Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 28:4
The venomous beast - The English word “beast” we usually apply to an animal of larger size than a viper. But the original θηρίον thērion is applicable to animals of any kind, and was especially applied by Greek writers to serpents. See Schleusner.No doubt - The fact that the viper had fastened on him; and that, as they supposed, he must now certainly die, was the proof from which they inferred his guilt.Is a murderer - Why they thought he was a murderer rather than guilty of some other crime... read more
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 28:3
Had gathered a bundle of sticks - For the purpose of making a fire.There came a viper - A poisonous serpent. See the notes on Matthew 3:7. The viper was doubtless in the bundle of sticks or limbs of trees which Paul had gathered, but was concealed, and was torpid. But when the bundle was laid on the fire, the viper became warmed by the heat, and came out and fastened on the hand of Paul.And fastened on his hand - καθῆψεν kathēpsen. This word properly means to join oneself to; to touch; to... read more