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Acts 28:5

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 28:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm.
Acts 28:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 28

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2And 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.
3But 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.
4And 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.
5Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm.
6But 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.
7Now 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.
8And 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.
← Acts 28:4Acts 28:6 →
← Full Chapter 28 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he shook off the beast into the fire, etc.] Having held it a while, and as being master of it, and as not being afraid of it, though it was the ready way to provoke it to fasten on him again: and felt no harm; it having not bit him, nor infected him with its poison; and hereby was fulfilled what our Lord promised to his disciples, (<411618>Mark 16:18);”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“shook off the beast and felt no harm--See Mar 16:18.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And he shook off ... - In this was remarkably fulfilled the promise of the Saviour Mark 16:18; “They shall take up serpents,” etc. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Having shaken off the venomous animal, he suffered no harm - The words of an eminent modern historian are, "No venomous kind of serpent now breeds in Malta, neither hurts if it be brought thither from another place. Children are seen there handling and playing even with scorpions; I have seen one eating them." If this be so, it seems to be fixed by the wisdom of God, as an eternal memorial of what he once wrought there. Acts 28:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“felt: Num 21:6-9; Psa 91:13; Mar 16:18; Luk 10:19; Joh 3:14, Joh 3:15; Rom 16:20; Rev 9:3, Rev 9:4 Acts 28:6”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 28 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification