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The natives showed us no common kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
Verse Takeaways
1
Who Were the "Barbarians"?
Commentators unanimously explain that the term "barbarian" did not mean the people were savage or uncivilized. In the Greco-Roman world, it was a common term for anyone who did not speak Greek. The people of Malta likely spoke a Punic (Phoenician) language, which was unintelligible to Luke and Paul, hence the label.
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7
18th Century
Presbyterian
And the barbarous people. (See Barnes on Romans 1:14).
The Greeks regarded all as barbarians who did not speak their language and a…
The barbarians (ο βαρβαρο). The Greeks called all men "barbarians" who did not speak Greek (Romans 1:14), not "barbari…
19th Century
Anglican
The barbarous people . . .—It has been urged in favor of Meleda that this description is more applicable to the …
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Baptist
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they k…
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 P…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness The inhabitants of this island are called barbarians, not from…
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