Acts 28 3

Acts 28:3 kjv

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:3 nkjv

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.

Acts 28:3 niv

Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.

Acts 28:3 esv

When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:3 nlt

As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand.

Acts 28 verses

Acts 28 3 Meaning

When Paul and his companions landed on the island of Malta after their shipwreck, they were cold and wet. The islanders kindly started a fire for them. In an act of humility and service, Paul gathered an armful of dried sticks to add to the fire. As the heat intensified, a venomous snake, a viper, emerged from the sticks where it had been seeking refuge and coiled itself around Paul’s hand, biting him. This immediate, life-threatening event dramatically set the scene for the miraculous events that followed, underscoring God's constant providence and protection over His servant.

Acts 28 3 Context

This verse follows the traumatic event of a two-week shipwreck and survival, described in Acts 27, where Paul provided comfort, counsel, and confidence that all on board would be saved, though the ship would be lost. After being cast ashore on the island of Malta (Melite), the weary survivors, 276 people in total, faced cold and rain. The local inhabitants, described as "barbarians" (βάρβαροι - barbaroi), which simply meant they did not speak Greek, showed "unusual kindness" (Acts 28:2). To combat the cold and dampness, they kindled a fire. Acts 28:3 specifically describes Paul, an apostle and prisoner, actively participating in this necessary, humble task of gathering fuel, setting the stage for an unexpected and dangerous encounter that would further demonstrate God's sovereign protection and power. Historically, hospitality to shipwrecked individuals was a deeply ingrained cultural expectation in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Acts 28 3 Word analysis

• Paul (Παῦλος - Paulos): The Apostle Paul, a Roman citizen and a pivotal figure in early Christianity, central to the narrative of Acts. His consistent trust in God's providence, humility in service, and steadfastness in suffering are defining characteristics. Despite being a prisoner and the primary figure among the shipwrecked, he willingly performs manual labor.
• had gathered (συνέλεξεν - synelexen): Aorist active indicative verb, meaning he personally collected, suggesting a direct and purposeful action. It highlights his initiative and practical service, participating with others in a shared effort to meet basic needs, despite his status.
• a bundle of sticks (φρυγάνων πλῆθος - phryganōn plēthos): Literally "a multitude/abundance of dry branches/twigs." This refers to ordinary, combustible material commonly found in Mediterranean shrublands. The detail underscores the mundane and practical nature of Paul's immediate task, setting up the sudden, extraordinary event.
• and laid them (καὶ ἐπέθηκεν - kai epethēken): Simple act of placing. This completes the action of gathering and contributing to the common good, preparing for warmth.
• on the fire (ἐπὶ τὴν πυράν - epi tēn pyran): The destination of the gathered sticks, for their intended purpose of providing heat.
• a viper (ἔχιδνα - echidna): A highly venomous snake, specifically a "vipers," notorious for their dangerous bites in the ancient world. The choice of word immediately indicates the severity and mortal threat of the situation. In biblical thought, serpents often symbolize evil or danger (Gen 3; Ps 91; Matt 23).
• came out (ἐξελθοῦσα - exelthousa): "Having come out." This participle implies that the viper was within the bundle of sticks and reacted to the heat by fleeing. Its emergence is a natural animal response, yet providentially significant.
• because of the heat (ἀπὸ τῆς θέρμης - apo tēs thermēs): "From the heat." This explains the viper's movement; it sought to escape the rising temperature of the fire. The immediate danger arises from an ordinary natural process, demonstrating how quickly circumstances can turn perilous even during simple tasks.
• fastened on (καθῆψεν - kathēpsen): "Gripped," "fastened itself on," or "coiled around." This term strongly suggests a tight, biting grip, making it clear Paul was not merely startled but was indeed attacked and bitten.
• his hand (τῆς χειρός - tēs cheiros): The direct target of the viper's attack, an exposed part of the body commonly bitten by snakes. The visual nature of the snake fastened to his hand is critical for the islanders' immediate perception and reaction.

Acts 28 3 Bonus section

The account of the viper strike in Acts 28:3–6 is sometimes correlated with Jesus' promise to his disciples that they would "pick up snakes with their hands" (Mk 16:18) as a sign of divine empowerment and protection. This event on Malta is one of the most direct fulfilments of that promise recorded in Scripture. The apparent lack of venomous snakes on modern-day Malta has led to some naturalistic or skeptical discussions, but Christian theology consistently maintains the Bible's historical veracity: conditions in ancient times were different, and a divine intervention would bypass any typical biological distributions. The focus of the biblical text is on the providential encounter, the islanders' misjudgment, and God's glory revealed through Paul's miraculous immunity. Paul's calm demeanor in this potentially fatal situation further exemplifies his unwavering faith and God-given peace amidst extreme adversity.

Acts 28 3 Commentary

Acts 28:3 presents a powerful vignette of divine providence in the face of sudden peril. Paul, an apostle commissioned to carry the Gospel to Rome, exhibits humility by participating in the manual labor of gathering firewood for the group's welfare after the shipwreck. This mundane act, essential for survival, suddenly turns life-threatening when a viper, fleeing the warmth of the rising fire, attacks him. This moment not only tests Paul's resilience and faith but also sets the stage for a dramatic display of God's supernatural power to the "barbarian" inhabitants of Malta, challenging their local understanding of "justice" and divine retribution (Acts 28:4). The event underscores that even in the midst of practical, selfless service, unexpected dangers can arise. Yet, it also affirms God's constant, miraculous protection over His servants, confirming His sovereign hand over every detail of life, and demonstrating that divine power can be seen in everyday moments of need.