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.

And {G1161} when {G5613} the barbarians {G915} saw {G1492} the venomous beast {G2342} hang {G2910} on {G1537} his {G846} hand {G5495}, they said {G3004} among {G4314} themselves {G240}, No doubt {G3843} this {G3778} man {G444} is {G2076} a murderer {G5406}, whom {G3739}, though he hath escaped {G1295}{G1537} the sea {G2281}, yet vengeance {G1349} suffereth {G1439} not {G3756} to live {G2198}.

The islanders saw the creature hanging from Sha’ul’s hand and said to one another, “This man must be a murderer. Even though he escaped the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.”

When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”

And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped from the sea, yet Justice hath not suffered to live.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic shipwreck of Paul and his companions on the island of Malta, as described in Acts 27. Having barely escaped the treacherous sea, they were met with unexpected kindness by the local inhabitants, referred to as "barbarians" (meaning non-Greek or Roman speakers). While Paul was helping gather wood for a fire—a humble act for an apostle—a viper, disturbed by the heat, bit him and fastened itself to his hand.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Providence: Despite having survived a violent storm and shipwreck, Paul immediately faces another life-threatening danger. Yet, God's promise that Paul would reach Rome (Acts 23:11) ensures his miraculous preservation. This incident powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over natural forces and even deadly creatures.
  • Human Judgment and Superstition: The islanders, observing the snakebite, quickly conclude that Paul must be a murderer. Their immediate assumption stems from a pagan worldview that believed in personified vengeance (like the Greek goddess Dikē) or divine retribution for sins. They saw the viper's attack as a clear sign of divine judgment, even after he escaped the sea.
  • The Power of Witness: This event sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of God's power through Paul. Their initial judgment would soon turn to astonishment and reverence as Paul remained unharmed, leading to opportunities for healing and evangelism on the island, as seen later in Acts 28:8-9.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Barbarians" (Greek: barbaros): In this context, the term simply denotes people who did not speak Greek or Latin. It doesn't necessarily carry the modern negative connotation of savagery, but highlights their different cultural and religious understanding compared to the Greco-Roman world.
  • "Venomous beast": The Greek word is echidna, specifically referring to a viper, known for its potent venom. The KJV adds "venomous" for clarity, emphasizing the deadly nature of the snake.
  • "Vengeance" (Greek: Dikē): This refers to the Greek goddess of justice or personified divine justice. The islanders believed that this supernatural force was pursuing Paul to punish him for a grave, unconfessed sin, despite his escape from the sea. This reveals their polytheistic and superstitious beliefs.

Practical Application

Acts 28:4 reminds us of several timeless truths. First, it cautions against hasty judgments based on circumstances; the islanders wrongly assumed Paul's guilt. Second, it powerfully illustrates God's protective hand over His servants, even in the face of multiple, severe dangers. Our trials and unexpected hardships can be opportunities for God to display His power and for us to be a witness to His faithfulness. Just as Paul's survival challenged the islanders' worldview, our endurance and faith in difficult times can point others to God's providence.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 13:2

    And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

  • Luke 13:4

    Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

  • 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.

  • Acts 28:5

    And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

  • Matthew 23:35

    That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

  • Isaiah 43:20

    The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

  • John 7:24

    Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

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