Acts 28Book 44 of 66 · 31 verses · MBT primary, NKJV fallback where MBT pending
Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
And the natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
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 itself on his hand.
So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”
But he shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm.
However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.
So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, with the Twin Gods as its figurehead.
And putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.
From there, after making a circuit along the coast, we reached Rhegium. After one day a south wind sprang up, and the second day we came to Puteoli.
Where we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.
And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
Now when we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
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: “Brothers, 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.
Who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death.
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.
For this reason I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Then they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
So when they had appointed a day for him, many came to him at his lodging. From morning till evening he expounded and testified about the kingdom of God, trying to persuade them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
And some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.
So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: 'The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,'
saying, 'Go to this people and say: You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive;'
For the hearts of this people have grown dull, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to him,
proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.