New Testament
Acts 28:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They kept watching, expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing wrong with him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
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Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
What Acts 28:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Paul is under scrutiny after being bitten by a snake. The locals expect him to suffer a severe reaction, perhaps even die. They watch him closely, waiting for signs of harm. However, as time passes and nothing happens, their perspective shifts dramatically. They begin to believe he must be a god, attributing his survival to divine power. This incident highlights how quickly people can change their opinions based on circumstances. It also shows the tendency to jump to conclusions without understanding the full story. Paul’s experience serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and true strength often comes from within, not from external validation. The locals' reaction reflects their cultural beliefs and the human inclination to seek explanations for the extraordinary. Ultimately, this moment emphasizes the importance of faith and resilience in the face of adversity, as well as the impact of perception on our understanding of others and their experiences.
How to apply Acts 28:6 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember that others may misjudge your situation. Stay true to yourself and your beliefs, regardless of what others think. Your strength and resilience can inspire those around you, even if they don’t understand your journey. Trust in your own path and the support you receive along the way. Keep faith in your abilities and purpose, even when others doubt you. You are more than their expectations of you.
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Viper on Malta (Acts 28:1–10)
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Paul
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Acts 28:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 28:6 mean?
Acts 28:6 describes how the locals expected Paul to suffer after being bitten by a snake, but when he showed no signs of harm, they concluded he must be a god. This illustrates how quickly people's opinions can change based on what they observe.
What is the significance of the snake bite in Acts 28:6?
The snake bite in Acts 28:6 serves as a test of Paul's resilience and faith. It highlights the locals' initial judgment and their eventual recognition of something extraordinary when Paul remains unharmed.
What does the phrase 'they changed their minds' in Acts 28:6 mean?
The phrase 'they changed their minds' indicates a shift in the locals' perception of Paul. Initially, they viewed him as doomed, but after seeing his survival, they attributed his condition to divine power.
How does Acts 28:6 relate to faith and resilience?
Acts 28:6 relates to faith and resilience by showing that despite facing danger, Paul remained unharmed, which led others to recognize a greater power at work. It emphasizes the importance of inner strength in challenging situations.
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