Preface: Acts 28, the final chapter of this book, looks at Paul shipwrecked in Malta; and then Paul as having safely arrived in Rome. This chapter ends without Paul going to trial; and without us observing the rest of Paul’s ministry. However, this book—and particularly the final few verses—is an appropriate end to the book of Acts.

Bible Summary: On Malta Paul healed all who had diseases. We came to Rome. Paul lived under house arrest. He proclaimed the kingdom of God to all.

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 28 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 28 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022). The events of Paul’s life after the book of Acts (including his 4^th missionary journey) will have to be ascertained from his epistles written after this point in time.

Time and Place as per Modern Literal Version 2020:

{Nov. - Feb. 62 AD. Malta.}

{March, 62 - March 64. Rome.}

Outline of Chapter 28:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–10         Paul in Malta

         vv.         1–6          Initial mistaken notions about Paul

         vv.         7–10        Paul heals governor’s father

         vv.    11–31         Paul in Rome

         vv.        11–15        Paul is encouraged by fellows believers as he nears Rome

         vv.        16–29        Paul assembles Judæans to speak to them of Jesus the Messiah

         vv.        23–29        Paul’s Second Meeting with the Jewish Leaders of Rome

         vv.        30–31        Paul’s life in custody in Rome

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 28 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

Doctrines Alluded to

Chapters of the Bible Alluded To or Appropriately Exegeted with this Chapter

Dictionary of Terms

         Introduction         Introduction to Acts 28

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 28 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 28 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 28

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 28

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 28

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 28

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 28

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 28 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 28 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 25–28)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         v.       8              Modern-Day Malta and Saint Paul’s Bay (a map)

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         v.      11              The Final Leg of Paul’s Journey to Rome (a map)

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         v.      13              The Messina Strait (a map)

         v.      13              Map of Puteoli

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         v.      15              The Modern Appian Way (a photograph)

         v.      15              Some Interesting Facts about the Appian Way

         v.      15              From Malta to Rome (Paul’s Journey) (a map)

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         v.      27              Scar Tissue of the Soul and Blackout of the Soul (by James H. Rickard)

         v.      27              Links to the Doctrine of Scar Tissue

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         v.      31              Dating Luke and Acts

         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 28 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 28

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 28

         Summary            Paul’s Journey to Rome (a map)

         Summary 

         Addendum          The Christian Community Bible Footnote for Acts 28:1

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 28:1–6

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 28:7–10

         Addendum          Paul’s First Journey to Rome (a map)

         Addendum          Key to Map (from the Apostle's "Travels and Acts")

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 28:11–16

         Addendum          The Christian Community Bible Footnote for Acts 28:17

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 28:17–20

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 28:21–24

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 28:25–29

         Addendum          The Christian Community Bible Footnote for Acts 28:28

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 28:30–31

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum          The Case for Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey (R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          What happened on Paul’s fourth missionary journey? (From Got Questions?)

         Addendum          Paul’s Fourth Missionary Tour

         Addendum          Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey (A Review by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Paul’s Fourth Missionary Tour (a map)

         Addendum          Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey (the Bible Journey)

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 28

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 28

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 28

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 28

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An Introduction to Acts 28

I ntroduction: Acts 28 records Paul’s shipwreck in Malta (along with what happened in Malta after that) and Paul’s arrival in Rome. Even though Paul was taken to Rome in order to be placed on trial, the book of Acts does not go that far. And even though Paul will only live perhaps 6 or so years after the end of the book of Acts, his final deeds in life (along with his death and second trial in Rome) are not covered.

As an aside, this incompleteness argues in favor of the book of Acts being written very close to the period of time it covers. Paul has some very important things happening to him after the end of this book: he will be tried initially in Rome and be acquitted; he will go on a 4^th missionary journey; he might even go to Spain; and he will be arrested and tries again in Rome, this time losing his life to a bad decision. These incidents are very big deals in Paul’s life and, for them to be missing, suggests that Luke finished the book of Acts right to the point where Paul is under house arrest for 2 years, and he sends it off to Theophilus. Not even a month later, Paul was probably acquitted. Since this is not mentioned in Acts, this would suggest that Luke had completed the book and was sending it off.

Did not Luke sense that big things were about to happen for Paul? Perhaps; but there are several big things left out of this final chapter: (1) what exactly did Paul proclaim on Malta and what was their response (we can actually paint a fairly accurate picture of this); (2) when Paul interacted with believers for a week, was there a Bible conference of sorts; (3) who did Paul meet in his home in Rome over the next 2 years and did he host a church there? This suggests to me that something was going on with Luke—an illness, a calling away to another mission field, some family thing, even a falling out with Paul. But for some reason, despite there being some excellent details in Acts 28, there are also a few gaping blank spaces as well. Since Luke never saw himself as a central figure in this book, if there is something happening with him, we just don’t know what it is. It could be as simple as, Luke realized that he was at the end of this book and it was time to have copies made.

Luke covers two incidents in Malta. While off the ship, Paul is collecting firewood (remember, this is in midwinter) and he is bitten by a snake. All the observers assume that he will die; and the more philosophical of the Maltans decided that Paul is obviously a criminal who deserves this end (they knew nothing about Paul essentially saving the lives of everyone on board this vessel). Paul does not die or even become sick. This amazes the people.

Later, it turns out that the father of the governor of that island is sick (do the same islanders consider him a criminal?). Paul heals him. Now, at this point, we would have expected to read about Paul giving them the gospel and many people believing in Jesus. Although this certainly did take place, Luke did not record it. Perhaps it was unremarkable. The gospel was given—but the gospel has been given many times already in the book of Acts—and many believed—and that has also occurred several times already in the book of Acts.

On the trip from Malta to Rome, for the most part, only the stops are specifically mentioned. And then, near the end, Paul met up with a number of believers and somehow was able to stay a week with these believers. That is unusual because Paul was a prisoner, not the centurion or the captain of the ship. Yet, because of all that had taken place, apparently some deference was given to Paul and they stopped the procession for a week.

When Paul arrives in Rome, he is allowed to rent a house and he is kept in chains in the house, watched by a single centurion. If he spent any time at all in an official prison, then it was minimal. The first thing that Paul does is invite the Jewish leaders there, and he then sets up a larger meeting with them (and their congregations) to present what he understands to be true about this new sect (the sect of those who believe in Jesus). Paul speaks to this new crowd for a full day, with the result that some believe and some do not. After this meeting, Luke allows two verses to describe Paul’s life in Rome over the next two years, and that closes out this book.

The events which take place on the ship and then in Malta help to explain how Paul, as a prisoner, is treated so well in Rome. He is placed under house arrest, but he can receive visitors freely and he apparently does a lot of writing (the prisoner epistles are probably only some of what Paul wrote at this time).

Let me suggest that Julius, the centurion, when he brought his prisoners to Nero, that he told all that had happened on this trip and how Paul not only saved the entire people on the ship; but then he did some marvelous things in Malta as well. This would help to explain why Paul was not thrown into some dungeon until Nero felt like hearing his case.

From the shipwreck to Paul’s two years in Rome, a book could have been written about that period of time alone. Luke chose not to do that. Acts 28 represents a fairly short chapter which covers this material. In one section, it mostly just names the cities through which Paul (and the crew and passengers) go through to get to Rome. However, hidden within all of this is a great many incidents which take place. It is my opinion that Luke felt like he was coming to the end of this very long book, and just included a few basic highlights, but without going into much detail regarding the material covered. We have to read between the lines to get all of what is happening here in this final chapter of Acts.

I must admit to a certain sadness at completing this book (this is actually the first draft; I will make 2 more drafts at least). This may be the last historical narrative book that I might be able to complete (obviously, I cannot see into the future, but the epistles are next on my list and the second drafts of the chapters of Exodus).

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Paul in Malta

Initial mistaken notions about Paul

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    And having been saved, then we knew that Melite the island is being called. And the barbarians were offering no the common humanity to us, for they were kindling a fire [and] taking (food) to all of us, because of the rain, the [rain] having been standing and because of the cold.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      And when they were rescued, then they learned that the island was called Malta.

And the natives were showing us extraordinary kindness; for having kindled a fire they accepted us all into their society, because of the rain which had begun, and because of the cold.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And when we had escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita. But the barbarians shewed us no small courtesy.

For kindling a fire, they refreshed us all, because of the present rain and of the cold.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And afterwards we learned that the island is called Milita.

And the Barbraye {the Barbarians} who were dwelling in it, showed much mercy toward us, and they kindled a fire and called unto us all, so that we might be warmed, on account of the extensive rain, and cold which was there.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And we afterwards learned, that the island was called Melita.

And the barbarians who inhabited it, showed us many kindnesses. And they kindled a fire, and called us all to warm ourselves, because of the great rain and cold at that time.

Original Aramaic NT              And after this we learned that this island was called Melita.

And the Barbarians who were dwelling in it showed us great kindness and kindled a fire and called us all to warm ourselves, because there was much cold rain.

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And when we were safe, we made the discovery that the island was named Melita. 

And the simple people living there were uncommonly kind to us, for they made a fire for us, and took us in, because it was raining and cold.

Bible in Worldwide English     When we were safe on land, we found that the island we were on was called Malta. The people there were very kind to us. They made a fire for us and took care of us. It was cold and raining.

Easy English                          Paul on the island of Malta

So then we were on the shore and we were all safe. We discovered that the island was called Malta. The people who lived on the island were very kind to us. Rain was falling and the weather was cold. So the people lit a fire and they helped all of us.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  When we were safe on land, we learned that the island was called Malta. The people who lived there were very good to us. It was raining and very cold, so they built a fire and welcomed all of us.

God’s Word™                         When we were safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The people who lived on the island were unusually kind to us. They made a fire and welcomed all of us around it because of the rain and the cold.

Good News Bible (TEV)         When we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. The natives there were very friendly to us. It had started to rain and was cold, so they built a fire and made us all welcome.

J. B. Phillips                           A small incident establishes Paul’s reputation

After our escape we discovered that the island was called Melita. The natives treated us with uncommon kindness. Because of the driving rain and cold they lit a fire and made us all welcome.

The Message                         Once everyone was accounted for and we realized we had all made it, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. The natives went out of their way to be friendly to us. The day was rainy and cold and we were already soaked to the bone, but they built a huge bonfire and gathered us around it.

NIRV                                      On Shore at Malta

When we were safe on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The people of the island were unusually kind. It was raining and cold. So they built a fire and welcomed all of us.

New Life Version                    The Powerful Work of Paul

After we were safe on the island, we knew that it was Malta. The people on the island were very kind to us. It was raining and cold. They made a fire so we could get warm.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 28

PAUL UNDER ARREST IN ROME

WINTERING ON MALTA ISLE

Safely ashore, we eventually found out the island was Malta. [1] Local folks were extraordinarily kind to us. They welcomed us, and they quickly started a fire because it was cold and some rain had started to fall.

¹28:1Malta is about 50 miles (80 km) south of Italy and about 500 miles (800 km) south of Rome. A popular tourist destination today, it’s smaller than most medium-sized American cities. With a footprint of about 122 square miles (316 sq km), it’s smaller than Atlanta (133 sq mi; 345 sq km).

Contemporary English V.       When we came ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. The local people were very friendly, and they welcomed us by building a fire, because it was rainy and cold.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           Paul on the Island of Malta

Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. 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.

The Passion Translation        After we had safely reached land, we discovered that the island we were on was Malta.  The people who lived there showed us extraordinary kindness, for they welcomed us around the fire they had built because it was cold and rainy.

Plain English Version             A cheeky snake bit Paul

After we got to the land all right, we found out that it was an island called Malta. The people that lived there were good to us. It was raining, and it was cold, so those people lit a fire and told us, “Come and get warm at this fire.”

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  After we had arrived safely on the shore, we learned that it was an island called Malta. The people who lived there gave to us better than the usual hospitality. They lit a fire and invited us to come and warm ourselves, because it was raining and it was cold.

Williams’ New Testament      After we had been rescued, we learned that the island was called Malta. Now the natives showed us remarkable kindness, for they made us a fire and welcomed us to it because of the downpouring rain and the cold.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          Well, after we made it to safety, we recognized that this was the island of Malta! There the native people found us and showed us uncommon hospitality, building a fire and welcoming all of us, there in the cold and the rain.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            And after we were safe, then we correctly understood that the island is called Melita. And the foreigners were providing to us the benevolence not usually obtained. You see, after starting a fire, they took us all in because of the rain that had stood over us and because of the cold.

Common English Bible           On the Island of Malta

After reaching land safely, we learned that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. Because it was rainy and cold, they built a fire and welcomed all of us.

Len Gane Paraphrase           When they were safe, they found out that the island was named Malta. The natives showed us the type of kindness not seen every day, for they lit a fire and welcomed everyone of us, because it was raining and cold.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles And being got safe to land, they then knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarians treated us with uncommon humanity; for having kindled a fire, they brought us all to it, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       When we were safe on land, we found that the island was called Melita. The kindness which the natives shewed to us was beyond the ordinary; they welcomed us all by making a fire for us, because rain was coming on, and it was cold.

NT for Everyone                     The snake on Malta

When we reached safety, we discovered that the island was called Malta. The local inhabitants treated us with unusual kindness: they set to and built a fire for us all, since it was cold and had started to rain.

20^th Century New Testament When we were all safe, we found that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us marked kindness, for they lit a fire and took us all under shelter, because it had come on to rain and was cold.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Christian Standard Bible        Malta’s Hospitality

Once safely ashore, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The local people showed us extraordinary kindness. They lit a fire and took us all in, since it was raining and cold.

Conservapedia Translation    After we escaped, we learned that the island we were on was called Malta. The natives of the island showed us no little kindness. They started a fire, and received every one of us, because it was raining and cold.

The Greek "barbaros" is their word for a foreigner and means one whose language sounds like nonsense syllables, or "bar-bar," to the hearer. It would not acquire its connotation of uncouth or violent behavior until centuries later.

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                In Malta.

Having then escaped, we learned that the island was named Melita.

And the foreigners treated us with no ordinary kindness; for, lighting a fire, they attended to all of us in difficulty through the drenching rain, and the cold.

Free Bible Version                 When we were safe ashore, we discovered that we were on the island of Malta.

The people there were very kind—they started a fire and called all of us over so we could warm up from the rain and the cold.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           And when they were scaped, then they knew that the isle was called Mileta. And the people of the country showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of cold.

International Standard V        Paul on the Island of Malta

When we were safely on shore, we learned that the island was called Malta.

The people who lived there were unusually kind to us. It had started to rain and was cold, so they started a bonfire and invited us to join them [The Gk. lacks to join them] around it.

Montgomery NT                     And when we were escaped, we ascertained that the island was called Malta. The foreign-speaking people showed us uncommon kindness, for they lighted a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain and because of the cold.

NIV, ©2011                             Paul Ashore on Malta

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      And when they were saved, they learned that the island was called Melita.

And the barbarians showed us no ordinary humanity; for kindling a fire they received us all, on account of the rain which was falling, and the cold.

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    When we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people offered to us not just ordinary kindness, but they lit a fire and welcomed us all, because of the constant rain, and because of the cold.

Urim-Thummim Version         And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us everyone, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Weymouth New Testament    Our lives having been thus preserved, we discovered that the island was called Malta. The strange-speaking natives showed us remarkable kindness, for they lighted a fire and made us all welcome because of the pelting rain and the cold.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     On Malta

• After being saved, we learned that the island was called Malta. The natives were very cordial. They lit a big bonfire and took good care of us all, since it was raining and cold.

The footnote for this is placed in the Addendum.

The Heritage Bible                          And being completely saved, then they recognized that the island was called Melita.

And the foreigners afforded us love toward mankind absolutely not normally attained, because having kindled a fire, they took everyone of us to themselves, because of the present rain and because of the coolness.

New Catholic Bible                 Paul at Malta. Once we had made our way to safety, we learned that the island was called Malta.^[a] The natives^[b] treated us with unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold, they lit a bonfire and welcomed all of us around it.

[a] Malta: a port of the province of Sicily, though located 58 miles away from the island itself.

[b] Natives: literally, “barbarians”—which was the name the Greeks attached to all non-Greek speaking people.

Revised English Bible–1989   Once we had made our way to safety, we identified the island as Malta. The natives treated us with uncommon kindness: because it had started to rain and was cold they lit a bonfire and made us all welcome.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Hebraic Roots Bible               And being saved, then they knew that the island is called Melita.

And the barbarians who inhabited it were showing us much kindness, for having kindled a fire because of the rain coming on, and because of the cold, they welcomed us all.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    When we were safe on land, we realized that the island was called Malta. It was very cold and raining. The people who lived there were very kind to us. They made a fire for us and welcomed us all.

The Scriptures 2009              And having come to safety, they then learned that the island was called Melite. 

And the foreigners showed us extraordinary kindness, for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...and Being Saved then [We] know for Malta The Island is called The also Barbarians offered not the obtaining welfare [for] us Lighting for fire [Men] take all us because of the rain the [one] having stood and because of the cold...

Awful Scroll Bible                   And being thoroughly-preserved-sound, as-when-at-that time, they became-knowledgeable-upon, that the island is being called Melita.

Moreover, the barbarians were holding-before us, that being not incidentally mankind-loving, for kindling-up a fire, they themselves received- us all -by, because of the rain having set-upon us, and because of the cold.

Concordant Literal Version    And, being safely through, then we recognized that the island is called Melita."

Besides, the barbarians tender us not the casual philanthropy, for, kindling a fire, they took us all in, because of the imminent shower and because of the cold."

exeGeses companion Bible   SAVED AT MELITA ISLAND

And being saved,

they know the island is called Melita.

And the barbarians present us

no ordinary philantrophy:

for they light a fire and receive everyone of us

- because of the rain standing by

and because of the cold.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And having been brought safely through, we then found out that the island is called Malta.

And the natives were showing not the ordinary kindness to us for, because of the geshem (rain) that had set in and because of the cold, they lit a hadlakah (bonfire).

Rotherham’s Emphasized B.                             § 46. Paul in Melita. Thence to Rome.

Chapter 28.

And ||when we were safely through|| |then| we knew that the island was called ||Melita||.

And ||the natives|| began to shew us no commonʹ philanthropy; for |kindling a fire| they received us all,ʹ because of the rain that had set inˎ and because of the cold.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Safe at Malta

After we were safe [on land], we found out that the island was called ^[a]Malta. And the ^[b]natives showed us extraordinary kindness and hospitality; for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, since it had begun to rain and was cold.

[a] Gr Melita, located about 60 miles south of Sicily and 600 miles west of Fair Havens, Crete.

[b] Gr barbaroi, referring to people who did not speak Greek.

An Understandable Version   After we escaped [from the sinking ship] we became aware that the island [on which we had landed] was Melita [i.e., present-day Malta]. The natives [there] showed us uncommon kindness. It had begun to rain and was [getting] cold, so they built a fire and made us feel welcome.

The Expanded Bible              Paul on the Island of Malta

When we ·were safe on land [reached safety], we learned that the island was called Malta [^C 58 miles southwest of Sicily]. The ·people who lived there [native people; ^L barbarians; ^C a term referring to non-Greek speakers] were very ·good [kind] to us. Because it was raining and very cold, they made a fire and welcomed all of us.

Jonathan Mitchell NT             And so, after having been preserved through the midst [of the sea], we at that point recognized (or: learned; or: came to accurately know by experience) that the island is normally being called Melita.

More than this, the foreign-speaking people (or: barbarians; non-Greek-speaking natives or local inhabitants) happening to meet [us] continued to extend to us extraordinary human kindness and affection, for after kindling a fire, they took us all [in] (= extended hospitality to all of us) because of the imminent rain, and because of the cold.

Syndein/Thieme                     And when they were completely rescued, then they perceived with complete accuracy that the island was called Malta.

And the barbarous people {not wild - they spoke a different language} showed us an unusual kindness {great kindness}. For they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

{Note: Very kind, moral unbelievers. They could have tried to salvage the cargo and ignored the passengers as some would have, but instead they ignored potential booty and helped the people.}

Translation for Translators     The Maltese thought that Paul was a god because a snake did not harm him.

Acts 28:1-6

After we (exc) had arrived safely on the shore, we learned that it was an island called Malta. The people who lived there received us kindly. They lit a fire and invited us to come and warm ourselves, because it was raining and it was cold.

The Voice                               We quickly learned that we were on the island of Malta. The Maltese people found us and were extraordinarily kind to us. They kindled a bonfire and welcomed us around it, which we greatly appreciated because it was raining and cold.

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Paul on Malta

And after we [*Here “after ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“were brought safely through”) which is understood as temporal] were brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. And the local inhabitants showed extraordinary [Literally “not the ordinary”] kindness to us, for they lit a fire and [*Here “and ” is supplied because the previous participle (“lit”) has been translated as a finite verb] welcomed us all, because of the rain that had begun and because of the cold.

NET Bible®                             Paul on Malta

After we had safely reached shore,¹ we learned that the island was called Malta.² The local inhabitants³ showed us extraordinary⁴ kindness, for they built a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain⁵ and was cold.

^1tn Grk “We having been brought safely through” [to land] (same verb as 27:44). The word “shore” is implied, and the slight variations in translation from 27:44 have been made to avoid redundancy in English. The participle διασωθέντες (diaswqentes) has been taken temporally.

^2sn Malta is an island (known by the same name today) in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily. The ship had traveled 625 mi (1,000 km) in the storm.

^map For location see JP4-A3.

^3tn Although this is literally βάρβαροι (barbaroi; “foreigners, barbarians”) used for non-Greek or non-Romans, as BDAG 166 s.v. βάρβαρος 2.b notes, “Of the inhabitants of Malta, who apparently spoke in their native language Ac 28:2, 4 (here β. certainly without derogatory tone…).”

^4tn BDAG 1019 s.v. τυγχάνω 2.d states, “δυνάμεις οὐ τὰς τυχούσας extraordinary miracles Ac 19:11. Cp. 28:2.”

^5tn Or “because it was about to rain.” BDAG 418 s.v. ἐφίστημι 4 states, “διὰ τ. ὑετὸν τὸν ἐφεσττα because it had begun to rain Ac 28:2…But the mng. here could also be because it threatened to rain (s. 6).”

The Spoken English NT         Safe Ashore on Malta
So we had gotten through safely. We then learned that the island was called Malta. And the islanders^a showed us extraordinary kindness. They started a fire and welcomed us all, because it was rainy and cold.^b

^a.Lit. “the barbarians.”

^b.Lit. “because of rain being present and because of the cold.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Malta
Following the rescue, they learned that the island was called Malta. Now the natives showed us unusual kindness, in that they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Analytical-Literal Translation  And having been brought through safely, then they knew [or, learned] that the island is called Malta.

Now the non-Greek natives were showing us the not having been ordinary [fig., extraordinary] kindness, for having kindled a fire, they received us all, because of the rain, the one having arrived, and because of the cold.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       And after being brought through safely, then we fully recognized that the island was called Melita.

And the foreign-speaking inhabitants showed us no lack of extraordinary kindness, for, having started a fire, they welcomed all of us because of the rain which was approaching and because of the cold .

Bond Slave Version               And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Charles Thomson NT             And having escaped, they then knew that the island was called Melita.

Now the barbarians treated us with uncommon humanity; for having kindled a fire they took us all to it, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Context Group Version          And when we had escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita. And the foreigners {lit, barbarians, used of all non-Greek speaking people} showed us no common kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Far Above All Translation       Then, having come safely through, they learned that the island was called Malta. Now the barbarians showed us extraordinary kindness, for they lit a fire and welcomed all of us because of the rain which had come on and because of the cold.

Literal Standard Version        And having been saved, then they knew that the island is called Malta,

and the foreigners were showing us no ordinary kindness, for having kindled a fire, they received us all, because of the pressing rain, and because of the cold;

but Paul having gathered together a quantity of sticks, and having laid [them] on the fire, a viper—having come out of the heat—fastened on his hand. V. 3 is included for context.

Modern Literal Version 2020  {Nov. - Feb. 62 AD. Malta.}

And having been saved, then they recognized that the island is called Malta.

Now the barbarians were providing for us and we obtained not just kindliness; for* they lit a fire, and took us all in, because of the standing rainfall and because of the cold.

New European Version          .

Niobi Study Bible                   Paul's Ministry on Malta

And when they had escaped, they then learned that the island was called Malta.

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

World English Bible                When we had escaped, then they [NU reads “we”] 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.

The gist of this passage:     All of the people on board the ship make their way to the island of Malta. The natives there treat them very well.

1-2

Translation: After we had been saved,...

Saved here refers to being saved from the shipwreck. They had all gone through that awful storm and everyone was still alive. See Acts 27 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD).

Translation: ...we then knew that the island was being called Malta.

Malta is 600 miles west of Crete and 60 miles south of Sicily. This is a postage stamp of an island. The idea that, under the direction of a major storm, a ship could start at Crete and end up shipwrecked on Malta is a miracle. This captain, who is apparently pretty good, had he said in good weather, “We are going to make a straight run west in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Seas and land in Malta” people might have thought him to be arrogant or overconfident of his sailing skills. It would not have been a very easy thing to do. It would have required extraordinary skill under the best of conditions.

God knew that there was positive volition on the island of Malta. God also knew that there might not be a lot of evangelism to take place there because these people did not speak Greek. Yet, where this ship landed is today called Saint Paul’s Bay, commemorating this event. The captain and the sailors aboard this ship—they would have understood to land on this little island was quite an amazing feat. Too many people today read these words and it never occurs to them.

Either someone inquired of the natives there what island they were on; or one of the seamen figured it out. It could have happened when the first words were spoken by the natives there.

Acts 28:1 After we had been saved, we then knew that the island was being called Malta. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: Also the natives were offering extraordinary human kindness to us,...

The natives, who certainly recognized who was who on this ship, provided great benevolence to all of them, which suggests to me, whether prisoner or soldier.

It is not just amazing to have landed on this island, but then the people treat them warmly, providing for their needs whatever they might have. Primarily, they need food and warmth; and that is provided them.

Translation: ...for they were kindling a fire...

They began a fire, which I would suppose is a fairly large fire, given the rain and the number of people there.

This fire would have required a considerable amount of work from the people enjoying the fire to keep it going.

Translation: ...[and] bringing (food) to all of us.

The natives also began to bring food to the people there.

Given that there were 276 people aboard this ship, and all of them survived, that wa a tall order to provide them with food. That would have required that a considerable number of natives help out.

There is no doubt that God is going to respect and bless them here. Remember, a nation today is blessed because they treat the Jews fairly and provide them a haven of respite. Well, some of the people on board are Jews and at least two of these men are Luke and Paul, two of the most important people to the concept of the Church Age.