Acts 28:10

KJV

Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded [us] with such things as were necessary.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} also {G2532} honoured {G5092} us {G2248} with many {G4183} honours {G5091}; and {G2532} when we departed {G321}, they laded {G2007} us with such things as {G4314} were necessary {G5532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They heaped honors on us; and when the time came for us to sail, they provided the supplies we needed.

Berean Standard Bible

The islanders honored us in many ways and supplied our needs when we were ready to sail.

American Standard Version

who also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board such things as we needed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:10 concludes the account of Paul and his companions' three-month stay on the island of Malta, following their dramatic shipwreck. This verse highlights the profound gratitude and generosity extended by the local inhabitants to Paul and his fellow travelers. Their appreciation was expressed not only through significant expressions of esteem but also through abundant, practical provisions, ensuring the apostles were well-equipped for the next leg of their journey to Rome. It underscores God's providential care for His servants, even in the most unexpected circumstances, facilitated through the kindness of strangers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 28:10 serves as the concluding statement to the Maltese episode, which begins with the dramatic shipwreck described in detail in [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - The Shipwreck"). After miraculously surviving the tempest and reaching the island of Malta, Paul and his companions encountered a series of divine interventions. These included Paul's immunity to a venomous viper bite ([Acts 28:3-6](/acts/28-3-6 "Acts 28:3-6 - Paul and the Viper")), which astonished the locals, and his subsequent healing ministry, beginning with Publius's father and extending to many other sick islanders ([Acts 28:7-9](/acts/28-7-9 "Acts 28:7-9 - Paul's Healing Ministry on Malta")). This verse, therefore, marks the natural culmination of the islanders' response to Paul's presence and miraculous works, leading to their departure for Rome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The island of Malta, located south of Sicily, was a Roman province at the time, though its inhabitants were primarily of Phoenician descent and spoke a non-Greek, non-Latin language, leading Luke to describe them as "barbarous people" in [Acts 28:2](/acts/28-2 "Acts 28:2 - Maltese Hospitality"). This term simply meant they did not speak Greek or Latin, not that they were uncivilized; indeed, their actions demonstrate remarkable hospitality and compassion. Shipwreck was a common and terrifying occurrence in the ancient world, and survivors were often vulnerable. The generosity shown to Paul and his company was exceptional, likely driven by awe at Paul's divine power demonstrated through the healing miracles. Provisions for sea travel were crucial, as voyages could be long and dangerous, requiring ample supplies of food, water, and other necessities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly orchestrates events and provides for His servants, even in dire circumstances like a shipwreck, raising up unexpected sources of aid. The actions of the Maltese people exemplify **Hospitality and Generosity**, a recurring biblical virtue, showing kindness to strangers and those in need, as seen in passages like [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality"). Furthermore, it illustrates the principle of **Reciprocity and the Impact of the Gospel**, where acts of selfless service and the demonstration of God's power through Paul's ministry lead to a grateful and abundant response from those who were blessed. The "honours" and provisions were a direct result of the spiritual and physical blessings Paul brought to the island, underscoring the transformative power of the Christian witness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **honoured (Greek, _timáō_):** From G5091, meaning "to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere." This verb indicates the active demonstration of respect, esteem, and appreciation. It suggests that the Maltese people not only held Paul and his companions in high regard but also expressed this reverence through tangible acts, valuing them highly for the blessings they brought.
* **honours (Greek, _timḗ_):** From G5092, meaning "a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself." This noun refers to the concrete expressions of honor, such as gifts, privileges, or financial support. The use of both the verb and noun from the same root ("honoured... honours") emphasizes the multifaceted and substantial nature of the appreciation shown.
* **laded (Greek, _epitíthēmi_):** From G2007, meaning "to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense):--add unto, lade, lay upon, put (up) on." In this context, it signifies a generous and abundant provision, literally "placing upon" them a substantial amount of supplies. It implies that the provisions were not merely sufficient but ample, indicating a deep commitment to ensuring the travelers' well-being on their onward journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who also honoured us with many honours;":** This clause describes the initial and ongoing response of the Maltese people to Paul and his companions. The repetition of the root word for "honor" (verb "honoured" and noun "honours") emphasizes the depth and various forms of their appreciation. It indicates that the islanders not only held the travelers in high esteem but also demonstrated this respect through significant, tangible expressions, likely including gifts, privileges, and perhaps even financial contributions. This was a direct result of Paul's healing ministry and the divine power witnessed on the island.
* **"and when we departed, they laded [us] with such things as were necessary.":** This second clause details the practical and generous provision made for Paul and his company as they prepared to leave Malta. The phrase "when we departed" marks the transition from their stay on the island to their continued journey. The verb "laded" conveys the idea of burdening or loading, implying that a substantial quantity of supplies was given to them. These "things as were necessary" would have included provisions vital for a long sea voyage, such as food, water, clothing, and other essentials, ensuring their comfort and safety on the next leg of their journey to Rome.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the profound gratitude and generosity of the Maltese people. **Polyptoton** is evident in the phrase "honoured us with many honours," where the verb and noun derive from the same root (Greek _timáō_ and _timḗ_). This repetition serves to emphasize the depth, sincerity, and multifaceted nature of the respect and appreciation shown. It suggests that the honor was not merely verbal but manifested in concrete, valuable ways. Furthermore, the use of "many honours" and the verb "laded" (implying a heavy burden of provisions) can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the extraordinary generosity beyond mere necessity. This contrasts sharply with the perilous circumstances of their arrival, highlighting the dramatic shift from destitution to abundant provision, a testament to God's **Providence** at work through human kindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:10 beautifully illustrates the principle of divine provision through human agency, demonstrating how God cares for His servants, often utilizing unexpected sources. The Maltese people, initially described as "barbarous," became instruments of God's grace, showering Paul and his companions with honor and practical necessities. This act of generous reciprocity, born out of gratitude for Paul's healing ministry, underscores the biblical truth that those who sow spiritual blessings often reap material ones. It also serves as a powerful reminder that genuine Christian service, motivated by love and empowered by God, has a tangible impact, fostering goodwill and opening doors for the ongoing spread of the Gospel.

* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")
* [2 Corinthians 9:6-7](/2_corinthians/9-6-7 "2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Cheerful Giving and Abundant Blessing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:10 offers profound insights for believers today, particularly regarding the nature of generosity, the reliability of God's provision, and the tangible impact of selfless service. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of open-handedness, not only towards those who minister to us but also to anyone in genuine need, regardless of their background or our initial perceptions. The Maltese people, despite being "strangers" to Paul, exemplified extraordinary kindness, reminding us that hospitality is a core Christian virtue. Furthermore, this verse encourages us to trust implicitly in God's providential care. Even after a devastating shipwreck, Paul and his company were not abandoned but were abundantly supplied. This should bolster our faith, assuring us that God will meet our needs, often through the unexpected kindness of others, as we faithfully pursue His calling. Our acts of compassion and service, however small they may seem, can have a far-reaching impact, not only blessing others but also opening doors for God's grace to flow back into our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the generosity of the Maltese people challenge your understanding and practice of hospitality today?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's provision in unexpected circumstances, similar to Paul's experience on Malta?**
* **How can your acts of service and compassion, even in difficult situations, lead to unexpected blessings or open doors for the Gospel?**
* **What does it mean to "honor" those who serve or bless you, and how can you express that honor tangibly?**

### FAQ
**Who were "they" who honored Paul and his companions?**

Answer: "They" refers to the inhabitants of the island of Malta, particularly those who had benefited from Paul's healing ministry and witnessed the miraculous events surrounding him. After Paul healed Publius's father and many other sick islanders, the people responded with overwhelming gratitude and respect for Paul and his traveling companions.

**What kind of "honours" were given to Paul and his company?**

Answer: The "honours" (Greek _timḗ_) encompassed both profound respect and tangible expressions of appreciation. This would have included not only verbal praise and high esteem for Paul's miraculous works but also valuable gifts, provisions, and perhaps even financial support. The text specifies that they "laded [us] with such things as were necessary," indicating that the honors were practical and substantial, aimed at equipping them for their onward journey.

**Why was it "necessary" for the Maltese people to provide these things?**

Answer: It was "necessary" (Greek _chreía_) because Paul and his companions were shipwrecked, losing most, if not all, of their possessions. They were stranded on an island and needed provisions for their continued sea voyage to Rome. The journey would be long and arduous, requiring ample supplies of food, water, clothing, and other essentials to sustain them until their destination. The Maltese people's provision ensured they could resume their mission without being hindered by lack.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 28:10, while describing a human act of generosity, points to the ultimate provision and honor found in Jesus Christ. Just as Paul and his companions, having suffered loss, were abundantly supplied by the Maltese, so too does Christ provide for His followers, especially those who have given up all to serve Him. Jesus Himself taught His disciples not to worry about what they would eat or wear, promising that their heavenly Father knows their needs and will provide ([Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31-33 "Matthew 6:31-33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). The "honours" bestowed upon Paul foreshadow the immeasurable honor and glory that await those who faithfully serve the Lord, as Christ promises to honor those who serve Him ([John 12:26](/john/12-26 "John 12:26 - Serving Christ")). Moreover, the "lading" of necessary provisions can be seen as a spiritual parallel to Christ's abundant grace, which supplies all our spiritual needs, enabling us to continue our journey of faith. He is the ultimate provision, the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the Living Water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water")), who takes away the burden of sin and provides everything necessary for eternal life and fruitful service in His kingdom.

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

1 Thessalonians 2:6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:31

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.

Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

2 Corinthians 9:5

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as [a matter of] bounty, and not as [of] covetousness.