Acts 28:1

KJV

¶ And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they were escaped {G1295}, then {G5119} they knew {G1921} that {G3754} the island {G3520} was called {G2564} Melita {G3194}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After our escape, we learned that the island was called Malta.

Berean Standard Bible

Once we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta.

American Standard Version

And when we were escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:1 marks a profound transition in the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, signaling the miraculous conclusion of a harrowing shipwreck and the unexpected beginning of a new chapter on an unfamiliar island. This verse succinctly captures the moment of realization for the 276 survivors, confirming their safe escape from the sea and identifying their providential refuge as Melita, setting the stage for subsequent divine encounters and ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate aftermath and climactic resolution of the dramatic events detailed in [Acts chapter 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - The Shipwreck"). The preceding chapter meticulously recounts Paul's perilous voyage as a prisoner to Rome, the sudden and violent storm (a "Euroclydon"), the ship's destruction, and Paul's divine assurance that despite the loss of the vessel, not a single life would be lost ([Acts 27:22-26](/acts/27-22-26 "Acts 27:22-26 - Paul's Prophecy of Survival")). Acts 28:1, therefore, is the triumphant fulfillment of this prophecy, marking the moment the survivors, having clung to debris, finally reached solid ground. It transitions the narrative from the chaos of the sea to the unexpected calm of an island, setting the stage for Paul's continued ministry and miraculous works among the islanders.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mediterranean Sea was a vital but dangerous thoroughfare for trade and travel in the Roman Empire. Shipwrecks were common, often resulting in significant loss of life, making the survival of all 276 individuals on board truly extraordinary. Melita, universally identified as modern-day Malta, is a strategic island located south of Sicily, roughly 60 miles from the nearest point of Sicily. In the 1st century AD, it was a Roman province, known for its strategic harbor and its inhabitants, often referred to as "barbarians" by the Greeks and Romans, not in a derogatory sense of savagery, but simply meaning they did not speak Greek or Latin. The indigenous population likely spoke a Punic dialect. The arrival of such a large group of shipwrecked individuals would have been a significant event for the islanders, initiating a period of interaction and hospitality, as seen in the subsequent verses.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 28:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's meticulous control over seemingly chaotic circumstances. The survival of all on board, despite the complete destruction of the ship, underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly those made to Paul concerning his safe arrival in Rome to testify before Caesar ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands with Paul")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Deliverance and Salvation**, not only in the physical sense of rescue from the sea but also foreshadowing the spiritual deliverance that Paul would bring through the gospel. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Unexpected Opportunities for Ministry**, as this unplanned detour to Melita becomes a new mission field where Paul, even as a prisoner, continues to bear witness to Christ, performing miracles and healing the sick, as detailed in [Acts 28:7-10](/acts/28-7-10 "Acts 28:7-10 - Paul's Ministry on Melita").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **escaped (Greek, _diasṓzō'_):** From G1295, meaning "to save thoroughly," "to bring safe," or "to rescue." This word emphasizes a complete and successful deliverance from extreme peril. It highlights that their survival was not merely fortunate but a comprehensive act of preservation, underscoring the miraculous nature of their arrival on land after the shipwreck.
* **knew (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** From G1921, meaning "to know upon some mark," "to recognize," or "to become fully acquainted with." This term implies a process of discovery and recognition. After the chaos of the storm and the immediate relief of reaching land, the survivors gained a clear understanding of their geographical location, moving from disorientation to certainty.
* **Melita (Greek, _Melítē'_):** From G3194, referring to the island universally identified as modern-day Malta. The naming of the island is crucial, providing a specific geographical anchor for the narrative and setting the stage for the unique interactions and events that would unfold there.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were escaped":** This phrase immediately conveys the culmination of the perilous journey described in the previous chapter. The use of "escaped" (diasṓzō) underscores the miraculous and complete nature of their deliverance from the sea. It implies a successful passage through extreme danger, highlighting the divine protection that ensured the survival of all 276 individuals.
* **"then they knew":** This indicates a moment of realization and understanding following the immediate relief of reaching land. After the disorientation and struggle of the shipwreck, the survivors were able to ascertain their location. This "knowing" (epiginṓskō) suggests a clear recognition of their surroundings, moving from uncertainty to a definite awareness of where they had landed.
* **"that the island was called Melita":** This provides the specific geographical identification of their unexpected refuge. The naming of "Melita" (Malta) is a crucial detail that grounds the narrative in historical reality and sets the scene for the subsequent interactions with the island's inhabitants, as well as Paul's continued ministry and miraculous works in this new, unplanned environment.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 28:1 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. The verse serves as a pivotal **Narrative Transition**, abruptly shifting the setting from the tumultuous, life-threatening sea to the unexpected safety of solid ground. This abrupt change emphasizes the dramatic conclusion of the shipwreck and prepares the reader for a new phase of Paul's journey. There is also a strong sense of **Divine Providence** woven into the fabric of this verse; while not explicitly stated, the miraculous survival of all 276 people and their landing on a hospitable island, rather than a desolate shore, subtly points to God's guiding hand, fulfilling Paul's earlier prophecy. The specific naming of "Melita" provides **Geographical Specificity**, grounding the extraordinary events in a verifiable location and lending credibility to Luke's historical account. Finally, the phrase "then they knew" implies a moment of **Epiphany or Recognition**, where the survivors' initial disorientation gives way to a clear understanding of their unexpected refuge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:1 powerfully illustrates the theme of divine preservation and God's unwavering faithfulness in the midst of extreme adversity. The safe arrival of all on board, despite the ship's complete destruction, serves as a tangible demonstration of God's sovereign control over nature and His commitment to fulfilling His purposes, particularly concerning Paul's mission to bear witness in Rome. This physical deliverance from the sea resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive work, where He consistently rescues His people from peril, both physical and spiritual, demonstrating His power and love. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem utterly chaotic and hopeless, God's plan remains on course, often leading us to unexpected places where His grace can be further revealed.

* [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalms/107-23-30 "Psalm 107:23-30 - God's Deliverance from the Sea")
* [Jonah 1:15-17](/jonah/1-15-17 "Jonah 1:15-17 - Jonah's Rescue from the Storm")
* [2 Corinthians 1:8-10](/2_corinthians/1-8-10 "2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - God Rescues Us from Deadly Peril")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:1 offers a profound message of hope and trust in God's unfailing providence, even after enduring the most severe trials. Just as the survivors of the shipwreck reached a place of safety and unexpected opportunity, we too can find assurance that God is actively at work in our lives, guiding us through our personal storms and leading us to our next destination, whether planned or unforeseen. This verse encourages us to recognize that deliverance often comes with a period of recovery and reorientation, where God's hand is still evident, providing comfort, clarity, and new avenues for His purposes to unfold. It challenges us to embrace these unexpected detours as significant chapters for spiritual growth, ministry, and deeper reliance on His sovereign care, knowing that even in the aftermath of chaos, He brings peace and new beginnings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have you experienced God's "escape" or deliverance in your own life after a period of intense trial or "shipwreck"?**
* **In what ways might God be leading you to an "unexpected island" or new environment where His purposes can be revealed?**
* **What does it mean to "know" (epiginṓskō) God's presence and guidance even when circumstances are disorienting?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the island being named Melita?**

Answer: The naming of the island as Melita (modern-day Malta) is significant for several reasons. First, it provides a crucial geographical anchor, grounding Luke's historical account in a verifiable location and adding to its credibility. Second, it sets the stage for the specific events that follow, as the narrative details Paul's interactions with the islanders, their hospitality, and the miracles he performs there, particularly the healing of Publius's father ([Acts 28:7-8](/acts/28-7-8 "Acts 28:7-8 - Paul Heals Publius's Father")). This unplanned stop became a new, unexpected mission field for Paul, demonstrating how God can use detours to further His gospel message in new territories.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 28:1, while describing a physical deliverance, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as the 276 souls were miraculously "escaped" (diasṓzō) from the raging sea and brought safely to the shores of Melita, humanity, lost in the storm of sin and death, finds its complete and thorough rescue in Christ. He is the divine "anchor" who holds us firm amidst life's tempests, and through His atoning sacrifice, He delivers us from the ultimate shipwreck of eternal judgment. The "knowing" (epiginṓskō) of Melita's identity points to the profound spiritual recognition that occurs when one truly comes to "know" Christ—not just intellectually, but experientially—as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His resurrection from the grave is the ultimate "escape" from death, offering new life and a secure landing place in God's eternal kingdom for all who believe ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")). Thus, the physical rescue on Melita serves as a tangible parable of the greater spiritual rescue accomplished by Christ, our sovereign Lord who calms every storm and brings us safely to our heavenly home ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 27:26

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

Acts 27:44

And the rest, some on boards, and some on [broken pieces] of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Acts 27:39

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

Acts 16:10

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.