Acts 28:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
συστρέψαντος
had gathered
G4962
συστρέψαντος
had gathered
Strong's:
G4962
Word #:
1 of 20
to twist together, i.e., collect (a bundle, a crowd)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλου
when Paul
G3972
Παύλου
when Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 20
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
them on
G1909
ἐπὶ
them on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχιδνα
a viper
G2191
ἔχιδνα
a viper
Strong's:
G2191
Word #:
12 of 20
an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Mediterranean vipers become sluggish in cold weather, hiding in brush piles for warmth. Paul's collection of firewood was necessary but hazardous work. First-century understanding recognized viper bites as typically fatal, making Paul's survival (v. 5) all the more remarkable to witnesses.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when attacked while serving others faithfully?
- What does Paul's willingness to gather firewood teach about Christian leadership?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's servant leadership appears as he gathered a bundle of sticks (φρυγάνων πλῆθος)—an apostle doing manual labor to help others. There came a viper out of the heat (ἔχιδνα)—a venomous snake, likely the Maltese viper, emerged from dormancy and fastened on his hand (καθῆψεν). The Greek 'kathapsen' suggests the snake bit and clung tenaciously. This incident recalls Jesus' promise that believers would 'take up serpents' without harm (Mark 16:18), fulfilled literally here. Paul's vulnerability while serving others becomes an opportunity for divine protection and witness. The viper attack echoes Satan's pattern—striking when God's servants are engaged in humble service.