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Acts 28:1-31

When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold. 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 on his hand. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.” However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed. But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days. The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured. They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was “The Twin Brothers.” Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli, where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome. From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you. But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”

When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,

saying, ‘Go to this people and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.

For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, then I would heal them.’

“Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”

When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him, preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

World English Bible · Public Domain

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.

    The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.

    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 on his hand.

    When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.”

    However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed.

    But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

    Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.

    The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.

    Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured.

    They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

    After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was “The Twin Brothers.”

    Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.

    From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,

    where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.

    From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

    When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

    After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,

    who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.

    But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.

    For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

    They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.

    But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”

    When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.

    Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

    When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,

    saying, ‘Go to this people and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.

    For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, then I would heal them.’

    “Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”

    When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

    Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him,

    preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

  • TYNDALE Tyndale New Testament (1534)

    And when they were scaped then they knewe that the yle was called Milete.

    And the people of the countre shewed vs no lytell kyndnes: for they kyndled a fyre and receaved vs every one because of the present rayne and because of colde.

    And when Paul had gaddered a boundle of stickes and put them into the fyre ther came a viper out of the heet and lept on his honde.

    When the men of the contre sawe the worme hange on his honde they sayde amonge the selves: this man must nedes be a mortherer. Whome (though he have escaped the see) yet vengeaunce suffreth not to lyve.

    But he shouke of the vermen into the fyre and felt no harme.

    Howbeit they wayted when he shuld have swolne or fallen doune deed sodenly. But after they had loked a greate whyle and sawe no harme come to him they chaunged their myndes and sayde that he was a God.

    In the same quarters the chefe man of the yle whose name was Publius had a lordshippe: the same receaved vs and lodged vs thre dayes courteously.

    And it fortuned that the father of Publius laye sicke of a fiever and of a bluddy flixe. To who Paul entred in and prayde and layde his hondes on him and healed him.

    When this was done other also which had diseases in the yle came and were healed.

    And they dyd vs gret honoure. And when we departed they laded vs with thinges necessary.

    After thre monethes we departed in a ship of Alexandry which had wyntred in the yle whose badge was Castor and Pollux.

    And when we came to Cyracusa we taryed there.iii. dayes.

    And from thence we set a compasse and came to Regium. And after one daye the south wynde blewe and we came the next daye to Putiolus:

    where we founde brethren and were desyred to tary with them seven dayes and so came to Rome.

    And from thence when the brethren hearde of vs they came agaynst vs to Apiphorum and to the thre taverns. When Paul sawe the he thanked God and wexed bolde.

    And when he came to Rome the vnder captayne delyvered the presoners to the chefe captayne of the host: but Paul was suffered to dwell by him selfe with one soudier that kept him.

    And it fortuned after thre dayes that Paul called the chefe of the Iewes together. And when they were come he sayde vnto the: Men and brethren though I have committed nothinge agaynst the people or lawes of oure fathers: yet was I delyvered presoner from Ierusalem in to the hondes of the Romayns.

    Which when they had examined me wolde have let me goo because they founde no cause of deeth in me.

    But when the Iewes cryed contrary I was constrayned to appeale vnto Cesar: not because I had ought to accuse my people of.

    For this cause have I called for you even to se you and to speake with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bounde with this chayne.

    And they sayde vnto him: We nether receaved letters out of Iewry pertayninge vnto the nether came eny of the brethren that shewed or spake eny harme of the.

    But we will heare of the what thou thynkest. For we have hearde of this secte that every wheare it is spoken agaynst.

    And when they had apoynted him a daye ther came many vnto him into his lodgynge. To whom he expounded and testifyed the kyngdome of God and preached vnto the of Iesu: both out of the lawe of Moses and also out of the prophetes even from mornynge to nyght.

    And some beleved the thinges which were spoken and some beleved not.

    When they agreed not amonge the selves they departed after that Paul had spoken one worde. Well spake the holy goost by Esay the prophet vnto oure fathers

    sayinge: Goo vnto this people and saye: with youre eares shall ye heare and shall not vnderstonde: and with youre eyes shall ye se and shall not perceave.

    For the hert of this people is wexed grosse and their eares were thycke of hearynge and their eyes have they closed: lest they shuld se with their eyes and heare with their eares and vnderstonde with their hertes and shuld be converted and I shulde heale them.

    Be it knowen therfore vnto you that this salvacion of God is sent to the gentyls and they shall heare it.

    And when he had sayde that the Iewes departed and had grete despicions amonge them selves.

    And Paul dwelt two yeares full in his lodgynge and receaved all that came to him

    preachyng the kyngdome of God and teachynge those thinges which concerned the lorde Iesus with all confidence vnforboden.

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  • GNV Geneva Bible (1599)

    And when they were come safe, then they knewe that the Yle was called Melita.

    And the Barbarians shewed vs no litle kindnesse: for they kindled a fire, and receiued vs euery one, because of the present showre, and because of the colde.

    And when Paul had gathered a nomber of stickes, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heate, and leapt on his hand.

    Nowe when ye Barbarians saw the worme hang on his hand, they said among themselues, This man surely is a murtherer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet Vengeance hath not suffered to liue.

    But he shooke off the worme into the fire, and felt no harme.

    Howbeit they wayted whe he should haue swolne, or fallen downe dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and sawe no inconuenience come to him, they changed their mindes, and said, That he was a God.

    In the same quarters, the chiefe man of the Yle (whose name was Publius) had possessions: the same receiued vs, and lodged vs three dayes courteously.

    And so it was, that the father of Publius lay sicke of the feauer, and of a bloodie flixe: to whom Paul entred in, and when he prayed, he laide his hands on him, and healed him.

    When this then was done, other also in the Yle, which had diseases, came to him, and were healed,

    Which also did vs great honour: and when we departed, they laded vs with things necessarie.

    Nowe after three moneths we departed in a shippe of Alexandria, which had wintred in the Yle, whose badge was Castor and Pollux.

    And when we arriued at Syracuse, we taried there three dayes.

    And from thence we set a compasse, and came to Rhegium: and after one day, the South wind blewe, and we came the seconde day to Putioli:

    Where we found brethren, and were desired to tary with them seuen dayes, and so we went toward Rome.

    And from thence, when the brethren heard of vs, they came to meete vs at the Market of Appius, and at the Three tauernes, whom when Paul sawe, he thanked God, and waxed bolde.

    So when we came to Rome, the Centurion deliuered the prisoners to the generall Captaine: but Paul was suffered to dwell by him selfe with a souldier that kept him.

    And the third day after, Paul called the chiefe of the Iewes together: and when they were come, he said vnto them, Men and brethren, though I haue committed nothing against the people, or Lawes of the fathers, yet was I deliuered prisoner from Hierusalem into the handes of the Romanes.

    Who when they had examined me, would haue let me goe, because there was no cause of death in me.

    But when the Iewes spake contrary, I was constrained to appeale vnto Cesar, not because I had ought to accuse my nation of.

    For this cause therefore haue I called for you, to see you, and to speake with you: for that hope of Israels sake, I am bound with this chaine.

    Then they saide vnto him, We neither receiued letters out of Iudea concerning thee, neither came any of the brethren that shewed or spake any euill of thee.

    But we will heare of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we knowe that euery where it is spoken against.

    And when they had appointed him a day, there came many vnto him into his lodging, to whom he expounded testifying the kingdome of God, and persuading them those things that concerne Iesus, both out of the Lawe of Moses, and out of the Prophets, from morning to night.

    And some were persuaded with ye things which were spoken, and some beleeued not.

    Therefore when they agreed not among themselues, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, to wit, Well spake the holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet vnto our fathers,

    Saying, Goe vnto this people, and say, By hearing ye shall heare, and shall not vnderstand, and seeing ye shall see, and not perceiue.

    For the heart of this people is waxed fatte, and their eares are dull of hearing, and with their eyes haue they winked, least they shoulde see with their eyes, and heare with their eares, and vnderstand with their heartes, and should returne that I might heale them.

    Be it knowen therefore vnto you, that this saluation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they shall heare it.

    And when he had saide these things, the Iewes departed, and had great reasoning among themselues.

    And Paul remained two yeeres full in an house hired for himselfe, and receiued all that came in vnto him,

    Preaching the kingdome of God, and teaching those things which concerne the Lord Iesus Christ, with all boldnesse of speache, without let.

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Cross-references (284)

  • Isaiah 6:9-10 (v26) He said, “Go, and tell this people, ‘You hear indeed, but don’t understand. You see indeed, but don’t perceive.’ Make the heart of this…
  • Isaiah 6:10 (v27) Make the heart of this people fat. Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, hear with their ears,…
  • Ezekiel 12:2 (v26) “Son of man, you dwell in the middle of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see, and don’t see, who have ears to hear, and don’t hear;…
  • Luke 10:19 (v5) Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.
  • Isaiah 42:19-20 (v26) Who is blind, but my servant? Or who is as deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is as blind as he who is at peace, and as blind as…
Show all 100 cross-references
  • Matthew 13:14-15 (v26) In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand; Seeing you will see, and…
  • Luke 2:30-32 (v28) for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and…
  • Mark 16:18 (vv5, 8) they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will…
  • Mark 4:12 (v26) that ‘seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their…
  • Acts 4:29 (v31) Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
  • Acts 9:40 (v8) Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw…
  • Acts 26:17-18 (v28) delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light…
  • Ephesians 6:19-20 (v31) on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, for which I…
  • Psalms 91:13 (v5) You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.
  • Matthew 4:23 (v31) Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every…
  • Luke 3:6 (v28) All flesh will see God’s salvation.’ ”
  • Acts 28:23 (v31) When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and…
  • Romans 3:29-30 (v28) Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed there is one God who will justify…
  • Mark 6:5 (v8) He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them.
  • Luke 13:2 (v4) Jesus answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things?
  • Luke 24:45 (v26) Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.
  • Acts 8:12 (v31) But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and…
  • Acts 14:4 (v24) But the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
  • Acts 20:25 (v31) “Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching God’s Kingdom, will see my face no more.
  • Romans 15:8-16 (v28) Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given to the…
  • 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (v26) in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the…
  • Philippians 1:14 (v31) and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
  • 2 Timothy 4:17 (v31) But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear.…
  • Acts 27:3 (vv2, 16) The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.
  • 2 Timothy 2:9 (vv20, 31) in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.
  • Matthew 15:7 (v25) You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
  • John 12:38-40 (v26) that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, “Lord, who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of the Lord…
  • Acts 4:31 (v31) When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the…
  • Acts 11:18 (v28) When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to…
  • Acts 13:46-47 (v28) Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it…
  • Acts 14:27 (v28) When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had…
  • Acts 15:14 (v28) Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.
  • Acts 15:17 (v28) that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’
  • Acts 18:6 (v28) When they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his clothing and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now…
  • Acts 22:21 (v28) “He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles.’”
  • Acts 25:8 (v17) while he said in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all.”
  • Acts 26:6-7 (v20) Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and…
  • Acts 27:6 (v11) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board.
  • Acts 27:26 (v1) But we must run aground on a certain island.”
  • Romans 11:8-10 (v26) According as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this…
  • Ephesians 6:20 (v20) for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
  • Isaiah 52:10 (v28) Yahweh has made his holy arm bare in the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
  • Jeremiah 5:21 (v26) ‘Hear this now, foolish people without understanding, who have eyes, and don’t see, who have ears, and don’t hear:
  • Matthew 9:18 (v8) While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand…
  • Matthew 23:33 (v3) You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?
  • Mark 7:6 (v25) He answered them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is…
  • Luke 8:10 (v26) He said, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of God’s Kingdom, but to the rest in parables; that ‘seeing they may not see, and…
  • Luke 13:4 (v4) Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell…
  • Luke 24:25 (v26) He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
  • Acts 5:42 (v31) Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.
  • Acts 17:2-3 (v23) Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating…
  • Acts 19:8 (v23) He entered into the synagogue and spoke boldly for a period of three months, reasoning and persuading about the things concerning God’s…
  • Acts 24:14 (v22) But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are…
  • Acts 24:23 (v16) He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to…
  • Acts 26:31-32 (v18) When they had withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, “This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” Agrippa said to Festus,…
  • Romans 1:14 (v2) I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish.
  • Colossians 3:11 (v2) where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all,…
  • Hebrews 13:2 (v2) Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
  • Hebrews 13:3 (v15) Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body.
  • James 5:14-16 (v8) Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the…
  • 1 Peter 2:12 (v22) having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they…
  • 2 Peter 1:21 (v25) For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
  • Acts 23:11 (vv16, 31) The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify…
  • Acts 28:4 (vv2–3) When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has…
  • Deuteronomy 29:4 (v26) But Yahweh has not given you a heart to know, eyes to see, and ears to hear, to this day.
  • Psalms 81:11-12 (v26) But my people didn’t listen to my voice. Israel desired none of me. So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they…
  • Psalms 98:2-3 (v28) Yahweh has made known his salvation. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his loving…
  • Isaiah 29:10 (v26) For Yahweh has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and he has covered your heads, the seers.
  • Isaiah 29:14 (v26) therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their…
  • Isaiah 49:6 (v28) Indeed, he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of…
  • Isaiah 66:4 (v26) I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears on them; because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they didn’t…
  • Ezekiel 3:6-7 (v26) not to many peoples of a strange speech and of a hard language, whose words you can’t understand. Surely, if I sent you to them, they would…
  • Matthew 10:8 (v8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
  • Matthew 21:41-43 (v28) They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers, who will give him the…
  • Mark 8:17-18 (v26) Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, “Why do you reason that it’s because you have no bread? Don’t you perceive yet, neither understand? Is…
  • Luke 8:1 (v31) Soon afterwards, he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of God’s Kingdom. With him were the twelve,
  • Acts 6:14 (v17) For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
  • Acts 13:26 (v28) Brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, the word of this salvation is sent out to you.
  • Acts 17:4-5 (v24) Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women. But the…
  • Acts 18:28 (v23) for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
  • Acts 23:29 (v18) I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.
  • Acts 26:29 (v20) Paul said, “I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am,…
  • Acts 26:32 (v19) Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
  • Acts 27:44 (v1) and the rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. So they all escaped safely to the land.
  • Romans 4:11 (v28) He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might…
  • Romans 11:11 (v28) I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them…
  • 2 Corinthians 11:27 (v2) in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness.
  • Philippians 1:13 (v20) so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ,
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:6 (v10) nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.
  • 1 Peter 3:16 (v22) having a good conscience. Thus, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in…
  • Acts 28:2 (vv4, 7) The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.
  • Numbers 21:6-9 (v5) Yahweh sent venomous snakes among the people, and they bit the people. Many people of Israel died. The people came to Moses, and said, “We…
  • Proverbs 24:11-12 (v2) Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! If you say, “Behold, we didn’t…
  • Isaiah 41:11 (v21) Behold, all those who are incensed against you will be disappointed and confounded. Those who strive with you will be like nothing, and…
  • Isaiah 50:8 (v21) He who justifies me is near. Who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.

100 distinct cross-references across this passage (284 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (32 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30 1. That doleful spectacle is described in the beginning…

1. That doleful spectacle is described in the beginning of the chapter, when so many men being wet, and also all berayed with the foam and filth of the sea, and stiff with cold, did with much ado crawl to the shore; for that was all one as if they had been cast up by the sea to die some other death. After that, Luke declareth that they were courteously entertained of the barbarians, that they kindled a fire that they might dry their clothes, and refresh their joints, which were stiff with cold, and at length that they were saved from the shower. Therefore, in that Paul commendeth these duties, he showeth his thankfulness; and so great liberality toward strangers is for good causes advanced, whereof there be rare examples in the world. And though common nature doth wring out of the barbarous Gentiles some affection of mercy in so great necessity; yet undoubtedly it was God which caused the men of Melita to handle these men so courteously, that his promise might be sure and certain, which might seem imperfect if the shipwreck had caused the loss of any man’s life.

A viper coming out of the heat. The very event did prove that Paul was a true and undoubted prophet of God. Now, that God may make him famous as well by land as by sea, he sealeth the former miracles with a new miracle; and so he ratifieth his apostleship among the men of Melita. And though there were not many which did profit thereby, yet the majesty of the gospel did shine even among the unbelievers; also this did greatly confirm the oracles to the mariners, which they had not sufficiently reverenced. Neither did the viper come out of the sticks by chance; but the Lord did direct her by his secret counsel to bite Paul, because he saw it would turn to the glory of his gospel.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 That is it which at this day we call…
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv1–31 1 And when they were escaped, then they knew…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv1–31 The island; this was foretold by Paul, Act 27:26;…
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On vv1, 7, 11, 16, 21, 25, 30 After a long and dangerous voyage, recorded in the…
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On vv1, 11, 17, 23, 30 What a great variety of places and circumstances do…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv2–31 And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness,....…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31 Melita or Malta, is about twelve miles broad, twenty…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 St. Paul, and the rest of the crew, getting…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30 Act 28:1. When they were escaped, they knew —…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 They knew - Either from their former acquaintance with…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv1, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20, 22, 30, 31 Melita, now called Malta, famous for being the residence…
John Nelson Darby 1862 · Public Domain On v1 Acts Chapter 28
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures 1864 · Public Domain On vv1, 11, 16, 30 B.—Experiences And Acts Of The Apostle At Malta
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 the barbarous people--so called merely as speaking neither the…
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 Paul on the Isle of Malta, Act_28:1-11.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 Act_28:1-10. The shipwrecked company hospitably entertained in Malta. Paul,…
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 (1) Then they knew that the island was called…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv1–20 We for they, A.V. and T.R. (twice). Was called.…
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 15, 16, 17, 20, 23, 26, 28, 30 And when they were escaped then they knew.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv1, 7, 11, 15, 17, 23, 30 1–6. The island was called Melita. They had no…
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On vv1, 11, 17, 23 Act_28:1. The best authorities read, “And when we were…
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain On vv1, 7, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 30 1. The island of Malta, as they told me…
The Sermon Bible 1900 · Public Domain On v1 We have here:—
Alexander MacLaren 1905 · Public Domain On vv1, 17, 30 Act 28:1 - Act 28:16.
J. R. Dummelow 1909 · Public Domain On vv1, 16 St. Paul a Prisoner at Rome
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On vv1–31 XXVIII: 1, 2. (1) “ And after they had…
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv15, 16, 28, 30 the market of Appius.
Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain On v1 1. In the Island of Melita (Act 28:1-10).
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv1, 7, 11, 17, 21, 25, 30 The Journey from Melita to Rome.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 Connecting Statement:
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 31 28:1 Malta was a major island under Roman control,…
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