Acts 28:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
οἵ
G3588
οἵ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεῖχον
shewed
G3930
παρεῖχον
shewed
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
4 of 24
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τυχοῦσαν
little
G5177
τυχοῦσαν
little
Strong's:
G5177
Word #:
7 of 24
akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t
φιλανθρωπίαν
kindness
G5363
φιλανθρωπίαν
kindness
Strong's:
G5363
Word #:
8 of 24
fondness of mankind, i.e., benevolence ("philanthropy")
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
προσελάβοντο
and received
G4355
προσελάβοντο
and received
Strong's:
G4355
Word #:
13 of 24
to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
16 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐφεστῶτα
of the present
G2186
ἐφεστῶτα
of the present
Strong's:
G2186
Word #:
20 of 24
to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
22 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Acts 28:4And 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 1:14I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.1 Corinthians 14:11Therefore 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.Matthew 10:42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.2 Corinthians 11:27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Historical Context
Malta's native population descended from Phoenicians, speaking a Punic language (related to Carthaginian) incomprehensible to Greeks and Romans. Mediterranean autumn storms brought cold rain dangerous to shipwreck survivors. The islanders' immediate response contrasts with many coastal peoples who plundered shipwrecks.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to people from cultures different from your own?
- Where have you seen 'philanthrōpia' (love of humanity) displayed by unexpected people?
Analysis & Commentary
The barbarous people (οἱ βάρβαροι)—Not 'barbarian' in our sense, but non-Greek speakers, those whose language sounded like 'bar-bar' to Greek ears. Luke's account respectfully notes they shewed us no little kindness (παρεῖχον φιλανθρωπίαν), using 'philanthrōpia' (love of humanity). Despite cultural differences, these Maltese displayed compassion exceeding many 'civilized' people. They kindled a fire addresses immediate physical need after the shipwreck. The phrase because of the present rain, and because of the cold explains their urgent hospitality—late autumn storms made fires essential for 276 soaked survivors. This challenges ethnic prejudice, showing God's image in unexpected people.