Acts 28:9

KJV

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3767} when {G1096} this {G5127} was done {G1096}, others {G3062} also {G2532}, which {G3588} had {G2192} diseases {G769} in {G1722} the island {G3520}, came {G4334}, and {G2532} were healed {G2323}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After this happened, the rest of those on the island who had ailments came and were healed.

Berean Standard Bible

After this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured as well.

American Standard Version

And when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came, and were cured:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:9 records the widespread impact of Paul's miraculous healings on the island of Malta, following his healing of Publius's father. News of the divine power at work through Paul spread rapidly, prompting many islanders afflicted with various diseases to come to him, and they were all subsequently healed. This verse highlights the immediate and tangible demonstration of God's power and compassion, serving as a powerful testament to Paul's apostolic authority and preparing the hearts of the Maltese people for the message of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Paul's miraculous healing of Publius's father, who was suffering from fever and dysentery ([Acts 28:8](/acts/28-8 "Acts 28:8 - Paul Heals Publius's Father")). Prior to that, Paul had miraculously survived a venomous viper bite without harm, an event that profoundly astonished the islanders and caused them to view him as a god ([Acts 28:3-6](/acts/28-3-6 "Acts 28:3-6 - Paul's Viper Bite")). The healing of Publius's father, the leading official of the island, served as a pivotal moment, validating Paul's divine connection in the eyes of the community. Acts 28:9 then describes the natural and expected consequence of such a powerful display of healing, showing how the miracle for one individual quickly escalated into a widespread movement of healing for many, setting the stage for Paul's continued ministry on the island.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 28 unfold on the island of Malta (ancient Melita), located south of Sicily. The islanders, referred to as "barbarians" by the Greeks and Romans (a term simply meaning non-Greek speakers, not necessarily uncivilized), were initially superstitious, believing Paul was a murderer being punished by divine justice when bitten by the viper. However, his survival and subsequent healing miracles would have dramatically shifted their perception, likely leading them to believe he possessed divine favor or power. In the ancient world, miraculous healings were often seen as signs of divine approval or the presence of a god. The local culture would have been highly receptive to such demonstrations, interpreting them within their existing worldview of divine intervention and supernatural forces. This context explains why the news of healing spread so quickly and why people flocked to Paul, seeking relief from their ailments.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 28:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God** and His ability to turn even dire circumstances, like a shipwreck, into opportunities for the advancement of His kingdom and the demonstration of His power ([Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Shipwreck")). Secondly, it highlights the **Authentication of the Apostolic Message** through miraculous signs. Just as Jesus performed miracles to confirm His identity and message, so too did the apostles, demonstrating that their words carried divine authority ([Mark 16:20](/mark/16-20 "Mark 16:20 - Signs Following the Word")). Thirdly, the widespread healing illustrates God's **Compassion for Humanity's Suffering**, showing a tangible expression of His love and care for those afflicted by disease. Finally, it exemplifies the **Opening of Doors for the Gospel**, as physical healings often served as a precursor to spiritual receptivity, paving the way for the proclamation of Christ's message ([Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Peter Heals the Lame Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **was done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to happen," or "to occur." In the context of "when this was done," it refers to the completion of Paul's healing of Publius's father and the preceding miraculous survival of the viper bite. It emphasizes the sequential nature of these events, where one divine intervention led directly to the next, setting the stage for the broader outpouring of healing.
* **diseases (Greek, _asthéneia'_):** Derived from a root meaning "without strength" or "feeble," this term denotes physical weakness, infirmity, or malady. It encompasses a wide range of ailments, indicating that the islanders who came to Paul were suffering from various forms of sickness, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the healing ministry taking place.
* **healed (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** This verb means "to wait upon menially," "to adore," or, specifically, "to relieve of disease," "to cure." Its usage here emphasizes a complete and supernatural restoration from illness, rather than a natural recovery. The imperfect tense in the original Greek ("were being healed" or "kept on being healed") suggests a continuous process, indicating that people came over a period of time and were consistently cured by Paul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So when this was done,"**: This introductory phrase acts as a temporal and consequential connector, linking the widespread healings directly to the preceding miraculous events—Paul's survival of the viper bite and, more immediately, his healing of Publius's father. It signifies that the following events were a direct result and natural progression of what had just occurred, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship of divine power at work.
* **"others also, which had diseases in the island, came,"**: This clause describes the broad impact and response to Paul's initial miracles. The phrase "others also" indicates that the news spread beyond Publius's household, reaching a wider population. The specification "which had diseases in the island" highlights the widespread suffering among the inhabitants and their active decision to "came" (approached or drew near) Paul, demonstrating their hope and belief in his ability to bring relief.
* **"and were healed:"**: This concluding clause states the outcome of their coming. The passive voice "were healed" underscores that the healing was not self-generated but was an action performed upon them, through Paul, by divine power. The implication is that every person who came seeking healing received it, showcasing the consistent and comprehensive nature of God's compassion and power manifested through Paul.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Cause and Effect** is prominent, as the initial miracles (Paul's survival and Publius's father's healing) directly lead to the widespread coming and healing of others. This establishes a clear chain of divine action and human response. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization** in "others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed" suggests a comprehensive and overwhelming response, implying that a great many, if not all, who sought healing received it, emphasizing the magnitude of God's power. Furthermore, the narrative demonstrates **Divine Intervention**, where God's power is visibly manifested through Paul, transforming a dire situation (shipwreck) into an opportunity for widespread good and the authentication of His messenger. This entire episode serves as a **Demonstration of Power**, showcasing God's ability to overcome natural limitations and human suffering through His chosen instruments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:9 serves as a profound testament to God's active presence and power in the world, particularly through His chosen servants. The widespread healings on Malta underscore that divine compassion is not limited to a select few but extends to all who seek it, regardless of their background or prior knowledge of God. These miracles were not merely acts of kindness but served a crucial theological purpose: they authenticated Paul's apostolic ministry and validated the message of the Gospel he carried. In a world where divine authority was often linked to visible signs, these healings provided irrefutable evidence that Paul was indeed an emissary of the true God. This aligns with a consistent pattern in Acts, where signs and wonders accompany the preaching of the Word, drawing attention to God's redemptive work and preparing hearts for spiritual transformation.

* [Acts 3:7-10](/acts/3-7-10 "Acts 3:7-10 - Peter Heals the Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate"): Peter's healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate leads to a crowd gathering and provides an opportunity for Peter to preach the Gospel, resulting in many conversions.
* [Acts 5:12-16](/acts/5-12-16 "Acts 5:12-16 - Many Signs and Wonders by the Apostles"): This passage describes how "many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles," leading to more believers being added to the Lord.
* [Luke 9:1-2](/luke/9-1-2 "Luke 9:1-2 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve"): Jesus gives His disciples "power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases," and sends them to "preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick," demonstrating the integral link between preaching and healing.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:9 offers a powerful reminder that God's power is not confined by our circumstances, no matter how dire or unexpected they may be. Paul, having just endured a shipwreck and a viper bite, might have been justified in feeling defeated or simply focused on survival. Instead, he remained open to God's leading, becoming an instrument of widespread healing and hope. This encourages believers today to cultivate a similar posture of availability and faith. Our willingness to be used by God, even in inconvenient or challenging situations, can unlock profound opportunities for His kingdom to advance. We may not perform miraculous physical healings, but God still works through us in tangible ways—through acts of compassion, words of encouragement, practical help, and sharing the hope of the Gospel. This passage challenges us to see every adversity as a potential platform for God's glory, prompting us to ask how God might use our unique gifts and circumstances to bring healing and light to those around us, preparing their hearts for the spiritual transformation that only Christ can provide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my perception of God's providence in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to be an instrument of His compassion and healing in my current sphere of influence, even if it's not through physical miracles?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater openness and availability to God's leading, even when it takes me out of my comfort zone?**
* **What "diseases" (physical, emotional, spiritual) in my community or among my acquaintances might God want to address through my willingness to serve?**

### FAQ
**Did Paul's healing power come from himself, or from God?**

Answer: Paul's healing power unequivocally came from God. The New Testament consistently portrays apostles as instruments through whom God works, not as sources of power themselves. Paul's actions were a demonstration of God's power and compassion, authenticating his message and ministry. Just as Peter declared in [Acts 3:12](/acts/3-12 "Acts 3:12 - Peter's Explanation of the Healing"), after healing the lame man, "Why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" Paul's healings on Malta were a testament to the living God at work through His chosen servant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The widespread healings on the island of Malta, facilitated by Paul, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself inaugurated His ministry with powerful acts of healing, demonstrating His divine authority over sickness, disease, and even death ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaches and Heals")). These physical healings were always a tangible sign pointing to a deeper, spiritual reality: His power to forgive sins and bring spiritual wholeness ([Mark 2:10-11](/mark/2-10-11 "Mark 2:10-11 - Jesus Forgives and Heals the Paralytic")). Paul, as an apostle of Christ, continued this ministry, not by his own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, testifying to the ongoing reign and compassion of the resurrected Lord. The healings on Malta foreshadow the ultimate restoration that Christ will bring, when all sickness and suffering will be abolished in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, Acts 28:9 is not just a historical account of miracles, but a glimpse into the compassionate heart of God, revealed fully in Christ, who came to redeem humanity from all forms of brokenness, both physical and spiritual.

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

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Acts 5:15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Mark 6:54

And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

Mark 6:56

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Acts 5:12

¶ And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.