So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

ACTS 28:9KJV
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Acts 28:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 28:9 mean?

Acts 28:9 describes how, after Paul healed the father of Publius on the island of Malta, many other sick people from the island also came to Paul and were healed. The verse shows that news of the first healing spread quickly, leading others with illnesses to seek help and receive healing as well.

This verse is part of the account of Paul’s shipwreck on Malta, where he and the other survivors were welcomed by the islanders. After Paul healed Publius’s father, the local people recognized what had happened and brought their own sick to Paul. The verse highlights a moment when Paul’s ministry brought practical help and relief to many people in a foreign land.

The Greek behind Acts 28:9

  • The word for "diseases" is νοσήματα (nosēmata), which refers to various kinds of sickness or ailments. This shows that the people coming to Paul were suffering from a range of physical problems, not just one specific illness.
  • The verb "were healed" is ἐθεραπεύοντο (etherapeuonto), which often carries the sense of being cared for or treated, not just a miraculous cure. This suggests both divine healing and attentive care were involved.

Why Acts 28:9 matters

  • Acts 28:9 clarifies that Paul’s healing ministry on Malta was not limited to a single person but extended to many, emphasizing the broad impact of his presence there.
  • The verse connects to the wider narrative by showing how Paul’s actions led to goodwill and respect from the islanders, setting the stage for the hospitality and honor he and his companions received.
  • This verse helps readers see that the early Christian message was often accompanied by acts of compassion and practical help, not just words or preaching.

Where else these words appear

“island” Greek G3520 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
  • Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
  • Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

“diseases” Greek G769 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“others” Greek G3062 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
  • Acts 17:9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
  • Philippians 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

“healed” Greek G2323 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Matthew 19:2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
  • Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,