Acts 28:5
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
And
G3303
μὲν
And
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πῦρ
the fire
G4442
πῦρ
the fire
Strong's:
G4442
Word #:
9 of 12
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
ἔπαθεν
and felt
G3958
ἔπαθεν
and felt
Strong's:
G3958
Word #:
10 of 12
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
Cross References
Luke 10:19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.Mark 16:18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.Psalms 91:13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Historical Context
This occurred on Malta (AD 60) after Paul's shipwreck en route to Rome as a prisoner. The island natives witnessed this miracle, which led to Paul's healing ministry among them. Ancient medical writers described Mediterranean viper bites as frequently fatal.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's calm response to the serpent demonstrate faith's proper reaction to sudden danger?
- In what ways has God protected you from harm to preserve you for kingdom purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
He shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm (οὐδὲν ἔπαθεν κακόν)—Paul's action fulfilled Christ's promise that believers 'shall take up serpents' (Mark 16:18) without injury. The Greek 'apotinasso' (shook off) suggests decisive, casual action without panic. The Maltese islanders expected death (v. 6), making Paul's survival a powerful apologetic sign. This divine protection echoed God's promise in Isaiah 43:2: 'when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned.' The viper incident demonstrates providence protecting God's servant until his appointed work—reaching Rome to testify before Caesar—was accomplished.