Acts 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.

And {G1161} the barbarous people {G915} shewed {G3930} us {G2254} no {G3756} little {G5177} kindness {G5363}: for {G1063} they kindled {G381} a fire {G4443}, and received {G4355} us {G2248} every one {G3956}, because {G1223} of the present {G2186} rain {G5205}, and {G2532} because {G1223} of the cold {G5592}.

Its people showed extraordinary kindness β€” it was cold and it had started to rain, so they lit a bonfire and welcomed us all.

The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold.

And the barbarians showed us no common kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 28:2 (KJV)

Acts 28:2 describes the immediate aftermath of a harrowing shipwreck experienced by the Apostle Paul and his companions. After their vessel was broken apart by the sea, they safely landed on an island where they were met with unexpected compassion.

Context

This verse is set during Paul's arduous journey to Rome as a prisoner, as detailed in the book of Acts. Following a perilous voyage and a dramatic shipwreck off the coast of Melita (modern-day Malta), Paul and the 275 other survivors found themselves stranded on an unfamiliar shore. Exhausted, wet, and cold, they were in desperate need of assistance. This verse highlights the surprising welcome they received from the island's inhabitants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unexpected Hospitality: The "barbarous people," a term simply meaning non-Greek speakers rather than savage, displayed remarkable kindness. They didn't view the shipwrecked strangers as a threat but as people in distress, immediately offering aid.
  • Divine Providence and Care: Even amidst a disaster like a shipwreck, God's hand is evident. He ensured the safety of all on board and then moved the hearts of the local people to provide comfort and warmth. This speaks to God's faithful provision, ensuring that all things work together for good for those who love Him.
  • Compassion Transcends Barriers: Despite differences in language, culture, and social standing (Paul being a Roman prisoner, the islanders being local inhabitants), basic human compassion prevailed. The dire circumstances of rain and cold compelled a universal response of help.
  • Simple Acts of Kindness: The act of kindling a fire and receiving everyone was a simple yet profound gesture, crucial for the survival and comfort of the cold and wet survivors. It underscores the powerful impact of practical, immediate help in times of crisis.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the term "barbarous people." The Greek word is barbaros (βάρβαρος), which did not carry the negative connotation of "savage" or "uncivilized" as it might in modern English. Instead, it was simply used by Greeks to describe anyone who did not speak Greek, implying a language barrier rather than a moral or cultural inferiority. The phrase "shewed us no little kindness" is a Greek idiom known as a litotes, a double negative used for emphasis, meaning they showed them "great kindness" or "extraordinary kindness." This highlights the genuine and abundant generosity of the Melitan islanders.

Practical Application

Acts 28:2 serves as a timeless reminder of several important principles for believers today:

  • Embrace Hospitality: We are called to extend kindness and hospitality to strangers, especially those in need, regardless of their background or perceived differences (Romans 12:13).
  • Trust God's Provision: Even when circumstances are dire and life feels shipwrecked, God provides for His children, often through unexpected sources.
  • Challenge Preconceptions: The "barbarous people" defied negative expectations, demonstrating that true compassion can be found in any group. We should be careful not to judge others based on superficial labels or stereotypes.
  • Value Simple Acts: Small gestures of kindness, like providing warmth or shelter, can make an enormous difference in someone's life and reflect the love of Christ.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Romans 1:14

    I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

  • Colossians 3:11

    Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

  • Hebrews 13:2

    Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:27

    In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

  • Acts 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:11

    Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me.

  • Proverbs 24:11

    ΒΆ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;
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