And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid [them] on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And {G1161} when Paul {G3972} had gathered {G4962} a bundle {G4128} of sticks {G5434}, and {G2532} laid {G2007} them on {G1909} the fire {G4443}, there came {G1831} a viper {G2191} out of {G1537} the heat {G2329}, and fastened on {G2510} his {G846} hand {G5495}.
Sha’ul had gathered a bundle of sticks and was adding them to the fire, when a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand.
Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand.
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out by reason of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
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Matthew 23:33
[Ye] serpents, [ye] generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? -
Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. -
2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. -
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. -
2 Corinthians 6:9
As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; -
Job 20:16
He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him. -
Isaiah 59:5
They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.
Acts 28:3 describes a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, immediately following a miraculous shipwreck. This verse highlights an unexpected danger and sets the stage for further demonstrations of God's power through Paul.
Context
Having survived a furious storm and a devastating shipwreck near the island of Melita (modern Malta), Paul and his companions found themselves cold and in need of warmth. The hospitable islanders had kindled a fire. Paul, not one to stand idly by, was actively participating in gathering firewood. This shows his practical nature and willingness to serve, even as a prisoner and an apostle. The incident occurs shortly after God had miraculously preserved his life and the lives of all on board the ship, signaling that God's plan for Paul's ministry was far from over.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "viper" is echidna (ἔχιδνα), which refers to a poisonous snake. The description "came out of the heat" suggests that the cold had made the snake sluggish, and the warmth of the fire roused it to activity, making it aggressive and prone to strike. The phrase "fastened on his hand" implies the snake coiled around or held onto Paul's hand, rather than just delivering a quick bite, making the situation appear even more perilous.
Practical Application
Acts 28:3 reminds us that God's providence is active even in the mundane and challenging moments of life. Just as Paul faced a viper after surviving a shipwreck, believers today may encounter new difficulties even after experiencing God's deliverance from prior struggles. This verse encourages us to trust in God's continued protection and purpose, knowing that He can turn even dangerous situations into opportunities to display His power and further His kingdom, as Paul's subsequent healing ministry on Malta profoundly demonstrated (Acts 28:8-9).