The term "barbarians" here doesn't mean they were savage or cruel, but simply that they spoke a different language than the shipwrecked travelers. This highlights how easily we can misunderstand and even judge those who are different from us, when in reality, they may offer extraordinary compassion, like this island community did by providing a fire and shelter.
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. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After surviving a brutal shipwreck, Paul and his companions find themselves washed ashore on an unfamiliar island. The immediate need for warmth and shelter is met with surprising compassion from the local inhabitants, whom the text calls "barbarians" – a term used by Greeks and Romans for anyone who didn't speak their language. This act of kindness sets the stage for Paul's extended stay and ministry on the island.
The Bible calls the people who helped Paul 'barbarians.' What did that word really mean to them, and what does it reveal about God's people?
The term 'barbarian' in ancient Greek and Roman culture didn't necessarily mean savage or uncivilized. Instead, it was a linguistic label: anyone who didn't speak Greek (or Latin) was considered a 'barbarian.' Paul himself uses the term this way in his letters, distinguishing between Greeks and barbarians.
So, when Luke describes the people of Malta as 'barbarians,' he's primarily telling us they spoke a different language than the shipwrecked sailors and soldiers. This encounter highlights a crucial point: God's kindness and compassion aren't limited by language barriers or cultural differences. It challenges us to look beyond superficial distinctions and see people as God sees them.
These 'barbarians' didn't just offer a fleeting moment of help; they showed 'no little kindness.' What does this profound generosity teach us about human nature and divine providence?
The phrase 'no little kindness' (or 'no common kindness' in some translations) emphasizes that the help offered was significant and exceptional. It wasn't just a polite gesture; it was a deep, heartfelt philanthropy that went above and beyond what might be expected, especially towards strangers who had just washed ashore after a shipwreck.
They actively provided warmth by kindling a fire and welcomed everyone, demonstrating immediate care and hospitality in response to the harsh weather. This wasn't merely a reaction to the physical discomfort of rain and cold; it was a profound act of human compassion. It shows that even among those considered 'outsiders,' genuine goodness and a capacity for selfless love can flourish, often in ways that put more 'civilized' people to shame.
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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.
echidna · Greek Noun
A venomous snake. In biblical imagery, snakes often represent danger, evil, or the subtlety of the enemy, though here it functions as a literal lethal threat.
dikē · Greek Noun
The moral principle of justice, fairness, and retribution. In Greek mythology, it was personified as the goddess Dike, representing the belief that evil deeds will inevitably be punished by divine intervention.
The 'barbarians' of Malta, far from being uncivilized savages, demonstrated profound humanity and compassion, highlighting that true kindness transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, a testament to God's provision through unexpected sources.
c. 60 BC
Roman Annexation of Malta
Malta, after periods of Phoenician and Carthaginian influence, falls under Roman control, integrating it into the Roman Empire's vast network.
c. AD 45-49
Paul's Missionary Journeys Begin
The Apostle Paul embarks on his extensive missionary journeys, spreading the Christian faith throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 59-60
Paul's Arrest and Appeal
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and appeals to Caesar, initiating his voyage to Rome as a prisoner.
October AD 60— this verse
Shipwreck on Malta
Paul's ship is caught in a fierce Mediterranean storm and wrecks off the coast of Malta, stranding the travelers.
October-December AD 60
Stay on Malta
The shipwreck survivors are shown remarkable kindness by the Maltese people, finding shelter and aid during their three-month stay.
Early AD 61
Arrival in Rome
Paul finally reaches Rome, where he is allowed to live in his own hired house under guard, continuing his ministry.
Just as the islanders offered practical help like fire and welcome to the shipwrecked Paul and his companions, Boaz instructed his workers to give Ruth food and to intentionally leave grain for her to glean, showing unexpected generosity to a stranger.
Matthew 25:35-40Jesus states, 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me,' highlighting that acts of kindness to those in need, like the Maltese showing kindness to Paul, are seen as acts of service to God himself.
1 Samuel 11:1-3This passage shows a stark contrast in how people treat strangers in distress; while the Ammonites threatened the men of Jabesh-gilead, the 'barbarians' of Malta offered immediate, life-saving kindness to shipwrecked sailors.
Romans 12:13The spontaneous kindness shown by the Maltese towards Paul and the others, providing warmth and shelter, exemplifies the instruction to 'practice hospitality' and share with those in need.
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 term "barbarians" here doesn't mean they were savage or cruel, but simply that they spoke a different language than the shipwrecked travelers. This highlights how easily we can misunderstand and even judge those who are different from us, when in reality, they may offer extraordinary compassion, like this island community did by providing a fire and shelter.
After surviving a brutal shipwreck, Paul and his companions find themselves washed ashore on an unfamiliar island. The immediate need for warmth and shelter is met with surprising compassion from the local inhabitants, whom the text calls "barbarians" – a term used by Greeks and Romans for anyone who didn't speak their language. This act of kindness sets the stage for Paul's extended stay and ministry on the island.
After surviving a brutal shipwreck, Paul and his companions find themselves washed ashore on an unfamiliar island. The immediate need for warmth and shelter is met with surprising compassion from the local inhabitants, whom the text calls "barbarians" – a term used by Greeks and Romans for anyone who didn't speak their language. This act of kindness sets the stage for Paul's extended stay and ministry on the island.
"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. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat…" — The term "barbarians" here doesn't mean they were savage or cruel, but simply that they spoke a different language than the shipwrecked travelers. This highlights how easily we can misunderstand and…
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Last reviewed October 2026
