CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 28:3 Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/28-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/44_Act_28_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 28:3 - Ashore on Malta" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/28-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/28-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/28-2.htm" title="Acts 28:2">◄</a> Acts 28:3 <a href="/acts/28-4.htm" title="Acts 28:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/28.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/acts/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/acts/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. <a href="/blb/acts/28.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now of Paul having gathered a quantity of sticks and having laid them on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened on his hand. <a href="/kjv/acts/28.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/28.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/acts/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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 itself on his hand. <a href="/nasb/acts/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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 itself on his hand. <a href="/nasb77/acts/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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. <a href="/lsb/acts/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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 itself on his hand. <a href="/amp/acts/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper crawled out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. <a href="/csb/acts/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> As Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. <a href="/hcsb/acts/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> As Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself to his hand. <a href="/asv/acts/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out by reason of the heat, and fastened on his hand. <a href="/cev/acts/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After Paul had gathered some wood and had put it on the fire, the heat caused a snake to crawl out, and it bit him on the hand. <a href="/erv/acts/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a viper came out by reason of the heat, and fastened on his hand. <a href="/gwt/acts/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire. The heat forced a poisonous snake out of the brushwood. The snake bit Paul's hand and wouldn't let go. <a href="/gnt/acts/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> Paul gathered up a bundle of sticks and was putting them on the fire when a snake came out on account of the heat and fastened itself to his hand. <a href="/isv/acts/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and put it on the fire. A poisonous snake was forced out by the heat and attached itself to Paul's hand. <a href="/msb/acts/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. <a href="/net/acts/28.htm">NET Bible</a> When Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. <a href="/nheb/acts/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. <a href="/wbt/acts/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/acts/28.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now, when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and had thrown them on the fire, a viper, driven by the heat, came out and fastened itself on his hand. <a href="/web/acts/28.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/blb/acts/28.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now of Paul having gathered a quantity of sticks and having laid them on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened on his hand. <a href="/ylt/acts/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but Paul having gathered together a quantity of sticks, and having laid them upon the fire, a viper -- out of the heat having come -- did fasten on his hand. <a href="/slt/acts/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Paul having collected together a multitude of dried sticks, and placed upon the pile of wood, a viper, having come forth out of the heat, seized his hand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when Paul had gathered together a bundle of sticks, and had laid them on the fire, a viper coming out of the heat, fastened on his hand. <a href="/cpdv/acts/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But when Paul had gathered together a bundle of twigs, and had placed them on the fire, a viper, which had been drawn to the heat, fastened itself to his hand. <a href="/nabre/acts/28.htm">New American Bible</a> Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire when a viper, escaping from the heat, fastened on his hand. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Paul picked up a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire and a scorpion driven by the heat, came out and bit his hand. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/28.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And Paulus took a bunch of sticks and set them on the fire and a viper came out of them from the heat of the fire, and it bit his hand.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/28.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when Paul had brought together a heap of brushwood, and laid it on the fire, a viper came out, by reason of the heat, and fastened itself on his hand. <a href="/godbey/acts/28.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Paul having gathered up a certain bundle of sticks, and placed it on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened on his hand. <a href="/haweis/acts/28.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But as Paul was gathering up a faggot of sticks, and laying them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/28.htm">Mace New Testament</a> when Paul having taken up some brush-wood and laid it upon the fire, a viper started out from the heat, and seiz'd upon his hand. <a href="/wey/acts/28.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now, when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and had thrown them on the fire, a viper, driven by the heat, came out and fastened itself on his hand. <a href="/worrell/acts/28.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Paul, having gathered a certain lot of fuel, and put it on the fire, a viper, coming out from the heat, fastened upon his hand. <a href="/worsley/acts/28.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And Paul having gathered together a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came out a viper from the heat, and fastened on his hand. <a href="/parallel/acts/28-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=9296" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm">Ashore on Malta</a> …2The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold. 3<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulou (N-GMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul</a> <a href="/greek/4962.htm" title="4962: Systrepsantos (V-APA-GMS) -- To roll or gather together. From sun and strepho; to twist together, i.e. Collect.">gathered</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">a</a> <a href="/greek/4128.htm" title="4128: plēthos (N-ANS) -- A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.">bundle</a> <a href="/greek/5434.htm" title="5434: phryganōn (N-GNP) -- A dry stick for burning. Neuter of a presumed derivative of phrugo; something desiccated, i.e. A dry twig.">of sticks,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2007.htm" title="2007: epithentos (V-APA-GMS) -- To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.">as he laid them</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4443.htm" title="4443: pyran (N-AFS) -- A fire, pile of burning fuel. From pur; a fire.">fire,</a> <a href="/greek/2191.htm" title="2191: echidna (N-NFS) -- A serpent, snake, viper. Of uncertain origin; an adder or other poisonous snake.">a viper,</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exelthousa (V-APA-NFS) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">driven</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">out</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">by the</a> <a href="/greek/2329.htm" title="2329: thermēs (N-GFS) -- Heat. From the base of theros; warmth.">heat,</a> <a href="/greek/2510.htm" title="2510: kathēpsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To lay hold of, fasten on to, seize, attack. From kata and haptomai; to seize upon.">fastened itself</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheiros (N-GFS) -- A hand. ">hand.</a> 4When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Mark 16:18</a> they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” <a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Luke 10:19</a> Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-15</a> Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ... <a href="/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3-4</a> “Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. / “Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail,” the LORD said to Moses, who reached out his hand and caught the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand. <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6-9</a> So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died. / Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people. / Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” ... <a href="/psalms/91-13.htm">Psalm 91:13</a> You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent. <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Isaiah 11:8</a> The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a> John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. <a href="/matthew/7-9.htm">Matthew 7:9-10</a> Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? / Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14</a> Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, <a href="/john/18-18.htm">John 18:18</a> Because it was cold, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was also standing with them, warming himself. <a href="/romans/16-20.htm">Romans 16:20</a> The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-9.htm">1 Corinthians 10:9</a> We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a> I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.came.<a href="/job/20-16.htm">Job 20:16</a> He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him.<a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Isaiah 30:6</a> The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.<a href="/isaiah/41-24.htm">Isaiah 41:24</a> Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.fastened.<a href="/acts/28-4.htm">Acts 28:4</a> And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.<a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Amos 5:19</a> As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.<a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm">2 Corinthians 6:9</a> As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/habakkuk/2-7.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-6.htm">Brushwood</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-17.htm">Bundle</a> <a href="/acts/27-27.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/acts/12-8.htm">Fasten</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Fastened</a> <a href="/acts/28-2.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/acts/20-8.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/acts/27-27.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/luke/12-55.htm">Heat</a> <a href="/acts/27-17.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/acts/25-27.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/acts/27-43.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/luke/14-35.htm">Pile</a> <a href="/john/21-6.htm">Quantity</a> <a href="/acts/26-23.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/acts/26-21.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/john/3-14.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/luke/22-52.htm">Sticks</a> <a href="/acts/17-8.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/acts/25-23.htm">Together</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-5.htm">Viper</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/genesis/22-13.htm">Brushwood</a> <a href="/genesis/37-7.htm">Bundle</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/exodus/25-12.htm">Fasten</a> <a href="/genesis/34-3.htm">Fastened</a> <a href="/acts/28-5.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-4.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/acts/28-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Heat</a> <a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/acts/28-5.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-30.htm">Pile</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-36.htm">Quantity</a> <a href="/acts/28-18.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/7-11.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/acts/28-4.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/genesis/30-38.htm">Sticks</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Together</a> <a href="/genesis/49-17.htm">Viper</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 28</div>1. <a href="/acts/28-1.htm">Paul, after his shipwreck, is kindly entertained on Malta.</a> 5. <a href="/acts/28-5.htm">The snake on his hand hurts him not.</a> 8. <a href="/acts/28-8.htm">He heals many diseases in the island.</a> 11. <a href="/acts/28-11.htm">They depart toward Rome.</a> 17. <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">He declares to the Jews the cause of his coming.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/28-24.htm">After his preaching some were persuaded, and some believed not.</a> 30. <a href="/acts/28-30.htm">Yet he preaches there two years.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Paul gathered a bundle of sticks Paul's action of gathering sticks demonstrates his humility and willingness to serve, despite being an apostle. This reflects the servant leadership modeled by Jesus Christ (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>). The setting is the island of Malta, where Paul and others were shipwrecked. The gathering of sticks indicates the need for warmth and sustenance, highlighting the practical challenges faced by Paul and his companions.and as he laid them on the fire The fire symbolizes both physical warmth and spiritual purification. In biblical terms, fire often represents God's presence and judgment (<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a>, <a href="/hebrews/12-29.htm">Hebrews 12:29</a>). Paul's act of laying sticks on the fire can be seen as contributing to the well-being of the group, emphasizing community and cooperation.a viper, driven out by the heat The viper represents danger and the presence of evil, reminiscent of the serpent in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>. The heat driving out the viper can symbolize how the light of Christ exposes and expels darkness (<a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5</a>). In the cultural context, vipers were common in the Mediterranean region, and their sudden appearance would have been a cause for alarm.fastened itself to his hand The viper fastening itself to Paul's hand is significant, as the hand often symbolizes action and power. This incident could be seen as a test of faith, similar to the trials faced by Job. In the broader narrative of Acts, it demonstrates God's protection over Paul, as he suffers no harm (<a href="/acts/28-5.htm">Acts 28:5</a>). This event also serves as a sign to the islanders of Paul's divine mission, echoing Jesus' promise in <a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Mark 16:18</a> that believers will handle snakes without harm.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who is central to this event. He is on the island of Malta after surviving a shipwreck. His actions and reactions in this passage demonstrate his faith and resilience. 2. <a href="/topical/m/malta.htm">Malta</a> The island where Paul and his companions find themselves after the shipwreck. The local inhabitants show them unusual kindness, which sets the stage for the events that follow. 3. <a href="/topical/v/viper.htm">Viper</a> A snake that emerges from the bundle of sticks Paul gathers. Its bite is expected to be deadly, but Paul remains unharmed, which astonishes the onlookers. 4. <a href="/topical/f/fire.htm">Fire</a> The fire is significant as it provides warmth and reveals the viper. It symbolizes both physical and spiritual illumination. 5. <a href="/topical/l/local_inhabitants.htm">Local Inhabitants</a> The people of Malta who witness the event. Their initial reaction is one of superstition, but they later recognize the power of God through Paul's survival.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection.htm">God's Protection</a> Paul's survival of the viper's bite is a testament to God's protection over His servants. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty and care in dangerous situations. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Paul's calmness and lack of fear demonstrate a deep faith in God's promises. Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in faith, even when faced with unexpected challenges. <a href="/topical/w/witness_to_others.htm">Witness to Others</a> The reaction of the local inhabitants shows how God's power can be a witness to non-believers. Our lives and testimonies can lead others to recognize God's presence and power. <a href="/topical/o/overcoming_superstition.htm">Overcoming Superstition</a> The initial reaction of the locals was based on superstition. This event challenges believers to rely on God's truth rather than cultural or superstitious beliefs.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 28</a> <a href="/q/how_is_acts_28_3's_viper_bite_explained.htm">How do we reconcile the viper bite in Acts 28:3 with the claim that Malta has no venomous snakes? </a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'bless_the_lord,_o_my_soul'.htm">Where is Malta mentioned in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_were_paul's_key_contributions.htm">What were Apostle Paul's key contributions to Christianity?</a> <a href="/q/where_is_malta_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">Where is Malta mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks . . .--The act was characteristic of the cheerful energy which had been shown throughout the previous night. The fact thus mentioned has been dwelt on as militating against the identity of Melita and Malta, no wood being now found in the island except at one spot (Bosquetta), not near St. Paul's Bay. The Greek word, however, is applied to the dry stalks of herbaceous plants rather than to the branches of trees, and, as such, exactly describes the stout, thorny heather that still grows near the bay. It is clear, however, apart from this, that the people of Malta did not live without fire, and, not having coal, must therefore have had wood of some kind as fuel.There came a viper out of the heat.--There are said to be no venomous serpents now in Malta, and this again has been pressed into the question of the identity of the island. Mr. Lewin, however (St. Paul, ii. 208), states that he saw a serpent, near St. Paul's Bay, that looked very like a viper; and even if he were mistaken in this, it would be natural enough that venomous snakes should disappear under the influence of culture, as they have done elsewhere, in the course of 1800 years.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - But for and, A.V.; a viper came for there came a viper, A.V.; by reason of for out of, A.V. Had gathered; συστρέψαντος, only here and in the LXX. of <a href="/judges/11-3.htm">Judges 11:3</a> and Judges 12:4, for "to collect," "gather together." But συστροφή (<a href="/acts/19-40.htm">Acts 19:40</a>; <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12</a>) means "a concourse," "a conspiracy." In classical Greek συστρέφειν is "to twist up together," to "form into a compact body," and the like. A bundle of sticks; φρυγάνων πλῆθος. The word only occurs in the New Testament here; it means "dry sticks," "kindlers," any combustible material. In the LXX. it is used as the equi- valent of קַשׁ, straw or stubble (<a href="/isaiah/40-24.htm">Isaiah 40:24</a>; <a href="/isaiah/41-2.htm">Isaiah 41:2</a>, etc.), and for "nettles" (<a href="/job/30-7.htm">Job 30:7</a>). Theophrastus seems to use it for plants smaller than a shrub ('Hist.,' Plant., 1:3, 1, quoted by Hobart). Lewin (vol. it. p. 208) writes as follows: - "When in Malta in 1853, I went to St. Paul's Bay at the same season of the year as when the wreck occurred .... We noticed eight or nine stacks of small faggots, they consisted of a kind of thorny heather, and had evidently been cut for firewood." This is a conclusive answer, if any were needed, to the objection to Melita being Malta, drawn from the absence of wood in the island. But besides this, it is not a fact that even now there is no wood at all (see Lewin). A viper came out. It is objected that there are no vipers in Malta. But it is obvious that the condition of Malta now, a very thickly inhabited island (one thousand two hundred people to the square mile, Lewin, p. 208), is very different from what it was with a sparse population in the days of St. Paul. Vipers may well have been destroyed during one thousand eight hundred and sixty years. Lewin mentions that his traveling companions in 1853 started what they thought was a viper, which escaped into one of the bundles of heather. Came out. Διεξελθοῦσα is the reading of Tischendorf, Alford, Meyer, eta., "came out through the sticks." It is a frequent medical term. The heat; τῆς θέρμης. This form of the word is only used here in the New Testament, instead of the more common θερμότης. It occurs, however, repeatedly in the LXX. (<a href="/job/6-17.htm">Job 6:17</a>; <a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7</a>; Ecclus. 38:34, etc.), and was the usual medical word for feverish heat. Fastened; κάθηψε, here only in the Bible; but not uncommon in classical Greek, and of general use among medical writers. <a href="/commentaries/acts/28-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Paul Παύλου (Paulou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. gathered Συστρέψαντος (Systrepsantos) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4962.htm">Strong's 4962: </a> To roll or gather together. From sun and strepho; to twist together, i.e. Collect. a τι (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. bundle πλῆθος (plēthos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4128.htm">Strong's 4128: </a> A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace. of sticks, φρυγάνων (phryganōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5434.htm">Strong's 5434: </a> A dry stick for burning. Neuter of a presumed derivative of phrugo; something desiccated, i.e. A dry twig. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. as he laid [them] ἐπιθέντος (epithentos) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2007.htm">Strong's 2007: </a> To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. fire, πυράν (pyran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4443.htm">Strong's 4443: </a> A fire, pile of burning fuel. From pur; a fire. a viper, ἔχιδνα (echidna) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2191.htm">Strong's 2191: </a> A serpent, snake, viper. Of uncertain origin; an adder or other poisonous snake. driven ἐξελθοῦσα (exelthousa) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. out ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. by the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. heat, θέρμης (thermēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2329.htm">Strong's 2329: </a> Heat. From the base of theros; warmth. fastened [itself] καθῆψεν (kathēpsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2510.htm">Strong's 2510: </a> To lay hold of, fasten on to, seize, attack. From kata and haptomai; to seize upon. to τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. hand. χειρὸς (cheiros) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/28-3.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 28:3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/28-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 28:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 28:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/28-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 28:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 28:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>