Melita
Identification with Malta
Melita, mentioned in Acts 28:1, is now universally identified with the island of Malta in the central Mediterranean Sea. An older theory placed the shipwreck at the island of Meleda (modern Mljet) on the eastern coast of the Adriatic, but this view has been abandoned. The ancient term "Adria" (Acts 27:27) referred not just to the Adriatic Sea but to the wider central Mediterranean, including the waters between Sicily, Italy, and North Africa — exactly where Malta lies.
Malta is located about 56 miles south of Sicily, 174 miles from the Italian mainland, and 187 miles from the North African coast. The main island is approximately 17 miles long and 9 miles wide, covering about 95 square miles.
Paul's Shipwreck
Paul's shipwreck on Malta is one of the most dramatic narratives in the New Testament. The apostle was being transported to Rome as a prisoner when a violent storm called a "northeaster" seized the ship in the waters south of Crete (Acts 27:14). For fourteen days, the 276 people aboard were driven across the open sea, losing all hope of survival (Acts 27:20). Paul encouraged them with a message from an angel assuring him that all would survive (Acts 27:23-24).
As they approached Malta, the sailors detected land. At a place "where two seas met" — likely the channel between the main island and the small island of Salmonetta in what is now called St. Paul's Bay — the ship ran aground. The bow stuck fast while the stern was broken apart by the waves (Acts 27:41). All 276 people made it safely to shore, some swimming and others clinging to planks and debris (Acts 27:44).
The Viper and Paul's Protection
Once ashore, the native islanders showed extraordinary kindness, building a fire to warm the cold, rain-soaked survivors (Acts 28:2). As Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper came out due to the heat and fastened onto his hand. The islanders expected him to swell up and die, assuming he must be a murderer whom justice was pursuing even after his escape from the sea (Acts 28:4).
But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm (Acts 28:5). When the people waited and saw that nothing happened to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god (Acts 28:6). This incident fulfilled Jesus' promise that his followers would "pick up serpents" without being harmed (Mark 16:18) and demonstrated divine protection over Paul's life and mission.
Healing of Publius's Father
The chief official of the island, named Publius, received Paul and his companions hospitably for three days (Acts 28:7). His title in Greek corresponds to inscriptions found on Malta using the Latin title "first man of the Maltese," confirming the historical accuracy of Luke's account. Publius's father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him, prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him (Acts 28:8).
After this healing, the rest of the sick on the island came to Paul and were also cured (Acts 28:9). In gratitude, the islanders honored Paul and his companions with many gifts and provided supplies when they eventually sailed for Rome (Acts 28:10).
Three Months on Malta
Paul and his companions spent three months on Malta, waiting for favorable sailing conditions in spring (Acts 28:11). During this extended stay, Paul's ministry of healing and preaching would have had significant impact on the island's population. Tradition holds that Paul established a Christian community on Malta that has endured to the present day, making Malta one of the oldest continuously Christian nations in the world.
Historical Significance
Malta's central position in the Mediterranean gave it strategic importance throughout antiquity. Originally a Phoenician colony, it later came under Greek influence from Sicily, then was captured by Rome from Carthage in 218 BC. Under Roman rule, the inhabitants were known for their textile industry, producing a famous fine fabric. The island's harbor, its position on major shipping routes, and its relatively mild climate made it an important naval station and trading post.
Biblical Context
Melita/Malta appears in Acts 27-28 as the site of Paul's shipwreck during his voyage to Rome. The narrative covers the shipwreck itself (Acts 27:39-44), the kindness of the islanders (Acts 28:1-2), the viper incident (Acts 28:3-6), the healing of Publius's father (Acts 28:7-8), and the broader healing ministry on the island (Acts 28:9-10). Paul's departure from Malta in a ship from Alexandria is recorded in Acts 28:11.
Theological Significance
The Malta narrative demonstrates several key theological themes. God's sovereignty is shown in preserving all 276 lives as promised through Paul (Acts 27:24). Paul's immunity to the viper demonstrates divine protection for those carrying out God's mission. The healing miracles confirm Paul's apostolic authority and show God's compassion extending to Gentile populations. The entire episode illustrates that apparent catastrophe — a devastating shipwreck — can become an occasion for the gospel's advance.
Historical Background
Inscriptions discovered on Malta confirm the title used for Publius in Acts 28:7. The Greek phrase 'protos' (first man) matches both a Greek inscription (CIG 5754) and a Latin inscription (CIL x.7495) from the island. St. Paul's Bay, a traditional site for the shipwreck approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Valletta, matches the Acts description well. Admiralty charts show depths of approximately 20 fathoms and then 15 fathoms near the entrance to the bay, consistent with Acts 27:28. The island's Christian tradition dates its faith directly to Paul's visit.