Acts 28:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Following a harrowing shipwreck, the Apostle Paul and his companions found themselves stranded on the island of Melita (modern-day Malta). This verse describes the immediate and compassionate response of the island's native inhabitants, who, despite cultural and linguistic differences, extended extraordinary kindness by kindling a fire and welcoming every survivor, offering crucial relief from the severe rain and cold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 28:2 immediately follows the dramatic account of Paul's shipwreck in [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Voyage and Shipwreck"). After fourteen days of a terrifying storm at sea, Paul's prophetic assurance that no lives would be lost was miraculously fulfilled when the ship ran aground on Melita. The survivors, including 276 people, swam or floated to shore. This verse marks their first interaction with the local population, setting the stage for Paul's three-month stay on the island, which includes further demonstrations of God's power through healing and evangelism, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [Acts 28](/acts/28 "Acts 28 - Paul on Malta and Arrival in Rome").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The island of Melita, now known as Malta, was a strategic point in the Mediterranean. At the time of Paul's visit, it was under Roman provincial administration. The term "barbarous people" (Greek: _bárbaros_) did not carry the pejorative connotation of "savage" or "uncivilized" as it might today. Instead, it was simply used by Greeks and Romans to describe anyone who did not speak Greek or Latin, indicating a linguistic and cultural barrier. Shipwrecked individuals in the ancient world were often vulnerable to exploitation or neglect, making the immediate and generous hospitality shown by the Melitans particularly noteworthy. Their actions reflect a deep-seated human compassion, exacerbated by the harsh weather conditions of "present rain, and... cold," which would have made the survivors susceptible to hypothermia.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Care**, demonstrating God's faithful hand at work even in the midst of disaster. He not only preserved every life during the shipwreck but also orchestrated a warm welcome from unexpected sources, echoing the truth that [all things work together for good for those who love God](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good"). Secondly, it showcases **Unexpected Hospitality and Compassion**, as the "barbarous people" transcended cultural and linguistic divides to offer practical aid to strangers in dire need. This act of genuine human kindness underscores the universal call to care for the vulnerable, a theme consistently found in Scripture, such as in the parable of [the Good Samaritan](/luke/10-30-37 "Luke 10:30-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"). Lastly, it emphasizes the profound impact of **Simple Acts of Kindness**, showing how basic gestures like kindling a fire and offering shelter can be life-saving and deeply impactful, reflecting the practical love that God desires from His people, as seen in [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Caring for the Least of These").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **barbarous people (Greek, _bárbaros'_):** This term refers to anyone who did not speak Greek or Latin, the dominant languages of the Roman Empire. It signifies a linguistic and cultural outsider from the perspective of the Greek-speaking author, Luke, and the shipwrecked crew. It does not imply a lack of civilization or moral character, a point powerfully underscored by their subsequent actions.
* **kindness (Greek, _philanthrōpía'_):** Derived from _philos_ (love) and _anthrōpos_ (man), this word literally means "love toward mankind" or "benevolence." It describes a deep-seated humaneness and compassion that moved the islanders to act generously towards complete strangers who were in a state of extreme vulnerability. This is the same word used to describe God's kindness in [Titus 3:4](/titus/3-4 "Titus 3:4 - God's Kindness and Love").
* **no little (Greek, _ou tynchánō'_):** This is an example of a **litotes**, a rhetorical device using a double negative to affirm a positive strongly. "No little kindness" emphatically means "great kindness" or "extraordinary kindness." It highlights the exceptional nature and abundant generosity of the Melitan islanders' hospitality, far exceeding mere obligation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the unexpected and profound generosity of the islanders. Despite being strangers and perceived as "barbarians" by the Greek-speaking survivors, they demonstrated an extraordinary level of compassion and benevolence, directly contradicting any negative preconceptions the term "barbarous" might imply.
* **"for they kindled a fire, and received us every one,"** This clause details the practical and immediate acts of hospitality. Kindling a fire was a vital, life-saving gesture for people who were wet, cold, and likely hypothermic after the shipwreck. The phrase "received us every one" emphasizes the inclusivity and comprehensive nature of their welcome; no one was left out or turned away, highlighting their selfless and universal compassion.
* **"because of the present rain, and because of the cold."** This final clause explains the pressing circumstances that prompted the islanders' actions. The severe weather conditions – ongoing rain and chilling cold – created an urgent need for warmth and shelter, making their prompt and generous response all the more critical and commendable. It underscores the dire situation of the survivors and the immediate relief provided.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices to enhance the narrative's impact. The most prominent is **Litotes**, seen in the phrase "no little kindness," which uses a double negative to emphasize the *great* extent of the islanders' benevolence. This rhetorical device draws attention to the surprising and abundant nature of their hospitality. There is also an element of **Situational Irony** at play: the "barbarous" (non-Greek speaking) people, often stereotyped as uncivilized, demonstrate a higher degree of compassion and practical charity than might have been expected from those considered "civilized." Luke's **Descriptive Language** vividly portrays the harsh conditions ("present rain, and... cold"), which serves to highlight the urgency of the survivors' plight and magnify the compassionate response of the islanders, making their actions appear even more heroic and selfless.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The extraordinary kindness shown by the Melitan islanders serves as a powerful testament to God's common grace, demonstrating that the capacity for compassion and benevolence is not limited to those who explicitly know Him. Even amidst a chaotic and life-threatening event like a shipwreck, God's providential care is evident, not only in preserving lives but also in moving the hearts of strangers to provide essential aid. This narrative underscores the theological truth that God often works through unexpected channels and people to accomplish His purposes and provide for His children. It challenges believers to recognize and affirm human dignity in all people, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background, and to emulate this selfless love in their own lives.

* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Forget to Show Hospitality")
* [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Do Good to All People")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Kindness to the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:2 offers a timeless and profound challenge to believers, urging us to cultivate a heart of radical hospitality and compassion, especially towards those who are vulnerable or perceived as "other." In a world often marked by division and suspicion, this verse calls us to look beyond superficial differences—whether of language, culture, or social status—and to see the inherent dignity and need in every individual. It reminds us that God's provision often comes through the hands of others, and we, in turn, are called to be instruments of His care. The simple yet life-saving acts of kindling a fire and offering shelter underscore that profound impact can come from practical, immediate responses to human suffering. We are invited to identify the "rain and cold" in the lives of those around us—whether literal or metaphorical—and to respond with the warmth of Christ's love, demonstrating the gospel not just in word, but in deed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate a heart of philanthropy towards strangers, especially those in distress, even when it is inconvenient or unexpected?**
* **In what ways might we be quick to label or dismiss others based on their background or perceived differences, and how can this verse challenge our preconceptions?**
* **What "simple acts of kindness" can we offer in our daily lives that might have a profound and life-giving impact on others, reflecting the love of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "barbarous people" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "barbarous people" were the native inhabitants of Melita, the island where Paul and his companions were shipwrecked (modern-day Malta). The Greek term _bárbaros_ (from which "barbarous" is derived) simply referred to anyone who did not speak Greek, the common language of the Roman Empire and the language of the author, Luke. It did not carry the negative connotation of "savage" or "uncivilized" as it might in modern English. In fact, their actions in this verse demonstrate remarkable kindness and hospitality, directly countering any such negative implication.

**Why was kindling a fire so important for Paul and the survivors?**

Answer: After enduring a shipwreck and being cast ashore, Paul and the other survivors would have been thoroughly soaked, cold, and exhausted. The verse explicitly states it was "because of the present rain, and because of the cold." Under such conditions, there was a significant risk of hypothermia. A fire provided immediate and essential warmth, a means to dry their clothes, and a central gathering point for comfort and security. It was a fundamental act of hospitality and a crucial measure for their survival and well-being, demonstrating the practical and life-saving nature of the Melitans' compassion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 28:2 describes a powerful display of human kindness, it also subtly points to the ultimate **philanthropy** of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Just as the shipwrecked and vulnerable survivors were "received" and given warmth by strangers, humanity, lost and exposed in the "rain and cold" of sin, found its ultimate refuge and welcome in Christ. Jesus, though fully God, took on human flesh and became a "stranger" in a fallen world, not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The fire kindled by the Melitans can be seen as a symbol of the spiritual warmth and light that Christ brings, dispelling the darkness and coldness of sin and death. Through His atoning work, He "received us every one," breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between different peoples, so that there is no longer "barbarian, Scythian, slave, free" but Christ is all and in all ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - No Jew or Gentile")). The compassion shown on Melita foreshadows the universal love of God, who extends His saving grace to all who believe, calling His followers to embody this same sacrificial love and radical hospitality, welcoming the lost, the vulnerable, and the marginalized, just as He welcomed us into His eternal kingdom ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Caring for the Least of These")).

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

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

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