Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 28:1-10

"And when we were escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita. 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. 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. And when the barbarians saw the [venomous] creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped from the sea, yet Justice hath not suffered to live. Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm. But they expected that he would have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but when they were long in expectation and beheld nothing amiss came to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and entertained us three days courteously. And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him. And when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came, and were cured: who also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board such things as we needed." — Acts 28:1-10 (ASV)

God can make strangers into friends—friends in distress.

Those who are despised for simple manners are often more friendly than the more polished. Indeed, the conduct of heathens, or persons called barbarians, condemns many in civilized nations who profess 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.

They knew that there is a God who governs the world, so that things do not happen by chance—no, not the smallest event—but all by Divine direction. They also knew that evil pursues sinners, and that there are good works which God will reward and wicked works which He will punish.

They also believed that murder is a dreadful crime, one which will not long go unpunished. However, they thought all wicked people were punished in this life. Although some are made examples in this world to prove that there is a God and a Providence, many are left unpunished to prove that there is a judgment to come. They also thought all who were severely afflicted in this life were wicked people.

Divine revelation puts this matter in its true light. Good people are often greatly afflicted in this life, for the trial and increase of their faith and patience. Observe Paul's deliverance from the danger. Thus, in the strength of the grace of Christ, believers shake off the temptations of Satan with holy resolution. When we despise the criticisms and reproaches of others and look upon them with holy contempt, having the testimony of our consciences for us, then, like Paul, we shake off the viper into the fire.

It does us no harm, unless we are kept by it from our duty. In this way, God made Paul remarkable among these people, and so prepared the way for the gospel to be received. The Lord raises up friends for His people in every place wherever He leads them and makes them blessings to those in affliction.