Charles Ellicott Commentary Acts 28:2

"And the barbarians showed us no common kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold." — Acts 28:2 (ASV)

The barbarous people . . .—It has been urged in favor 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 obvious, however, that St. Luke uses the term, as St. Paul does (Romans 1:14; 1 Corinthians 14:11), and as was then common, as applicable to all races that did not speak Greek. Such a term as “Scythian” (Colossians 3:11) was used to describe what we would call “barbarians” or “savages.” For him, “barbarian” was like the term “native,” which our travelers apply indiscriminately to Fiji Islanders and Cingalese.

The language of Malta at the time, if not absolutely Punic, was probably a very debased Greek. The inscriptions that have been found in the island are, as was natural, in Greek and Latin, which were used as official languages by their rulers.

No little kindness.—Literally, no common (or average) philanthropy. The idiom is the same as that of the “special miracles” of Acts 19:11.

And received us . . .—The word implies both shelter and hospitality. Warmth, above all things, was necessary for those who had been chilled and drenched; and for this purpose, probably in some open space, or atrium, a large fire was lighted.

Because of the present rain . . .—The rain followed naturally on the cessation of the gale. The “cold” shows that the wind was not the Sirocco, which is always accompanied by heat.