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 they kindled a fire and 7took us all in because of the rain that had started and because of the cold. 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, 1314Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6Now they were expecting that he was going 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 15began to say that he was a god.

7Now in the neighboring parts of that place were lands belonging to the 16leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us warmly for three days. 8And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with a recurring fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after he 17prayed, he 18laid his hands on him and healed him. 9After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being cured. 10They also showed us many honors, and when we were about to set sail, they 19supplied us with 20everything we needed.

Paul Arrives in Rome

11After three months we set sail on 21an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had 22the 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 came up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 1423There we found some 24brothers and sisters, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and that is how we came to Rome. 15And from there the 25brothers and sisters, when they heard about us, came as far as the 26Market of Appius and the 27Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16When we entered Rome, Paul was 28allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17After three days 29Paul called together those who were 30the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “31Brothers, 32though I had done nothing against our people or 33the customs of our 34fathers, yet I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18And when they had 35examined me, they 36were willing to release me because there were 37no grounds 38for putting me to death. 19But when the Jews 39objected, I was forced to 40appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I 41requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing 42this chain for 43the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor has any of 44the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what 45your views are; for regarding this 46sect, it is known to us that 47it is spoken against everywhere.”

23When they had set a day for 48Paul, people came to him at 49his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly 50testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, 51from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 2452Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. 25And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26saying, ‘53Go to this people and say, “5455You will keep on hearing, and will not understand; And 56you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;2757For the hearts of this people have become 58insensitive, And with their ears they 59hardly 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 60this salvation of God has been sent 61to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”62

30Now Paul stayed two full years 63in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 316465preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ 66with all openness, unhindered.