Acts 28 2

Acts 28:2 kjv

And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Acts 28:2 nkjv

And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.

Acts 28:2 niv

The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

Acts 28:2 esv

The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

Acts 28:2 nlt

The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us.

Acts 28 verses

Acts 28 2 Meaning

Acts 28:2 describes the initial welcome Paul and the shipwrecked crew received upon landing on the island of Melita (modern Malta). Despite being "barbarians" (non-Greek speaking) in the eyes of the Romanized world, the islanders extended exceptional hospitality. They immediately took action, building a fire to combat the prevailing cold and persistent rain, demonstrating a practical and profound kindness towards complete strangers in a desperate situation. This act highlights providential care and universal human compassion in the face of shared adversity.

Acts 28 2 Context

Acts 28:2 follows the harrowing shipwreck recounted in Acts 27, where Paul and his fellow passengers barely escaped with their lives onto the island of Melita. The immediate context is one of profound vulnerability and need after a violent storm. The islanders, living on what would have been considered the fringe of the civilized Roman world, are introduced not as primitive but as compassionate agents. This verse sets the scene for Paul's subsequent stay on the island, characterized by miracles and ministry, illustrating God's providence even in what appears to be a disastrous turn of events. The broader context of Acts is the unstoppable spread of the Gospel, showing how divine will is often advanced through unexpected means and interactions with various peoples, even those considered "barbarian" by others.

Acts 28 2 Word analysis

• And the natives (Οἱ δὲ βάρβαροι, Hoi de barbaroi):
  • "natives" (βάρβαροι, barbaroi): This Greek term literally means "foreign-speaking" or "non-Greek speaking," reflecting the Greek perception that those who did not speak their language made unintelligible sounds like "bar-bar." It did not necessarily denote savagery or incivility, though Romans often associated it with uncultured or wild peoples. Here, Luke subtly challenges that perception by immediately demonstrating their remarkable kindness.
• showed us (παρεῖχον, pareichon):
  • Meaning "to provide," "afford," or "present." The imperfect tense suggests an ongoing action—they continued to show this kindness.
• unusual kindness (οὐ τὴν τυχοῦσαν φιλανθρωπίαν, ou tēn tykhousan philanthropian):
  • "unusual" (οὐ τὴν τυχοῦσαν, ou tēn tykhousan): Literally "not the common" or "not ordinary." It's a Greek idiom emphasizing extraordinary, exceptional, or more than average. It suggests a high degree of generosity beyond mere obligation.
  • "kindness" (φιλανθρωπίαν, philanthrōpian): Derived from philos (love) and anthropos (man). It means "love of mankind," "humanity," or "benevolence." This is a significant term, emphasizing a deep, caring disposition towards human beings. Its use here for "barbaroi" elevates their status from cultural outsiders to exemplars of human decency. It implies not just practical help but a benevolent heart.
• for they kindled (ἐκκαύσαντες, ekkausantes):
  • A participle, implying an immediate, decisive action. They promptly acted upon seeing the shipwrecked survivors. The prefix ek- (out, from) combined with kaiō (to burn) can mean to cause to burn intensely or to light effectively.
• a fire (πυράν, pyran):
  • Specifically a bonfire or pyre, suggesting a substantial blaze intended to provide warmth for a large group.
• and received us all (προσελάβοντο πάντας, proselabonto pantas):
  • "received" (προσελάβοντο, proselabonto): An aorist middle voice, indicating they "took to themselves," embracing them personally and actively, not just passively allowing them to stay. It denotes a warm welcome and protective inclusion.
  • "us all" (πάντας, pantas): Significant. It shows their hospitality was inclusive, extending to the 276 souls (Acts 27:37) — without distinction between Paul, soldiers, or sailors, despite varying social statuses or past conflicts. This points to a truly compassionate act regardless of personal affiliation or reputation.
• because of the rain that was falling (διὰ τὸν ὑετὸν τὸν ἐφεστῶτα, dia ton hyeton ton ephestōta):
  • "rain" (ὑετὸν, hyeton): Refers to natural rainfall, possibly indicating a heavy or persistent downpour given the desperate circumstances.
  • "falling" (ἐφεστῶτα, ephestōta): Literally "standing over" or "imminent/present," implying the rain was actively upon them.
• and because of the cold (καὶ διὰ τὸ ψύχος, kai dia to psychous):
  • "cold" (ψύχος, psychous): Signifies extreme cold, likely compounded by wet clothes after the shipwreck. The danger of hypothermia would have been significant.

Words-group analysis

• "The natives showed us unusual kindness": This phrase redefines what it means to be "barbarian." It highlights an unexpected source of virtue. It's a direct theological statement about common grace and humanitarianism found even outside "civilized" or believing circles. Luke might be setting up a comparison where these simple islanders display more Christ-like compassion than some religious leaders later in the book.
• "for they kindled a fire and received us all": This demonstrates immediate, practical, and comprehensive care. They met primary survival needs (warmth, inclusion). It emphasizes active and indiscriminate compassion, aligning with Christian principles of serving all who are in need, without judgment.
• "because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold": These elements underscore the severity of the conditions and the necessity of the natives' quick action. It highlights shared human vulnerability to nature and the basic human need for shelter and warmth, making their benevolence even more striking and vital. God used the natural elements to prompt an extraordinary act of kindness.

Acts 28 2 Bonus section

The kindness shown by the "barbarians" here foreshadows or reflects themes found throughout the Bible where seemingly unlikely figures show greater compassion or understanding than those expected to. It speaks to the idea that the "heart of man" (even those without specific revealed Law) can manifest good (Rom 2:14-15). This moment also showcases a micro-illustration of the early Christian community's call to radical hospitality (Heb 13:2), exemplifying it from an unexpected source. The shipwreck and the subsequent survival followed by a hostile environment turning into one of aid illustrate a common biblical motif of God's presence and power revealed not despite, but through moments of extreme vulnerability and suffering, enabling His servants to continue their mission.

Acts 28 2 Commentary

Acts 28:2 paints a vivid picture of divine provision amidst peril. Having just escaped a life-threatening shipwreck, the survivors, including Paul, are met with immediate, unprompted, and profound kindness from the inhabitants of Melita. These islanders, labeled "barbarians" by Greco-Roman society (due to not speaking Greek or Latin), demonstrate a "philanthropy" (love of humankind) that Luke explicitly calls "unusual." They recognize the desperate need of the cold, wet, and exposed shipwrecked individuals, prioritizing practical acts of compassion by building a fire and welcoming everyone. This compassionate response served as crucial aid, mitigating the danger of hypothermia and demonstrating an inherent human empathy. It suggests that genuine kindness transcends cultural and linguistic barriers and serves as a powerful testament to the overarching providence of God, who orchestrated this reception. Even in seemingly pagan communities, the Spirit of God can inspire acts of goodness, preparing hearts for the reception of the Gospel or simply demonstrating His sustaining care for all humanity.