Acts 28:2 The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold.

◄ Acts 28:2 ►

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

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold.

Berean Literal Bible
And the natives were showing not just the ordinary kindness to us. For having kindled a fire, they received all of us, because of the rain coming on and because of the cold.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
The natives showed us extraordinary kindness, for they kindled a fire and took us all in because of the rain that had started and because of the cold.

NASB 1995
The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.

NASB 1977
And the natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the natives showed us extraordinary affection; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.

Amplified Bible
And the 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.

Christian Standard Bible
The local people showed us extraordinary kindness. They lit a fire and took us all in, since it was raining and cold.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The local people showed us extraordinary kindness, for they lit a fire and took us all in, since it was raining and cold.

American Standard Version
And the barbarians showed us no common kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Contemporary English Version
The local people were very friendly, and they welcomed us by building a fire, because it was rainy and cold.

English Revised Version
And the barbarians shewed us no common kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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 Translation
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.

International Standard Version
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 around it.

Majority Standard Bible
The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold.

NET Bible
The local inhabitants showed us extraordinary kindness, for they built a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain and was cold.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
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.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
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;

Berean Literal Bible
And the natives were showing not just the ordinary kindness to us. For having kindled a fire, they received all of us, because of the rain coming on and because of the cold.

Young's Literal Translation
and the foreigners were shewing us no ordinary kindness, for having kindled a fire, they received us all, because of the pressing rain, and because of the cold;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the foreigners bestowed upon us no ordinary kindness: for having lighted a pile of wood, they received us all on account of the impending rain, and for the cold.

Catholic Translations

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

Catholic Public Domain Version
For they refreshed us all by kindling a fire, because rain was imminent and because of the cold.

New American Bible
The natives showed us extraordinary hospitality; they lit a fire and welcomed all of us because it had begun to rain and was cold.

New Revised Standard Version
The natives showed us unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold, they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us around it.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the barbarians who inhabited it showed us much kindness: for they kindled a fire and called us all to warm ourselves, because of heavy rain and the cold.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
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.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And the barbarians showed us no ordinary kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the rain which was falling, and because of the cold.

Godbey New Testament
And the barbarians extended no small philanthropy to us: for, having kindled a fire, they received us all to it, on account of the recent rain and cold.

Haweis New Testament
And the rude people treated us with singular humanity; for, lighting a fire, they received us all, because of the violent rain, and because of the cold.

Mace New Testament
where the inhabitants, as much barbarians, as they were, receiv'd us with great humanity, they kindled a fire, and secur'd us from the falling rains, as well as the cold:

Weymouth New Testament
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.

Worrell New Testament
And the barbarians were extending to us no ordinary kindness; for, having kindled a fire, they took us all in, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Worsley New Testament
And the barbarians shewed us uncommon humanity: for they kindled a fire and took us all in, because of the present rain, and of the cold.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Ashore on Malta
1Once we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold. 3Paul 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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Luke 10:33-34
But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

Genesis 18:1-8
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ...

Genesis 19:1-3
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

2 Kings 4:8-10
One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

Job 31:32
but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler—

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Leviticus 19:34
You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 10:19
So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

1 Timothy 5:10
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

Titus 3:2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Treasury of Scripture

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.

barbarous.

Acts 28:4
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.

Romans 1:14
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

1 Corinthians 14:11
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

shewed.

Acts 27:3
And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

Leviticus 19:18,34
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD…

Proverbs 24:11,12
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; …

because.

Ezra 10:9
Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.

John 18:18
And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

2 Corinthians 11:27
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

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Cold Common Extraordinary Falling Fire Foreigners Islanders Kind Kindled Kindness Little Natives Present Rain Raining Received Remarkable Shewed Shewing Showed Simple Unusual Welcome Welcomed

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Cold Common Extraordinary Falling Fire Foreigners Islanders Kind Kindled Kindness Little Natives Present Rain Raining Received Remarkable Shewed Shewing Showed Simple Unusual Welcome Welcomed

Acts 28

1. Paul, after his shipwreck, is kindly entertained on Malta.
5. The snake on his hand hurts him not.
8. He heals many diseases in the island.
11. They depart toward Rome.
17. He declares to the Jews the cause of his coming.
24. After his preaching some were persuaded, and some believed not.
30. Yet he preaches there two years.

Berean Study Bible

The islanders
The term "islanders" refers to the inhabitants of Malta, where Paul and his companions were shipwrecked. In Greek, the word used is "βάρβαροι" (barbaroi), which originally meant non-Greek speakers but later came to denote those considered uncivilized by Greek standards. However, in this context, it simply identifies the local people of Malta, who were likely of Phoenician descent. Their actions defy the stereotype of "barbaroi," as they demonstrate remarkable hospitality and compassion.

showed us extraordinary kindness
The Greek word for "kindness" is "φιλανθρωπία" (philanthropia), which means love for mankind or benevolence. This phrase highlights the unexpected and generous hospitality of the Maltese people. In a world where shipwrecked strangers could easily be met with hostility or indifference, the islanders' actions reflect a universal moral law written on their hearts, as described in Romans 2:14-15. Their kindness serves as a powerful example of God's common grace at work in all humanity.

They kindled a fire
The act of kindling a fire is both practical and symbolic. Practically, it provided warmth and comfort to the shipwrecked survivors, who were cold and wet. Symbolically, fire represents light, warmth, and life, echoing the divine presence and care. In the Old Testament, fire often signifies God's presence, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21). Here, the fire kindled by the islanders can be seen as a manifestation of God's providence and care through human agency.

and welcomed all of us
The phrase "welcomed all of us" underscores the inclusivity and generosity of the Maltese people. The Greek word "προσελάβοντο" (proselabonto) implies a warm reception and acceptance. This act of hospitality is reminiscent of the biblical call to love the stranger and the sojourner, as seen in Leviticus 19:34 and Hebrews 13:2. It reflects the Christian virtue of hospitality, which is a tangible expression of God's love and grace.

because it was raining and cold
The mention of rain and cold sets the scene and underscores the dire circumstances faced by Paul and his companions. The harsh weather conditions highlight the vulnerability of the shipwrecked survivors and the necessity of the islanders' kindness. This detail serves as a reminder of God's provision in times of need, as He often uses others to meet our physical and emotional needs. It also illustrates the biblical principle that God works through ordinary people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes, as seen throughout the narrative of Acts.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) The barbarous people . . .--It has been urged in favour of Meleda that this description is more applicable to the people of that island than to those of Malta, whom Diodorus Siculus (v. 12) describes as "very rich, practising many trades, manufacturing fine clothes, and dwelling in large and splendid houses." It is obvious, however, that St. Luke uses the term, as St. Paul does (Romans 1:14; 1Corinthians 14:11), and as was then common, as applicable to all races that did not speak Greek, and that such a term as "Scythian" (Colossians 3:11) was used to describe what we should call "barbarians" or "savages." For him "barbarian" was like the term "native," which our travellers apply indiscriminately to Fiji Islanders and Cingalese. The language of Malta at the time, if not absolutely Punic, was probably a very bastard Greek. The inscriptions which have been found in the island are, as was natural, in the Greek and Latin, which were used as official languages by their rulers.

No little kindness.--Literally, no common (or average) philanthropy. The idiom is the same as that of the "special miracles" of Acts 19:11.

And received us . . .--The word implies both shelter and hospitality. Warmth, above all things, was needful for those who had been chilled and drenched; and for this purpose, probably in some open space, or atrium, a large fire was lighted.

Because of the present rain . . .--The rain followed naturally on the cessation of the gale. The "cold" shows that the wind was not the Sirocco, which is always accompanied by heat. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - Barbarians for barbarous people, A.V.; common for little, A.V.; all for every one, A.V. Barbarians; i.e. not Greeks or Romans, or (in the mouth of a Jew) not Jews. The phrase had especial reference to the strange language of the "barbarian." See St. Paul's use of it (Romans 1:14; 1 Corinthians 14:11; Colossians 3:11); and compare Ovid's saying ('Trist.,' 3:10, 37), "Barbarus hic ego sum, quia non intelligor ulli;" and that of Herodotus (2, 158), that the Egyptians call all barbarians who do not speak the Egyptian language(Kuinoel). The word is thought to be formed onomate-poetically, to express the confused sound which a strange language has in a man's ears. Kindness; φιλανθρωπία, here and Titus 3:4 (comp. Acts 27:3). Received us all. The whole party, numbering two hundred and seventy-six. The present rain, and... cold; showing that the gale still continued, and the wind was still north-east. The plight of the shipwrecked party must have been lamentable, drenched to the skin, with no change of clothes, a cold wind blowing. Probably the hearty meal they had taken on beard ship was the means of saving their lives.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

The
οἵ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

islanders
βάρβαροι (barbaroi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 915: A foreigner, one who speaks neither Greek nor Latin; as adj: foreign. Of uncertain derivation; a foreigner.

showed
παρεῖχον (pareichon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3930: From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion.

us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

extraordinary
τυχοῦσαν (tychousan)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5177: (a) gen: I obtain, (b) absol: I chance, happen; ordinary, everyday, it may chance, perhaps.

kindness.
φιλανθρωπίαν (philanthrōpian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5363: Love of mankind, benevolence. From the same as philanthropos; fondness of mankind, i.e. Benevolence.

They kindled
ἅψαντες (hapsantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 681: To kindle, light. A primary verb; properly, to fasten to, i.e. to set on fire.

a fire
πυρὰν (pyran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4443: A fire, pile of burning fuel. From pur; a fire.

[and] welcomed
προσελάβοντο (proselabonto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4355: (a) I take to myself, (b) I take aside, (c) I welcome. From pros and lambano; to take to oneself, i.e. Use, lead, admit.

all
πάντας (pantas)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

of us
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

because [it was]
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

raining
ὑετὸν (hyeton)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5205: Rain. From a primary huo; rain, especially a shower.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

cold.
ψῦχος (psychos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5592: Cold. From psucho; coolness.

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NT Apostles: Acts 28:2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness (Acts of the Apostles Ac)