Island
Malta
Also called Melita
- Ancient name
- Malta
- Modern location
- Malta
- Location
- Identified site
Editorial summary
After the shipwreck everyone aboard reached land safely. A viper fastened on Paul’s hand but he was unharmed; he healed the father of Publius, and the travelers stayed three months.
What happened here
3Fourteen days adrift
With no sun or stars for many days, all hope was abandoned. Paul told those on board that an angel had assured him that no life would be lost, and on the fourteenth night they neared land; he urged everyone to eat, and they took courage.
These events happened at sea while the ship was driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, which in ancient usage included the waters between Greece, Italy and Sicily. Its course is unknown.
The shipwreck
At daybreak they made for a beach, but the ship ran aground where two seas met; the bow stuck fast and the stern began to break up. The centurion stopped the soldiers from killing the prisoners, and all 276 on board escaped safely to land.
The viper and the healing of Publius’ father
The islanders showed unusual kindness. A viper fastened on Paul’s hand but he was unharmed, and he healed the father of Publius, the chief man of the island; after three months the travelers set sail again.
People here
3On these journeys
Scripture
Location certainty
The island is identified as Malta; the exact site of the shipwreck is unknown. St Paul’s Bay is the traditional location.
- Coordinates
- 35.9335° N, 14.4117° E