Acts 28
1
Now when they had escaped, they then found
out that the island was called Malta.
2
And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for
they kindled a fire and made us all welcome,
because of the rain that was falling and because
of the cold.
3
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks
and laid them on the fire, a viper
came out because of the heat, and fastened on
his hand.
4
So when the natives saw the creature hanging
from his hand, they said to one another, “No
doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he
has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow
to live.”
5
But he shook off the creature into the fire and
suffered no harm.
6
However, they were expecting that he would swell
up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they
had looked for a long time and saw no harm come
to him, they changed their minds and said that
he was a god.
7
In that region there
was an estate of the leading citizen of the
island, whose name was Publius, who received us
and entertained us courteously for three days.
8
And it happened that the father of Publius lay
sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to
him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and
healed him.
9
So when this was done, the rest of those on the
island who had diseases also came and were
healed.
10 They also honored us in many ways; and
when we departed, they provided such things as
were necessary.
11
After three months we sailed in an
Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin
Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
12
And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.
13
From there we circled round and reached Rhegium.
And after one day the south wind blew; and the
next day we came to Puteoli,
14
where we found brethren, and were invited to
stay with them seven days. And so we went toward
Rome.
15 And from there, when the brethren heard
about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii
Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he
thanked God and took courage.
16
Now when we came to
Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to
the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted
to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded
him.
17
And it came to pass after three days that
Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So
when they had come together, he said to them:
“Men and brethren, though I have
done nothing against our people or the customs
of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a
prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the
Romans,
18 who, when they had examined me, wanted
to let me go, because there was no
cause for putting me to death.
19
But when the Jews spoke against it , I was compelled
to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of
which to accuse my nation.
20
For this reason therefore I have called for you,
to see you and speak with
you , because for the hope of Israel I am
bound with this chain.”
21
Then they said to him, “We neither received
letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any
of the brethren who came reported or spoken any
evil of you.
22
But we desire to hear from you what you think;
for concerning this sect, we know that it is
spoken against everywhere.”
23
So when they had appointed him a day, many
came to him at his lodging, to
whom he explained and solemnly testified of the
kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus
from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets,
from morning till evening.
24
And some were persuaded by the things which were
spoken, and some disbelieved.
25
So when they did not agree among themselves,
they departed after Paul had said one word: “The
Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the
prophet to our fathers,
26
saying,
‘ Go to this people and say:
“ Hearing you will hear, and shall not
understand;
And seeing you will see, and not
perceive;
27
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their
eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with
their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”’
28
“Therefore let it be known to you that the
salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles,
and they will hear it!”
29
And when he had said these words, the Jews
departed and had a great dispute among
themselves.
30
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own
rented house, and received all who came to him,
31
preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the
things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with
all confidence, no one forbidding him.
