Lexical Summary metaballó: To change, to turn, to alter Original Word: μεταβάλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance change mind. From meta and ballo; to throw over, i.e. (middle voice figuratively) to turn about in opinion -- change mind. see GREEK meta see GREEK ballo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom meta and balló Definition to turn about, to change NASB Translation changed their minds (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3328: μεταβάλλωμεταβάλλω: properly, to turn round; to turn about; passive and middle to turn oneself about, change or transform oneself; tropically, to change one's opinion; (middle, present participle) μεταβαλλόμενοι ((2 aorist participle βαλόμενοι Tr WH)) ἔλεγον, they changed their minds and said, Acts 28:6 (μεταβαλόμενος λέγεις, having changed your mind you say, Plato, Gorgias 481 e.; in the same sense, Thucydides, Xenophon, Demosthenes). Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term in Scripture Strong’s Greek 3328 appears a single time in the New Testament (Acts 28:6) and centers on a sudden reversal of opinion. Rather than denoting a gradual shift, the verb captures an unexpected turnabout—a decisive pivot that redirects perception and conclusion. Biblical Context of Acts 28:6 Paul, newly shipwrecked on Malta, survives the bite of a viper before the astonished islanders. Luke records: “They expected him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god” (Acts 28:6). The single occurrence of the verb provides a window into human fickleness when confronted with divine intervention. The same crowd that assumed divine judgment now ascribes deity, revealing the volatility of opinion unanchored to revelation. Theological Implications of “Changing One’s Mind” 1. Human Judgment vs. Divine Reality. Acts 28:6 exposes the inadequacy of assessments based on circumstance rather than Scripture. While the Maltese people oscillate, Paul remains steadfast, demonstrating an unwavering trust in the Lord’s promise (Acts 27:23-25). Historical Background of Malta and Its Inhabitants First-century Malta lay astride Mediterranean shipping lanes, populated by people Luke calls “barbarians” (Acts 28:2)—not a pejorative, but noting their non-Greek tongue. Their spirituality mixed folklore and pagan deities. A venomous snake, likely the common European adder, symbolized divine retribution in their worldview. The swift reversal once Paul remained unharmed reveals a worldview steeped in omens and portents, primed for gospel clarification. Intertextual Parallels and Conceptual Echoes • Lystra’s Reaction (Acts 14:11-18). Both accounts feature Gentiles misidentifying apostles as gods after witnessing miracles, underscoring the persistent temptation to venerate the messenger rather than the Message. Christological and Apostolic Witness Paul’s composure echoes Jesus’ own calm amid opposition and misunderstanding (Luke 23:34). As Paul shakes off the serpent (Acts 28:5), he embodies Christ’s promise in Mark 16:18 that “they will pick up snakes with their hands.” The incident, therefore, functions as an apostolic sign authenticating the gospel’s advance to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Discernment. Believers must weigh miraculous events by Scripture, resisting the urge to elevate servants above the Savior (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). Pastoral Reflections Congregations often face volatile cultural opinions about faith. The Maltese episode encourages patience: God can transform rapid reversals of sentiment into gospel seeds. When hostile scrutiny gives way to admiring curiosity, servants of Christ must redirect honor to the Lord and press on with compassionate service. Summary Strong’s Greek 3328 frames a dramatic flip in perspective that contrasts human instability with God’s unchanging purpose. Through Paul’s experience on Malta, Scripture highlights the necessity of grounding belief in divine revelation, the missionary utility of unforeseen circumstances, and the steady confidence that flows from trust in the risen Christ. Forms and Transliterations μεταβαλεί μεταβάλη μεταβαλλόμενοι μεταβαλομενοι μεταβαλόμενοι μεταβαλούσα μεταβαλούσιν μεταβαλών μεταβολή μεταβολής μετάβολοι μεταβόλων μετέβαλε μετέβαλεν metabalomenoi metabalómenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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