Acts 28

Safe at Malta

1When 1they had been brought safely through, 2then we found out that 3the island was called 4Malta. 25The 6natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and 7received us all. 3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out 8because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4When 9the 10natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “11Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, 12justice has not allowed him to live.” 5However 13he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and 14began to say that he was a god.

7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had 15prayed, he 16laid his hands on him and healed him. 9After this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured. 10They also honored us with many 17marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they 18supplied us with 19all we needed.

Paul Arrives at Rome

11At the end of three months we set sail on 20an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had 21the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 1422There we found some 23brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15And the 24brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the 25Market of Appius and 26Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16When we entered Rome, Paul was 27allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17After three days 28Paul called together those who were 29the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “30Brethren, 31though I had done nothing against our people or 32the customs of our 33fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18And when they had 34examined me, they 35were willing to release me because there was 36no ground 37for putting me to death. 19But when the Jews 38objected, I was forced to 39appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I 40requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing 41this chain for 42the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of 43the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what 44your views are; for concerning this 45sect, it is known to us that 46it is spoken against everywhere.”

23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at 47his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly 48testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, 49from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 2450Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. 25And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26saying, ‘51Go to this people and say, “5253You will keep on hearing, 54but will not understand; And 55you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;2756For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.”’ 28Therefore let it be known to you that 57this salvation of God has been sent 58to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29[59When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

30And he stayed two full years 60in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 316162preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ 63with all openness, unhindered.