New Testament

Acts 28:6

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this moment, Paul is under scrutiny after being bitten by a snake.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 62
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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. Explore related discernment.

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.

Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary

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.

The Book of Acts
Book Summary

The Book of Acts

Acts 1: The Ascension and the Choosing of Matthias

Jesus shows himself alive to the apostles after his suffering, speaking about the kingdom of God. He commands them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father, saying they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost soon. They ask if he will restore the kingdom to Israel, and he tells them it is not for them to know the times, but they will receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them and will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. As they watch, he is taken up, and a cloud receives him out of their sight. Two men in white apparel tell them that this same Jesus will return in the same way they have seen him go.

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