Lexical Summary Melité: Malta Original Word: Μελίτη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Melita. Of uncertain origin; Melita, an island in the Mediterranean -- Melita. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Melita (Malta), an island in the Mediterranean NASB Translation Malta (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3194: ΜελίτηΜελίτη, Μελιτης, ἡ, Melita, the name of an island in the Mediterranean, lying between Africa and Sicily, now called Malta; (this Sicula Melita must not be confounded with Melita Illyrica in the Adriatic, now called Meleda (see B. D. under the word STRONGS NT 3194: Μελιτήνη [Μελιτήνη, see the preceding word.] Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Acts 28:1 records the single New Testament mention of Μελίτη: “Once we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta”. The name identifies the location where the ship carrying Paul, Luke, and other passengers ran aground after a violent two-week storm in the Mediterranean. Geographical Context Malta lies about 58 miles south of Sicily, strategically positioned on ancient sea lanes connecting the eastern and western portions of the Roman Empire. Its natural harbors, mild climate, and reputation for abundant honey (from which many believe the name derives) made it a frequent stop for Alexandrian grain ships like the one on which Paul sailed (Acts 27:6). Historical Background By the first century the island was under Roman control, yet Phoenician cultural influence remained strong among its inhabitants (Acts 28:2, “the natives,” Greek hoi barbaroi, non-Greek speakers). Archaeological evidence—including bilingual Punic-Latin inscriptions—confirms Luke’s depiction of a mixed population accustomed to foreign travelers and mercantile activity. Paul’s Ministry on the Island Far from being a parenthetical episode, the three winter months on Malta (Acts 28:11) show gospel advance even when circumstances appear adverse. Divine Providence and Mission What appeared to be a disastrous shipwreck becomes an ordained opportunity for witness. Malta thus epitomizes Paul’s earlier conviction that “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). The event also foreshadows the Lord’s assurance in Mark 16:18 that serpents will not harm His messengers, underscoring the reliability of Christ’s promises. The Islanders and Hospitality Luke highlights the practical compassion of Malta’s residents: they welcome wet, exhausted strangers, build a fire, and later supply provisions for the resumed voyage (Acts 28:10). Their example complements other New Testament exhortations to hospitality (Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9) and demonstrates common grace preparing hearts for saving grace. Miracles and Evangelistic Impact Although Acts does not explicitly describe conversions, the sequence of miracles, gratitude, and honor given to Paul strongly suggests the emergence of a believing community. Early Christian writers such as Irenaeus, Jerome, and later Maltese tradition credit Publius as Malta’s first bishop. While extra-biblical, these traditions affirm the plausibility that Acts 28 records the seed of lasting gospel witness. Archaeological and Topographical Notes Local tradition identifies St Paul’s Bay on the island’s northeast coast as the probable wreck site, consistent with Luke’s details: a bay with a beach (Acts 27:39), soundings of twenty and fifteen fathoms (Acts 27:28), and prevailing northeasterly winds. Roman-era anchors recovered from the area lend further credibility to the account’s historicity. Theological Reflections 1. Fulfillment of Mission Mandate: Malta represents “the ends of the earth” trajectory of Acts 1:8, bridging the transition from Jerusalem to Rome. Legacy in Christian Tradition Malta remains proud of its association with the apostle. Catacombs, ancient chapels, and annual commemorations of “the shipwreck of Saint Paul” testify to an enduring Christian heritage tracing its origin to Acts 28:1. The island’s account continues to encourage believers that God can turn unexpected detours into strategic ministry opportunities. Forms and Transliterations Μελίτη Μελιτηνη Μελιτήνη Melite Melitē Melíte MelítēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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