Acts 28:1 kjv
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
Acts 28:1 nkjv
Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
Acts 28:1 niv
Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
Acts 28:1 esv
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.
Acts 28:1 nlt
Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta.
Acts 28 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 27:41 | But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground... | Previous context |
| Acts 28:2 | The barbarian people showed us unusual kindness... | Continuation of narrative |
| Acts 27:1 | ... that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners... | Start of the voyage |
| Acts 28:11 | After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered in the island... | Further journey detail |
| Acts 27:43 | ...the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose... | Divine protection of Paul |
| John 3:16 | For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son... | God's saving purposes |
| Romans 8:28 | And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good... | God's overarching plan |
| 2 Cor 11:25 | Three times I was beaten with rods... | Paul's hardships |
| 2 Cor 11:26 | ...on journeys often, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people... | Paul's dangers |
| Psalm 107:28 | Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivers them from their distress. | Divine deliverance |
| Psalm 34:7 | The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. | Angelic protection |
| Isaiah 43:2 | When you pass through the waters, I will be with you... | God's presence in trials |
| Jeremiah 29:11 | For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil... | God's plans |
| Matthew 5:13 | You are the salt of the earth... | Salt as purity/preservation |
| Acts 4:12 | And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. | Salvation in Christ |
| 1 Peter 1:6 | In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. | Trials for faith |
| 1 Peter 4:12 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you... | Trials of faith |
| Colossians 1:13 | He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. | Deliverance from darkness |
| Ephesians 2:1 | And you were dead in the trespasses and sins... | Past spiritual state |
| Titus 2:11 | For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people. | Grace of God |
| Hebrews 12:11 | For the moment all discipline seems a rather for punishment, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. | Discipline and fruit |
| 1 Cor 1:18 | For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. | Power of God |
Acts 28 verses
Acts 28 1 Meaning
After they had escaped, they learned that the island was called Malta.
Acts 28 1 Context
Following a severe storm at sea, the ship carrying Paul and others to Rome ran aground. They were shipwrecked on an unknown island after the vessel broke apart on the rocks. Despite the terrifying ordeal, all 276 people on board survived. This verse marks the immediate aftermath of the shipwreck, identifying the island where they found refuge. The context is one of divine preservation and the beginning of a new, albeit unexpected, leg of Paul's journey towards his Roman trial. The storm itself and their landing are detailed in the preceding chapter, Acts 27. The landing on this island leads to interactions with the local inhabitants and further missionary opportunities for Paul.
Acts 28 1 Word analysis
- De (De): A simple Greek conjunction, meaning "And" or "But." It connects this verse to the preceding narrative of the shipwreck.
- Epiphainomen (epiphainōmen): "Appeared" or "showed themselves." It indicates that the inhabitants became visible to Paul and the survivors after they had safely reached land.
- Te (Te): A Greek particle used for emphasis, similar to "indeed" or "actually."
- Barbaroi (barbaroi): "Barbarians." In the Greek context, this term referred to anyone who did not speak Greek. It did not necessarily carry the negative connotation of savagery as it often does today. It described the islanders as people with a different language and culture from the Greeks and Romans.
- Niso (nisō): "Island." Refers to Malta.
- Tes (tēs): Feminine definite article, "the."
- Xenēs (xenēs): "Foreign" or "strange." Emphasizes the unfamiliarity of the people and their customs to the shipwrecked survivors.
Words-group analysis
- "te barbaroi tes xenēs" (te barbaroi tēs xenēs): This phrase, "the barbarians of the island," highlights the cultural distinction perceived by Paul and his companions. It sets the stage for their subsequent interaction and the surprising hospitality they received. The description underscores their alien status on this land, making the kindness they experienced even more noteworthy.
Acts 28 1 Bonus section
The island's name, Malta, is traditionally believed to derive from the Phoenician word for "safe harbor." This interpretation aligns symbolically with the divine rescue Paul and his companions experienced. The interaction on Malta foreshadows the theme of hospitality and sharing the Gospel with those outside the established cultural and religious norms, a recurring motif in Paul's ministry. The "barbarians'" kindness challenges the preconceptions inherent in the term, demonstrating that humanity and grace are found across all cultures. Paul's time on Malta, though a consequence of disaster, would be used for miraculous healing and the establishment of the Christian faith in that region.
Acts 28 1 Commentary
The survivors of the shipwreck discovered they had landed on an island known as Malta. This simple statement follows the harrowing experience of the shipwreck detailed in the previous chapter. The word "barbarians" reflects the common Greek perception of non-Greek speakers but, as the narrative unfolds, these "barbarians" demonstrate remarkable kindness. This sets a tone for understanding divine providence not only in Paul's preservation from the sea but also in placing him among people who would offer unexpected aid, opening avenues for ministry. The passage anticipates Paul's encounter with Publius, the chief man of the island, and his healing ministry, as well as the continuation of his journey to Rome. The arrival on Malta is a pivotal point, demonstrating God's faithfulness even in seemingly dire circumstances.