Acts 28:3
What does Acts 28:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 28:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 28:3 means
Paul does not stand apart as a dignitary; he helps by gathering sticks for the fire. As he places them on the flames, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastens onto his hand. The scene emphasizes both danger and the apostle’s humble service. Even in crisis, Paul works alongside others. The bite is severe—this is not a mere scare but a real threat as they and the islanders understand it. Yet this peril becomes the moment through which God’s preserving hand is showcased. Paul’s life is not at the mercy of chance or hostile nature; his mission is preserved by the One who sent him to testify in Rome.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But when Paul had got some sticks together and put them on the fire, a snake came out, because of the heat, and gave him a bite on the hand.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but Paul having gathered together a quantity of sticks, and having laid <FI>them<Fi> upon the fire, a viper--out of the heat having come--did fasten on his hand.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Paul having gathered a [certain] quantity of sticks together in a bundle and laid [it] on the fire, a viper coming out from the heat seized his hand.
Context
The kindness of the islanders (v. 2) provides a fire and a respite, but danger still lurks. Verse 3 introduces the viper incident that will frame local perceptions of Paul. The next verse records the islanders’ interpretation: they assume the bite is divine retribution. The narrative will overturn that assumption in verses 5–6, revealing God’s purpose to protect Paul and thereby open further doors among the people of Melita.
v.2And 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.
v.3This passage
v.4And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped from the sea, yet Justice hath not suffered to live.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 41:24
Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work is of nought; an abomination is he that chooseth you.
- Acts 28:4
And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped from the sea, yet Justice hath not suffered to live.
- Matthew 23:33
Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell?
- 2 Corinthians 6:9
as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
- Matthew 12:34
Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 28
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 28.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…