Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 28:3

"But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out by reason of the heat, and fastened on his hand." — Acts 28:3 (ASV)

The islanders showed kindness to “us all” (i.e., the 276 survivors) by building a fire, which was just what was needed in the cold and rain. When Paul was bitten by a viper, the islanders concluded he was a murderer whom Justice had at last caught up with since he had not died at sea. The Greek goddess Dike (i.e., “Justice”; GK 1472), or her Phoenician counterpart, was apparently venerated by the Maltese.