Acts 28:4 – “When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, ‘This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Paul had just survived a shipwreck and made it to the island of Malta. While helping to build a fire, a viper fastened itself onto his hand. The local islanders, seeing this, assumed it was a sign of divine punishment. In their minds, Paul must have been guilty of a great crime—perhaps murder. They believed that even though he had escaped the stormy sea, he could not escape justice.
The islanders likely thought that the snakebite was a direct judgment from their gods, particularly the goddess “Justice” (Greek: Dikē). In their worldview, fate or divine forces ensured that guilty people received their punishment, even if they initially escaped it. They expected Paul to swell up or drop dead, proving that he was under divine wrath.
However, this assumption was completely wrong. Paul was not a criminal but a servant of God, and the snakebite did not harm him. This moment became an opportunity for God to reveal His power to the people of Malta.
Historical Context
The people of Malta were not Jewish or Christian; they likely followed a mixture of Roman and Phoenician religious beliefs. The mention of the “goddess Justice” suggests they believed in divine retribution—that unseen forces ensured that evildoers eventually got what they deserved.
This belief was common in the ancient world. The Greeks and Romans saw their gods as enforcers of justice, rewarding the righteous and punishing the guilty. The islanders probably assumed that Paul was guilty of some great crime, and they expected him to die as proof of this “divine punishment.”
Paul, however, was not new to being falsely judged. Throughout his ministry, people had often misinterpreted his circumstances, assuming that hardships or miracles meant something different than what God was actually doing (Acts 14:11-15; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
Theological Implications
This verse touches on the difference between human judgment and God’s true justice. The islanders quickly assumed that Paul must have been a criminal because of his circumstances. But they were relying on their own flawed understanding of justice, not on God’s wisdom.
This is a reminder that outward appearances do not always reflect God’s judgment or blessing. In the Bible, many righteous people suffered despite being faithful (Job, Joseph, and even Jesus Himself). On the other hand, some wicked people prospered temporarily (Psalm 73:2-12). God’s justice operates on His perfect timetable, not according to human assumptions.
Additionally, this verse reminds us that suffering is not always a sign of God’s displeasure. Paul had done nothing wrong, yet he was shipwrecked, imprisoned, and bitten by a snake. Instead of assuming that hardship means punishment, we should trust that God has a bigger plan beyond what we can see.
Literary Analysis
This verse is an example of dramatic irony—the islanders think Paul is about to die, but the reader already knows that God has promised to bring him safely to Rome (Acts 23:11). Their assumption is proven wrong just a few verses later when Paul shakes off the snake and remains unharmed (Acts 28:5-6).
The structure of the verse also reveals a quick shift in judgment. The islanders begin by confidently stating their belief—”This man must be a murderer.” But they are soon forced to reconsider when Paul suffers no harm. This pattern—people rushing to judge, then being proven wrong—occurs repeatedly in Acts (e.g., Acts 14:8-18, when Paul was mistaken for a god).
Biblical Cross-References
- Job 4:7-8 – Job’s friends falsely assume that his suffering must mean he has sinned, just as the islanders assumed about Paul.
- John 9:1-3 – Jesus’ disciples asked if a man was blind because of his sin or his parents’ sin. Jesus corrected them, showing that suffering is not always a result of wrongdoing.
- Luke 13:1-5 – Jesus warned that disasters do not automatically mean a person is more sinful than others.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This reminds us not to jump to conclusions based on circumstances.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us to be careful about judging people based on their circumstances. It’s easy to assume that someone facing hardship must have done something wrong or that someone who is successful must be righteous. But God’s ways are not that simple.
It also teaches us that our faith should not be based on superstition or human reasoning but on God’s truth. The islanders relied on their own ideas about justice, but they were completely wrong. Today, many people still misinterpret suffering and success, assuming that financial prosperity, health, or ease mean someone is “blessed” by God, while struggle and hardship mean they are under judgment. The Bible tells a different story—one that calls for trust in God’s unseen plan rather than in outward circumstances.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God does not deal with people based on false human ideas of justice. If He did, we would all be doomed, because we all fall short (Romans 3:23). Instead, God’s justice is mixed with mercy and grace. Paul did not suffer the fate the islanders expected because God had a higher plan for him.
This is true for all believers. Though we may face false accusations or hardships, God’s love and purpose remain firm. He does not abandon His children based on human misunderstandings. Instead, He walks with us through trials, using them for His greater glory.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Paul’s experience mirrors what happened to Jesus. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day assumed that His suffering meant He was under God’s judgment. They mocked Him, believing that His crucifixion proved He was not the Messiah. But they were wrong—just like the islanders were wrong about Paul.
- Isaiah 53:4 – “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.” This describes how people misunderstood Jesus’ suffering.
- Luke 23:35-37 – The crowd at the cross assumed Jesus was cursed because He was crucified, but His suffering was actually part of God’s plan for salvation.
- Acts 2:23-24 – Though Jesus was crucified by wicked men, it was ultimately God’s sovereign plan that led to His resurrection and victory.
Like Jesus, Paul was falsely judged, but God’s truth ultimately prevailed. In the same way, as followers of Christ, we may face false accusations, but God will be our defender.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever been falsely judged or misunderstood because of your circumstances? How did you respond?
- How can we avoid making quick judgments about others based on outward appearances?
- What does this passage teach us about trusting God’s justice rather than human ideas of fairness?
- In what ways have you seen suffering used for God’s greater purpose?
- How does Paul’s experience in this passage encourage you to stand firm in your faith?