Acts 28:9
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
Original Language Analysis
γενομένου
was done
G1096
γενομένου
was done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχοντες
had
G2192
ἔχοντες
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀσθενείας
diseases
G769
ἀσθενείας
diseases
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
9 of 15
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσήρχοντο
came
G4334
προσήρχοντο
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
13 of 15
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
Cross References
Acts 5:15Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.Acts 5:12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.Matthew 4:24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
Historical Context
Malta's small size (122 square miles) meant news traveled quickly throughout the island. The three-month winter stay gave unprecedented time for ministry. Malta had no previous Christian presence, making Paul's shipwreck the gospel's first arrival on this strategic Mediterranean island.
Questions for Reflection
- How have forced delays in your plans become unexpected ministry opportunities?
- Where do you see God's providence in apparent detours from your intended path?
Analysis & Commentary
So when this was done (τούτου δὲ γενομένου)—Publius' father's healing becoming known—others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed (ἐθεραπεύοντο). The imperfect tense 'etherapeuonto' suggests repeated, ongoing healings over three months (v. 11). This brief summary describes extensive ministry: Paul used forced delay on Malta for gospel proclamation through healing mercy. The pattern mirrors Jesus' ministry where physical healing authenticated spiritual truth. Malta's entire population (likely 10,000-15,000) would have heard of Paul's God. What seemed like shipwreck disaster became strategic missionary opportunity—divine providence redirecting Paul's journey to reach an island otherwise off his itinerary.