Acts 28:6 – “The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Paul had just been bitten by a viper while helping to build a fire. The locals on the island of Malta, who had been watching, assumed that this was divine punishment and that Paul must be a murderer (Acts 28:4). They expected him to suffer and die from the venomous bite.
However, to their shock, Paul showed no signs of pain or swelling. They waited for a while, expecting the worst, but when nothing happened, they quickly changed their opinion. Instead of seeing him as cursed, they now assumed he was divine—a god.
This dramatic shift in perception highlights how quickly human judgment can change and how limited human understanding is. The islanders misinterpreted the situation at first, believing Paul was guilty of a crime. When their assumption was proven wrong, they swung to the opposite extreme, thinking Paul was supernatural. In reality, Paul was neither cursed nor divine—he was a servant of the one true God, and the miracle was a testimony to God’s power.
Historical Context
Malta was a small island in the Mediterranean with native people who were not Jewish or Christian. They followed a mix of Phoenician and Roman religious beliefs. The fact that they expected Paul to die suggests that they were familiar with the effects of venomous snakebites and had seen people die from them before.
Ancient people often interpreted events through the lens of their religious beliefs. If someone survived a deadly snakebite, they might assume it was because they were under the protection of a god. In some cases, people even worshiped those they believed to be divine, as happened in Acts 14:8-18 when Paul and Barnabas were mistaken for gods in Lystra.
This was not the first time Paul had been wrongly judged. Earlier, he had been falsely accused, beaten, and imprisoned (Acts 16:22-24). Throughout his ministry, people often misunderstood his circumstances, but in every case, God used those situations for His greater purpose.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the unreliability of human judgment. The islanders quickly shifted from one extreme belief to another—first assuming Paul was cursed, then assuming he was divine. This highlights how people often misjudge others based on circumstances rather than truth.
It also demonstrates God’s power and protection. The fact that Paul was unharmed was not luck—it was a direct sign of God’s sovereignty. This was another moment where God showed that Paul’s mission was not over and that nothing—not storms, shipwrecks, or snakes—could stop His plan.
Additionally, this verse touches on the dangers of idolatry. The islanders were quick to worship Paul, just as people in Lystra had done earlier (Acts 14:11-15). Humans have a tendency to place their trust in the wrong things—whether it’s people, wealth, or power. But Paul always pointed people back to the one true God, not himself.
Literary Analysis
This verse contains dramatic irony—the reader knows that Paul is under God’s protection, yet the islanders first think he is doomed, then mistakenly believe he is a god. The sudden shift in opinion also adds an element of humor, showing how fickle human judgment can be.
Luke, the author of Acts, presents this moment in a simple, matter-of-fact way, letting the contrast between expectation and reality speak for itself. This highlights a common theme in the Bible: what people expect is often completely different from what God actually does.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 14:11-15 – Paul and Barnabas were mistaken for gods in Lystra after performing a miracle. Paul had to correct the people, pointing them to the true God.
- Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. The islanders’ assumptions about Paul were wrong because they relied on human reasoning rather than divine wisdom.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse reminds us that human judgment is often flawed.
- Psalm 91:13 – “You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” Paul’s survival reflects this promise of God’s protection.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” The islanders’ shifting opinions show how unreliable human understanding can be.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that people’s opinions are not always reliable. Just as the islanders quickly changed their minds about Paul, people today often misjudge others or make assumptions based on outward circumstances. Instead of relying on human judgment, we should seek God’s wisdom and truth.
It also encourages believers to trust in God’s protection. Paul had every reason to be afraid—he was shipwrecked, cold, and now bitten by a snake. But he remained confident in God’s promises. When we face trials, we can have the same confidence that God is in control.
Finally, this verse warns against placing too much trust in human leaders. The islanders were quick to treat Paul as a god, but only God deserves our worship. It is easy to elevate pastors, celebrities, or politicians to a level of authority they should not have. Paul always directed people’s attention to Jesus, and we should do the same.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God does not let circumstances define a person’s worth. The islanders thought Paul was cursed, then thought he was divine—but God knew the truth all along.
God’s love is also seen in His protection. Paul was in constant danger, yet God preserved him because He still had work for him to do. In the same way, when we trust in God’s plan, we can rest in His care, knowing that our lives are in His hands.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Paul’s experience reflects what happened to Jesus. Just like Paul was misjudged, Jesus was also misunderstood throughout His ministry. Some thought He was a prophet, others called Him a blasphemer, and still others wanted to make Him king (John 6:15). But Jesus did not seek human approval—He remained focused on His mission.
- John 6:15 – After Jesus fed the five thousand, the people wanted to make Him king by force, but He withdrew, knowing their motives were misguided.
- Luke 23:21-23 – The crowds quickly changed their minds about Jesus, shouting for His crucifixion just days after welcoming Him as a king.
- Matthew 16:13-17 – When Jesus asked His disciples who people thought He was, they gave different answers. Peter correctly identified Him as the Messiah, showing that only divine revelation can reveal the truth about who Jesus is.
Like Paul, Jesus was not swayed by human opinions. He knew that His identity and mission came from God, not from the shifting views of people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever been misjudged by others? How did you handle it?
- Why do people often jump to conclusions based on circumstances? How can we avoid this mistake?
- What does this passage teach us about trusting God instead of human opinions?
- In what ways have you seen God’s protection in your life?
- How can we ensure that we give glory to God rather than putting too much trust in human leaders?