Acts 28:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G3303}{G3767} he shook off {G660} the beast {G2342} into {G1519} the fire {G4442}, and felt {G3958} no {G3762} harm {G2556}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm.

Berean Standard Bible

But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.

American Standard Version

Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:5 records a pivotal moment on the island of Melita (Malta) where the Apostle Paul, having survived a shipwreck, was bitten by a venomous viper yet suffered no ill effects. This miraculous preservation served as a powerful divine attestation to Paul's apostolic ministry, confounding the local inhabitants who initially perceived the bite as divine retribution for a crime, but then shifted their view to seeing him as a god. The event underscores God's sovereign protection over His servants and His ability to turn dangerous circumstances into opportunities for His glory and the advancement of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the harrowing account of Paul's shipwreck in [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Shipwreck") and the initial landing on Melita in [Acts 28:1-2](/acts/28-1-2 "Acts 28:1-2 - Landing on Malta"). The narrative establishes Paul and his companions as survivors in a cold, wet, and vulnerable state. The local "barbarians" (non-Greek speakers) show unexpected kindness by building a fire. [Acts 28:3](/acts/28-3 "Acts 28:3 - The Viper Bites Paul") describes the viper fastening itself to Paul's hand as he gathered wood, and [Acts 28:4](/acts/28-4 "Acts 28:4 - Islanders' Reaction") reveals the islanders' immediate interpretation: they believed Paul was a murderer whom divine justice (personified as "Vengeance") would not allow to live, even after escaping the sea. Acts 28:5 is the direct, miraculous counterpoint to their expectation, setting the stage for their astonished reaction and Paul's subsequent ministry on the island.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The island of Melita, now known as Malta, was a strategic point in the Mediterranean. The inhabitants, though called "barbarians" by the Greek-speaking Luke, were not uncivilized but rather non-Greek speakers, likely of Punic or Phoenician descent. Their immediate assumption that the snake bite was divine punishment for a hidden crime reflects a common ancient belief in retributive justice, where natural disasters or misfortunes were often attributed to divine wrath against specific individuals. This worldview is seen in various ancient cultures, including some Jewish traditions (cf. [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Who Sinned?")). Venomous snakes were common in the Mediterranean, and a viper bite was typically fatal, making Paul's immunity an extraordinary event that defied natural expectations and deeply impacted the islanders' superstitious beliefs.
* **Key Themes:** The incident in [Acts 28:5](/acts/28-5 "Acts 28:5 - Paul Unharmed by Viper") powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, **Divine Protection** is paramount, illustrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His chosen instruments, even amidst extreme danger. This echoes earlier instances of God's miraculous intervention for Paul, such as his deliverance from prison in [Acts 16:25-40](/acts/16-25-40 "Acts 16:25-40 - Paul and Silas in Prison") and his survival of the shipwreck itself in [Acts 27:22-26](/acts/27-22-26 "Acts 27:22-26 - Paul's Prophecy of Deliverance"). Secondly, the event highlights **Apostolic Validation and Authority**. Paul's immunity to the venom served as an undeniable sign to the local people, validating his divine commission and opening doors for the Gospel, much like other miracles performed by the apostles (e.g., [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Peter Heals a Lame Man")). Finally, this incident can be seen as a **Fulfillment of Prophetic Promises**, specifically Jesus' words in [Mark 16:18](/mark/16-18 "Mark 16:18 - Signs Following Believers"), where He states that believers "will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shook off (Greek, _apotinássō'_):** This verb, derived from "from" (apo) and "to jostle," means literally "to brush off" or "to shake off." It implies a deliberate, decisive action on Paul's part, not a passive reaction. He actively dislodged the dangerous animal, indicating composure and a lack of fear, rather than being overcome by panic.
* **beast (Greek, _thēríon'_):** While broadly meaning "a dangerous animal" or "wild beast," in this specific context, it refers to the venomous viper that bit Paul. The term emphasizes the animal's inherent wildness and potential for harm, underscoring the severity of the threat Paul faced and the miraculous nature of his preservation.
* **harm (Greek, _kakós'_):** This word describes something "worthless" or "injurious," referring to intrinsic badness or the negative effects of something. In this context, it denotes the absence of any ill effect, injury, or suffering from the viper's bite. Paul "felt no harm" means he experienced no pain, swelling, fever, or any of the typical fatal symptoms associated with such a venomous attack.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shook off the beast":** This clause describes Paul's immediate and composed reaction to the viper's bite. Instead of panicking or succumbing to fear, he deliberately and forcefully dislodged the venomous creature from his hand. This action demonstrates his faith and the supernatural calm afforded to him by God, contrasting sharply with what might be expected from someone in such a perilous situation.
* **"into the fire":** Paul's action of shaking the viper into the fire was not merely to dispose of it, but also to ensure it was neutralized, preventing it from harming anyone else. The fire, which had initially drawn the viper out, now became the instrument of its destruction. This detail subtly highlights Paul's practical wisdom and concern for the safety of others, even in his own moment of danger.
* **"and felt no harm":** This is the miraculous climax of the verse. Despite the expectation of severe injury or death from a venomous bite, Paul experienced absolutely no adverse effects. The Greek verb "felt" (páschō) implies experiencing a sensation or impression, often painful. The negation "no harm" (oudeís kakós) emphatically declares the complete absence of any negative physical consequence, underscoring the divine intervention that protected him from the viper's deadly venom.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Acts 28:5](/acts/28-5 "Acts 28:5 - Paul Unharmed by Viper") employs several effective literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the islanders, expecting Paul's death as a sign of divine retribution for a perceived crime, are instead confronted with a miracle that reveals his divine protection. Their initial judgment based on superstition is overturned by a display of God's power. There is also a strong element of **Divine Intervention**, as Paul's immunity is clearly presented as supernatural, not natural. This miraculous event serves as a **Sign** to the "barbarous people," validating Paul's message and paving the way for the Gospel. The viper itself can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing the forces of evil and danger that oppose God's work, which are ultimately powerless against His chosen instruments. Paul's shaking off the viper into the fire can be interpreted as a symbolic act of casting off evil and its destructive power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:5 serves as a profound testament to God's sovereign care over His servants and His ability to use even the most perilous circumstances to advance His kingdom. This incident reinforces the theological truth that God's purposes for His people will prevail, and He will protect them through dangers, even those that seem insurmountable, to ensure the fulfillment of His divine plan. Paul's immunity to the viper's venom demonstrates God's power over creation and His faithfulness to His promises, providing a powerful witness to those who observe it. It underscores that challenges faced in ministry are not necessarily signs of divine disfavor, but often opportunities for God's glory to be revealed, transforming human skepticism into awe and openness to the Gospel.

* [Mark 16:18](/mark/16-18 "Mark 16:18 - Signs Following Believers")
* [Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Serpents and Scorpions")
* [Psalm 91:13](/psalms/91-13 "Psalm 91:13 - You Will Tread on the Lion and the Cobra")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Paul's miraculous preservation in Acts 28:5 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our lives and ministries are ultimately in God's hands, and He is sovereign over all circumstances, including unexpected dangers and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Just as Paul was protected for the sake of his mission, we can trust in God's unfailing care as we walk in obedience to His call, even when it leads us into uncomfortable, challenging, or seemingly hazardous situations. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep reliance on God's power, recognizing that He can turn what appears to be a threat into an opportunity for His glory to be displayed, leading others to acknowledge His presence and power. It encourages us to maintain composure and faith in the face of adversity, knowing that our ultimate protection and deliverance come from Him, enabling us to continue our spiritual journey with courage and conviction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's calm reaction to the viper's bite challenge my own typical responses to unexpected dangers or crises in life?**
* **In what ways have I experienced God's protection or provision in seemingly impossible situations, and how did those experiences strengthen my faith?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances appear to contradict His promises or my expectations?**
* **How might God be using difficult or dangerous situations in my life to reveal His power to others or to open new doors for ministry?**

### FAQ
**Was the snake literally venomous, or was this a symbolic event?**

Answer: The biblical text strongly implies a literal, venomous viper. The islanders' immediate reaction in [Acts 28:4](/acts/28-4 "Islanders' Expectation of Paul's Death")—expecting Paul to "swell up, or fall down dead suddenly"—clearly indicates their understanding of the snake as deadly. The fact that Paul "felt no harm" ([Acts 28:5](/acts/28-5 "Paul Unharmed by Viper")) is presented as a miraculous intervention, not a symbolic act. While the event carries symbolic weight regarding God's power over evil, the physical reality of the venomous bite and Paul's supernatural immunity is central to the narrative's impact on the islanders and its theological message.

**Does this verse mean that all believers are immune to snake bites or other physical harm?**

Answer: No, this verse does not guarantee blanket immunity from all physical harm for all believers. While Jesus' words in [Mark 16:18](/mark/16-18 "Signs Following Believers") speak of believers handling serpents without harm, this is typically understood within the context of specific divine assignments or as a sign accompanying the proclamation of the Gospel, not as a universal promise for all times and situations. Paul's experience in [Acts 28:5](/acts/28-5 "Paul Unharmed by Viper") was a specific, miraculous intervention by God, designed to validate his apostolic ministry and open the hearts of the Melitans to the Gospel ([Acts 28:6-9](/acts/28-6-9 "Paul Heals on Malta")). Believers are called to exercise wisdom and not presumptuously put themselves in harm's way, but to trust in God's sovereign protection as they faithfully pursue His will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous preservation of Paul from the venomous viper in [Acts 28:5](/acts/28-5 "Paul Unharmed by Viper") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of Jesus over all the powers of darkness and death. Just as Paul shook off the deadly beast, Christ has decisively "shaken off" and triumphed over the ancient serpent, Satan, whose venom of sin and death once held humanity captive ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium"); [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "The Great Dragon, Satan")). Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the spiritual forces of evil, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Paul's immunity foreshadows the believer's spiritual victory over the "fiery darts of the evil one" ([Ephesians 6:16](/ephesians/6-16 "The Shield of Faith")) through the power of Christ. Moreover, Christ Himself promised His disciples authority over all the power of the enemy, assuring them that "nothing shall hurt you" ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Authority Over Serpents and Scorpions")). Thus, Paul's deliverance is not merely an isolated miracle but a tangible demonstration of the protective power of the resurrected Christ, who empowers His followers to overcome the world's dangers and advance His kingdom, ultimately leading to the complete eradication of all harm and evil in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Pain")).

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

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Psalms 91:13

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Revelation 9:3

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

Revelation 9:4

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Numbers 21:6

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Numbers 21:9

And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.