281 When they had been brought safely through , then we found out that the island was called Malta . 2 The natives showed us extraordinary kindness ; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold , they kindled a fire and received us all . 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire , a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand . 4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand , they began saying to one another , " Undoubtedly this man is a murderer , and though he has been saved from the sea , justice has not allowed him to live ." 5 However e he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm . 6 But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead . But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god . 7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island , named Publius , who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days . 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery ; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed , he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 After this had happened , the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured . 10 They also honored us with many marks of respect ; and when we were setting sail , they supplied us with all we needed .
11 At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island , and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead . 12 After we put in at Syracuse , we stayed there for three days . 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium , and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli . 14 There we found some brethren , and were invited to stay with them for seven days ; and thus we came to Rome . 15 And the brethren , when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage . 16 When we entered Rome , Paul was allowed to stay by himself , with the soldier who was guarding him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 28:1-16
Commentary on Acts 28:1-10
(Read Acts 28:1-10)
God can make strangers to be friends; friends in distress. Those who are despised for homely manners, are often more friendly than the more polished; and the conduct of heathens, or persons called barbarians, condemns many in civilized nations, professing to be Christians. The people thought that Paul was a murderer, and that the viper was sent by Divine justice, to be the avenger of blood. They knew that there is a God who governs the world, so that things do not come to pass by chance, no, not the smallest event, but all by Divine direction; and that evil pursues sinners; that there are good works which God will reward, and wicked works which he will punish. Also, that murder is a dreadful crime, one which shall not long go unpunished. But they thought all wicked people were punished in this life. Though some are made examples in this world, to prove that there is a God and a Providence, yet many are left unpunished, to prove that there is a judgment to come. They also thought all who were remarkably afflicted in this life were wicked people. Divine revelation sets this matter in a true light. Good men often are greatly afflicted in this life, for the trial and increase of their faith and patience. Observe Paul's deliverance from the danger. And thus in the strength of the grace of Christ, believers shake off the temptations of Satan, with holy resolution. When we despise the censures and reproaches of men, and look upon them with holy contempt, having the testimony of our consciences for us, then, like Paul, we shake off the viper into the fire. It does us no harm, except we are kept by it from our duty. God hereby made Paul remarkable among these people, and so made way for the receiving of the gospel. The Lord raises up friends for his people in every place whither he leads them, and makes them blessings to those in affliction.
Commentary on Acts 28:11-16
(Read Acts 28:11-16)
The common events of travelling are seldom worthy of being told; but the comfort of communion with the saints, and kindness shown by friends, deserve particular mention. The Christians at Rome were so far from being ashamed of Paul, or afraid of owning him, because he was a prisoner, that they were the more careful to show him respect. He had great comfort in this. And if our friends are kind to us, God puts it into their hearts, and we must give him the glory. When we see those even in strange places, who bear Christ's name, fear God, and serve him, we should lift up our hearts to heaven in thanksgiving. How many great men have made their entry into Rome, crowned and in triumph, who really were plagues to the world! But here a good man makes his entry into Rome, chained as a poor captive, who was a greater blessing to the world than any other merely a man. Is not this enough to put us for ever out of conceit with worldly favour? This may encourage God's prisoners, that he can give them favour in the eyes of those that carry them captives. When God does not soon deliver his people out of bondage, yet makes it easy to them, or them easy under it, they have reason to be thankful.