Acts 28:10 Meaning: Grateful Gifts
They also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
who also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board such things as we needed.
who also with many honours did honour us, and we setting sail--they were lading us with the things that were necessary.
who also honoured us with many honours, and on our leaving they made presents to us of what should minister to our wants.
Meaning in one sentence
Were the honors in Acts 28:10 payment for healing or gifts of gratitude? Discover the meaning and how Paul received freely.
Context
Paul had been through a shipwreck, a snakebite, and three months on the island of Malta. The locals had watched him heal the father of Publius and then cure many others who came with diseases. They saw something more than a lucky stranger, they saw a man carrying God's power. By the time Paul and his companions were ready to sail for Rome, the islanders did not let them leave empty-handed. This verse is the final snapshot of their gratitude: honors, presents, and a ship loaded with everything needed for the journey ahead.
Key Words
The Greek word translated “honors” (timais) can mean the price paid for something, but here it means esteem shown in a tangible way. Luke uses the same word family that appears in 1 Timothy when Paul says elders are worthy of “double honor”, a phrase early Christians understood to include generous provision. The verb for “put on board” (epethento) is a gentle word: “they laid upon.” Picture the scene: people carrying baskets of bread, jars of oil, dried fish, and other supplies, carefully placing them in the ship. Their honor was not a ceremony. It was a practical, loving load.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse as a picture of grace meeting gratitude. Some early commentators, noting that the Greek word for honor could refer to payment, pointed out that Paul did not accept wages for healing. Others see the gift as a free expression of thanks, in line with Jesus’ command in Matthew 10:8 to give freely. All agree: Paul healed without charge, and the Maltese responded not out of obligation but out of hearts changed by what they had witnessed. The gift was a response to grace, not a transaction.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that Paul accepted payment for his healing ministry here, contradicting his policy of working with his own hands. In fact, the “honors” were not a fee demanded or expected. They were spontaneous gifts from grateful people, given after the healings and for the journey. Paul received them as he had received their hospitality, as provision from the Lord, not as a salary.
Living This Out
Think of a time someone blessed you unexpectedly, a meal brought over, a loan you didn’t ask for, a gift that met a quiet need. That is what happened here. Paul could have refused, saying he didn’t want to be a burden. But he accepted their generosity, and that acceptance was itself a gift to them. This week, let someone’s gratitude bless you. When a friend or neighbor wants to thank you, receive it openly. It honors them, and it honors the God who provides through people.
Main takeaway: Genuine gratitude responds to God’s grace with generous, need-meeting gifts.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The people on the island were so thankful to Paul that they gave him food and clothes for his big boat trip. That’s how you say thank you when someone helps you a lot.
For ages 9, 12
The Maltese people didn’t just say “thanks” to Paul. They gave him everything he needed for the journey to Rome. Their gratitude was real, and it showed in what they did. When someone helps you, asking what they might need can be a way to show real thanks.
Questions People Ask
Did Paul accept payment for healing people on Malta?
No, Paul healed freely, just as he had received the gospel freely from Christ. The “honors” the Maltese gave were gifts of gratitude, not a required payment. They gave supplies for the journey, not a fee for services.
What does the Greek word for 'honors' really mean?
The Greek word is timai, which can mean either “honor, esteem” or “price, value.” In this context, it means showing respect through generous gifts. Some ancient writers used the same word for a reward or payment, but here it is clearly a free expression of thankfulness.
Why did the Maltese give them so many supplies?
Paul had spent three months among them, healing the sick and showing God’s power. The people were deeply grateful and wanted to help Paul and his companions continue their journey safely and comfortably. Their gift was a practical way of saying thank you.
Does this verse mean it’s okay for ministers to accept gifts?
Christians differ on whether ministers should accept payment for their work. However, this verse shows that it is not wrong to receive gifts offered freely by grateful people. The New Testament also teaches that those who preach the gospel deserve to make their living from it (1 Corinthians 9:14).
How is this different from Paul refusing payment in other places?
In places like Corinth and Thessalonica, Paul refused support to avoid misunderstandings and to set an example of hard work. On Malta, he was not in a position to work, and the gifts were given after the ministry, not as a condition for it. Paul did not seek payment, but he received hospitality and provision when it was offered.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study