Acts 28:3-31

3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out 1because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4When 2the 3natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “4Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, 5justice has not allowed him to live.” 5However 6he 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 7began 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 8prayed, he 9laid 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 10marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they 11supplied us with 12all we needed.

11At the end of three months we set sail on 13an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had 14the 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. 1415There we found some 16brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15And the 17brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the 18Market of Appius and 19Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16When we entered Rome, Paul was 20allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17After three days 21Paul called together those who were 22the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “23Brethren, 24though I had done nothing against our people or 25the customs of our 26fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18And when they had 27examined me, they 28were willing to release me because there was 29no ground 30for putting me to death. 19But when the Jews 31objected, I was forced to 32appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I 33requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing 34this chain for 35the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of 36the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what 37your views are; for concerning this 38sect, it is known to us that 39it is spoken against everywhere.”

23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at 40his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly 41testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, 42from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 2443Some 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, ‘44Go to this people and say, “4546You will keep on hearing, 47but will not understand; And 48you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;2749For 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 50this salvation of God has been sent 51to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29[52When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

30And he stayed two full years 53in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 315455preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ 56with all openness, unhindered.