Acts 28:9

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

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}:

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

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

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

Context

Following a harrowing shipwreck that left Paul and his companions stranded on the island of Malta, this verse describes the immediate aftermath of a significant miracle. Previously, Paul had been bitten by a venomous viper and suffered no ill effects, astonishing the islanders (Acts 28:6). Immediately after this, he healed Publius's father, the chief official of the island, who was suffering from fever and dysentery (Acts 28:8). This verse details the widespread impact of that initial healing, indicating that the news spread quickly and brought many more afflicted people to Paul.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Power and Compassion: The verse powerfully illustrates God's supernatural power working through Paul. It's not just a single, isolated miracle, but a widespread outpouring of healing, demonstrating God's immense compassion for the suffering. This was a clear sign of the divine presence among them.
  • Confirmation of the Gospel: These numerous healings served as undeniable signs, authenticating Paul's apostolic ministry and the divine authority of the message he brought. Miracles often accompanied the early preaching of the Gospel, drawing attention and validating the truth.
  • God's Providence in Adversity: Even a catastrophic shipwreck was orchestrated by God's providence to bring His healing and the message of salvation to an unexpected people group. This shows God's ability to turn unfortunate circumstances into opportunities for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
  • Openness to the Message: The physical healings likely opened the hearts and minds of the Maltese people to hear Paul's spiritual message, creating a receptive environment for the Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The word "healed" in the Greek is iaomai (ἰάομαι), which means "to cure," "to restore," or "to make whole." This term is consistently used in the New Testament to describe miraculous, complete physical restorations performed by Jesus and His apostles, emphasizing that these were not natural recoveries but supernatural interventions. The use of the imperfect tense for "were healed" suggests a continuous process, indicating that people kept coming and being healed over a period of time.

Practical Application

Acts 28:9 is a powerful reminder that God's power is not limited by human circumstances, no matter how dire they may seem. Even in the aftermath of a shipwreck, God's mission continued through Paul. It encourages believers today to be open to God using them in unexpected ways and places to demonstrate His compassion and truth. Our willingness to serve, even when facing difficulties, can open doors for God to bring healing, hope, and the light of the Gospel to those around us, drawing them closer to Him. This passage underscores that God often works through tangible acts of kindness and power to prepare hearts for spiritual transformation, much like Peter's healing of the lame man in Acts 3:7 led to many coming to faith.

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.

  • 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.

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