The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "no little kindness" translates a Greek expression that actually means "uncommon" or "special" kindness. This isn't just a polite understatement; it highlights that the generosity shown to Paul and his companions was remarkably, almost miraculously, abundant, especially considering they were seen as outsiders.
The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having survived a terrifying shipwreck, Paul and the other survivors find themselves on the shores of Malta, battered by rain and cold. The local inhabitants, whom the Greeks would have called "barbarians" simply because they spoke a different language, immediately show remarkable compassion. They gather wood to build a fire for the exhausted survivors and welcome them in from the harsh weather, demonstrating a kindness that contrasts sharply with the often harsh realities of life.
Imagine washing ashore, battered and cold, facing a group of strangers whose language you don't understand. Would they help you, or view you with suspicion?
The people of Malta are called "barbarians." This wasn't necessarily an insult meaning they were savage or uncivilized. In the ancient world, "barbarian" simply meant someone who didn't speak Greek or Latin – like calling someone a "foreigner" today.
More Than Just Different
After a terrifying shipwreck, what's the most immediate need? It's not just rescue, but comfort and basic human care.
The islanders didn't just stand by; they acted immediately to meet the shipwrecked crew's most pressing needs.
Meeting the Moment
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When life throws its worst at you, where do you look for hope? Sometimes, it's in the most unlikely of people.
This event wasn't just a fortunate encounter; it reveals God's hand at work, providing for His people even in their deepest distress.
God's Hand in Human Action
Understand the original words
barbaros · Greek Noun/Adjective
A person who is native or local to a specific geographical region, often used in contrast to those who have arrived from elsewhere. In this context, it refers to the non-Greek-speaking inhabitants of Malta.
philanthrōpia · Greek Noun
An attitude of friendliness, hospitality, and generosity shown to others, often specifically toward strangers or those in need, reflecting a spirit of compassion.
The 'barbarian' label for the Maltese people highlights how ancient cultures viewed those who spoke a different language, but their 'unusual kindness' demonstrates that true humanity transcends linguistic and cultural divides.
c. 1400 BC
Phoenician settlement of Malta
The Phoenicians, renowned seafarers and traders, establish settlements on Malta, influencing its culture and language.
218 BC
Roman conquest of Malta
Malta comes under Roman rule following the Second Punic War, though the local Punic language and customs persist.
c. AD 59— this verse
Paul's shipwreck
The ship carrying the Apostle Paul and 275 others to Rome is wrecked off the coast of Malta during a violent storm.
c. AD 59
Survival and reception on Malta
The survivors struggle ashore and are met with remarkable hospitality by the local Maltese people, who provide warmth and shelter.
c. AD 59
Paul's ministry in Malta
During their three-month stay, Paul heals many, including the island's governor, Publius, leading to the conversion of many locals.
c. AD 60
Departure from Malta
Paul and his companions finally depart Malta for Rome, leaving a positive impact on the islanders.
This passage shows Hagar and Ishmael in a desperate situation, near death from thirst, and God intervenes by opening her eyes to a well of water. It highlights God's care for those in distress and providing for needs when all hope seems lost, mirroring the sailors' desperate need for warmth and shelter.
Matthew 25:35Jesus states, 'For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.' This verse directly connects the kindness shown to strangers in their time of need with obedience to Christ, underscoring the spiritual significance of the 'barbarians'' actions.
Luke 10:34-37The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that true kindness and compassion transcend ethnic and social boundaries. The Samaritan, viewed as a 'barbarian' by the Jews, showed mercy to a stranger in need, much like the islanders showed 'unusual kindness' to Paul and his companions.
Romans 12:20Paul instructs believers to 'turn your enemy into a steaming pile of coal.' This profound teaching on overcoming evil with good resonates with the unexpected kindness shown by people who might have been considered 'outsiders' or 'barbarians' by the Romans, demonstrating a higher principle of humanity.
ellicottActs 28:2: "And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold."
(2) The barbarous people . . . —It has been urged in favour of Meleda that this description is more applicable to the people of that island than to those of Malta, whom Diodorus Siculus (v. 12) describes as “very rich, practising many trades, manufacturing fine clothes, and dwelling in large and splendid houses.” It is obvi…
henryActs 28:1-10: "And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita."
28:1-10 God can make strangers to be friends; friends in distress. Those who are despised for homely manners, are often more friendly than the more polished; and the conduct of heathens, or persons called barbarians, condemns many in civilized nations, professing to be Christians. The people thought that Paul was a murderer, and that the viper was sent by Divine justice, to be the avenger of blood. The…
The phrase "no little kindness" translates a Greek expression that actually means "uncommon" or "special" kindness. This isn't just a polite understatement; it highlights that the generosity shown to Paul and his companions was remarkably, almost miraculously, abundant, especially considering they were seen as outsiders.
Having survived a terrifying shipwreck, Paul and the other survivors find themselves on the shores of Malta, battered by rain and cold. The local inhabitants, whom the Greeks would have called "barbarians" simply because they spoke a different language, immediately show remarkable compassion. They gather wood to build a fire for the exhausted survivors and welcome them in from the harsh weather, demonstrating a kindness that contrasts sharply with the often harsh realities of life.
Having survived a terrifying shipwreck, Paul and the other survivors find themselves on the shores of Malta, battered by rain and cold. The local inhabitants, whom the Greeks would have called "barbarians" simply because they spoke a different language, immediately show remarkable compassion. They gather wood to build a fire for the exhausted survivors and welcome them in from the harsh weather, demonstrating a kindness that contrasts sharply with the often harsh realities of life.
"The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold." — The phrase "no little kindness" translates a Greek expression that actually means "uncommon" or "special" kindness. This isn't just a polite understatement; it highlights that the generosity shown to…
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Last reviewed October 2026