of them, and what benefits we receive by the hand of man must be acknowledged to come from the hand of God; for every creature is that to us, and no more, that he makes it to be, and when he pleases, as he can make enemies to be at peace, so he can make strangers to be friends, friends in need, and those are friends indeed - friends in adversity, and that is the time that a brother is born for. Observe, 1. The general notice t…
Open source ↗28:1 Malta was a major island under Roman control, about sixty miles (100 km) south of Sicily.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διασώζω (diasṓzō, G1295) — to save thoroughly, i.e. (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc. τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginṓskō, G1921) — to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with,… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because νῆσος (nēsos, G3520) — an island καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) Μελίτη (Melítē, G3194) — Melita, an island in the Mediterranean
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. βάρβαρος (bárbaros, G915) — a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek) παρέχω (paréchō, G3930) — to hold near, i.e. present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not τυγχάνω (tynchánō, G5177) — akin to the base of G5088 (τίκτω) through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or… φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpía, G5363) — fondness of mankind, i.e. benevolence ("philanthropy") γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἀνάπτω (anáptō, G381) — to enkindle πυρά (pyrá, G4443) — a fire (concretely) προσλαμβάνω (proslambánō, G4355) — to take to oneself, i.e. use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… συστρέφω (systréphō, G4962) — to twist together, i.e. collect (a bundle, a crowd) πλῆθος (plēthos, G4128) — a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace φρύγανον (phrýganon, G5434) — akin to the base of G5395 (φλόξ)); something desiccated, i.e. a dry twig καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi, G2007) — to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… πυρά (pyrá, G4443) — a fire (concretely) ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) ἔχιδνα (échidna, G2191) — an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) θέρμη (thérmē, G2329) — warmth καθάπτω (katháptō, G2510) — to seize upon
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) βάρβαρος (bárbaros, G915) — a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal κρεμάννυμι (kremánnymi, G2910) — to hang ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another πάντως (pántōs, G3843) — entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated)
Open source ↗μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ἀποτινάσσω (apotinássō, G660) — to brush off θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) πάσχω (páschō, G3958) — to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful) οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing κακός (kakós, G2556) — worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 (πονηρός) properly refers to effects), i.e.…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. προσδοκάω (prosdokáō, G4328) — to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μέλλω (méllō, G3195) — to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially… πίμπρημι (pímprēmi, G4092) — to fire, i.e. burn (figuratively and passively, become inflamed with fever) ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than καταπίπτω (katapíptō, G2667) — to fall down νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) ἄφνω (áphnō, G869) — unawares, i.e. unexpectedly ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θεωρέω (theōréō, G2334) — to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed τόπος (tópos, G5117) — a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas G5561 (χώρα) is a large but… ὑπάρχω (hypárchō, G5225) — to begin under (quietly), i.e. come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively,… χωρίον (chōríon, G5564) — a spot or plot of ground πρῶτος (prōtos, G4413) — foremost (in time, place, order or importance) νῆσος (nēsos, G3520) — an island ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) Πόπλιος (Póplios, G4196) — apparently "popular"; Poplius (i.e. Publius), a Roman ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀναδέχομαι (anadéchomai, G324) — to entertain (as a guest) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) Πόπλιος (Póplios, G4196) — apparently "popular"; Poplius (i.e. Publius), a Roman κατάκειμαι (katákeimai, G2621) — to lie down, i.e. (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal συνέχω (synéchō, G4912) — to hold together, i.e. to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a… πυρετός (pyretós, G4446) — inflamed, i.e. (by implication) feverish (as noun, fever) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δυσεντερία (dysentería, G1420) — a "dysentery" πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship
Open source ↗οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… τούτου (toútou, G5127) — of (from or concerning) this (person or thing) λοιποί (loipoí, G3062) — remaining ones καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἀσθένεια (asthéneia, G769) — feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. νῆσος (nēsos, G3520) — an island προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai, G4334) — to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to θεραπεύω (therapeúō, G2323) — to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of…
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τιμή (timḗ, G5092) — a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem… ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… τιμάω (timáō, G5091) — to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere ἀνάγω (anágō, G321) — to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi, G2007) — to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… χρεία (chreía, G5532) — employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… τρεῖς (treîs, G5140) — "three" μήν (mḗn, G3376) — a month ἀνάγω (anágō, G321) — to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πλοῖον (ploîon, G4143) — a sailer, i.e. vessel Ἀλεξανδρῖνος (Alexandrînos, G222) — Alexandrine, or belonging to Alexandria παραχειμάζω (paracheimázō, G3914) — to winter near, i.e. stay with over the rainy season νῆσος (nēsos, G3520) — an island παράσημος (parásēmos, G3902) — side-marked, i.e. labelled (with a badge (figure-head) of a ship) Διόσκουροι (Dióskouroi, G1359) — sons of Jupiter, i.e. the twins Dioscuri
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κατάγω (katágō, G2609) — to lead down; specially, to moor a vessel εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Συράκουσαι (Syrákousai, G4946) — Syracuse, the capital of Sicily ἐπιμένω (epiménō, G1961) — to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere) τρεῖς (treîs, G5140) — "three" ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but…
Open source ↗ὅθεν (hóthen, G3606) — from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction) περιέρχομαι (periérchomai, G4022) — to come all around, i.e. stroll, vacillate, veer καταντάω (katantáō, G2658) — to meet against, i.e. arrive at (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Ῥήγιον (Rhḗgion, G4484) — Rhegium, a place in Italy καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… μία (mía, G3391) — one or first ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… νότος (nótos, G3558) — the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself ἐπιγίνομαι (epigínomai, G1920) — to arrive upon, i.e. spring up (as a wind) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) δευτεραῖος (deuteraîos, G1206) — secondary, i.e. (specially) on the second day Ποτίολοι (Potíoloi, G4223) — little wells, i.e. mineral springs; Potioli (i.e. Puteoli), a place in Italy
Open source ↗οὗ (hoû, G3757) — at which place, i.e. where εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ἐπιμένω (epiménō, G1961) — to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Ῥώμη (Rhṓmē, G4516) — strength; Roma, the capital of Italy
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
However, we must run aground on some island.”
The rest were to follow on planks and various parts of the ship. In this way everyone was brought safely to land.
When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they sighted a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could.
As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.