The Maltese were the inhabitants of Malta, a small but strategically located island in the Mediterranean Sea. Though not politically powerful, the island played a critical role in Paul’s ministry when he was shipwrecked there on his way to Rome (Acts 27:39–28:10).
While stranded on Malta, Paul miraculously survived a deadly viper bite, which led the islanders to first believe he was cursed, then later see him as a divine figure. Paul also healed the island’s chief official’s father, leading to many Maltese embracing the Gospel.
Understanding who the Maltese were, their cultural background, and their role in biblical history reveals how God used an unexpected detour to spread the Gospel to new people.
Words: 1144 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Historical Background and Origins
Malta, known in ancient times as Melita, was a Phoenician colony before coming under Carthaginian, then Roman rule. Important aspects of its history include:
- An Island of Strategic Importance – Located between Sicily and North Africa, Malta was an important stop for traders and military vessels.
- A Phoenician and Roman Cultural Blend – The Maltese were descendants of Phoenician settlers, but by Paul’s time, they were heavily Romanized.
- A Small but Prosperous Society – The island relied on trade, fishing, and agriculture, and its location made it economically valuable.
By the time Paul arrived, the Maltese were a mix of native islanders, Phoenician traders, and Roman officials, creating a unique cultural and religious identity.
Geography and Political Influence
Malta was located in the central Mediterranean, benefiting from:
- A Natural Harbor for Trade and Travel – Malta was a popular stopping point for ships traveling between Rome and Africa.
- Roman Administration – The island was under Roman control, and its leader, Publius (Acts 28:7), was a Roman official or governor.
- A Defensible Island – Though small, Malta’s location and fortifications made it a useful outpost in the empire.
Its strategic position explains why Paul’s ship was passing by Malta when a storm forced it to crash there.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
The Maltese followed a mix of religious traditions, reflecting their Phoenician roots and Roman influence:
- Phoenician Paganism – The Maltese originally worshiped Baal, Ashtoreth, and Melqart, similar to the Canaanites and Carthaginians.
- Roman and Greek Gods – By the first century, many had adopted the worship of Zeus, Apollo, and local deities.
- Superstitions and Omens – The Maltese, like many ancient peoples, interpreted natural events and omens as signs from the gods.
Their superstitious nature explains why they quickly changed their opinion about Paul based on his survival of a snakebite (Acts 28:3-6).
The Maltese in the Bible
Malta is mentioned in Acts 27-28, where Paul’s shipwreck led to an unexpected but fruitful missionary encounter:
1. Paul’s Shipwreck on Malta (Acts 27:39-44)
- Paul was a prisoner being transported to Rome when a violent storm wrecked his ship off the coast of Malta.
- All 276 passengers survived, fulfilling Paul’s divine revelation (Acts 27:22-24) that no lives would be lost.
- The Maltese welcomed the survivors and showed unusual kindness (Acts 28:2).
2. Paul Survives a Deadly Snakebite (Acts 28:3-6)
- While gathering wood, Paul was bitten by a venomous viper, and the Maltese assumed he was cursed for being a criminal.
- When he suffered no harm, they changed their minds and believed he was divine.
- This event opened the door for Paul’s Gospel message, as the Maltese recognized that he was different from other men.
3. Paul Heals the Island’s Chief Official’s Father (Acts 28:7-9)
- The Roman governor of Malta, Publius, welcomed Paul into his home.
- Publius’ father was sick with fever and dysentery, but Paul healed him through prayer and laying on of hands.
- Seeing this, many other Maltese brought their sick to Paul, and he healed them as well.
4. The Maltese Honor Paul and His Companions (Acts 28:10)
- The islanders honored Paul and the other survivors, providing everything they needed for their journey.
- Paul and his companions stayed on Malta for three months before continuing to Rome.
This unexpected stop became a divine appointment, as many Maltese embraced the Gospel through Paul’s miracles and preaching.
Interactions with Jesus and His Disciples
Though Jesus never visited Malta, His teachings were directly fulfilled in Paul’s ministry there:
1. Jesus Promised Divine Protection for His Disciples (Mark 16:18)
- Jesus said His followers would handle snakes and not be harmed—fulfilled in Paul’s survival of the viper bite (Acts 28:3-6).
2. Jesus Commanded His Followers to Heal the Sick (Luke 10:9)
- Paul’s healing of Publius’ father and other sick Maltese fulfilled Jesus’ instructions to His disciples.
Malta became a living example of Jesus’ promise of divine protection and healing through His followers.
Significance in Church History and Prophecy
Though a small island, Malta remained important in Christian history:
- One of the First Christianized Islands – The Maltese likely continued in the faith after Paul’s visit, making it an early Christian center.
- The Maltese Church Tradition – Some early Christian traditions claim that Publius became Malta’s first bishop and helped establish a church on the island.
- A Reminder That God Uses Unplanned Events – Paul’s shipwreck was not an accident but a divine appointment, showing that God works through unexpected detours.
Malta’s role in Paul’s journey to Rome proves that even a remote island was part of God’s plan for spreading the Gospel.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
- God can use unexpected hardships for His purposes – Paul’s shipwreck was not a setback but an opportunity for evangelism.
- Superstitious people need the truth of Christ – The Maltese interpreted Paul’s snakebite wrongly, but Paul pointed them to God instead.
- Believers are called to serve wherever they are – Paul healed and ministered to the Maltese, even though he was only there by accident.
- God’s protection is real – Paul’s survival from both the shipwreck and the viper demonstrates that God watches over His servants.
The Church today must trust that God’s plans often include detours—and that He can turn even disasters into ministry opportunities.
Conclusion: God’s Sovereignty Over the Maltese
The Maltese, though originally superstitious and unaware of Christ, became one of the first island nations to receive the Gospel. Paul’s unexpected stay on Malta (Acts 27-28) led to miraculous healings, conversions, and the establishment of Christianity on the island.
As Paul later wrote:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
The Maltese remind us that no place is too remote for God’s reach, and no circumstance is too chaotic for His divine plan.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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