Bible Strands
Acts 28:5
But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul stands before the Maltese islanders after a viper attaches to his hand while he gathers wood for a fire. The islanders witness the event, first declaring him a murderer doomed by Justice, and later conclude he is a god when he shows no injury.
The words — The Greek verb ἀποτινάξας (apotinaxas) literally means “having shaken off,” describing Paul’s deliberate removal of the animal. The noun θηρίον (thērion) translates to “creature” or “wild animal,” specifying the source of the bite.
The thread — The text records Paul’s survival from a venomous bite, paralleling the authority described in Luke 10:19 and Mark 16:18 to tread on dangerous creatures unharmed. It aligns with the protective promise in Psalm 91:13, where the righteous are granted safety over lions and serpents.
Why it lands — The passage states only that Paul shook off the creature and suffered no ill effects, leaving the outcome as a factual record rather than a theological proof. It requires the reader to acknowledge the observed result and assess the situation without adding supernatural explanation or emotional response.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Cross-references
- Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.
- Mark 16:18 they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”
- Psalms 91:13 You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.
- Numbers 21:6 So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died.
- Revelation 9:3 And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth.
- John 3:14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
- Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.