Ashore on Malta

1And having been saved, then we found out that the island is called Malta.† 2And the natives were showing not just the ordinary kindness to us. For having kindled a fire, they received all of us because of the rain setting in and because of the cold.

3Now on Paul having gathered a multitude of sticks and having laid them on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4And when the natives saw the beast hanging from his hand, they began to say to one another, “By all means this man is a murderer whom, having been saved from the sea, Dike† did not permit to live.” 5Then indeed, having shaken off the creature into the fire, he suffered no harm. 6But they were expecting him to be about to become inflamed or suddenly to fall down dead. But on their waiting a great while and seeing nothing amiss happening to him, having changed their opinion, they began declaring him to be a god.

7Now in the parts around that place were lands of the chief of the island, named Publius, who, having received us, entertained us hospitably for three days. 8And it came to pass that the father of Publius was lying, oppressed with fevers and dysentery, toward whom Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him. 9And on this having taken place, also the rest in the island having infirmities were coming and were healed, 10who also honored us with many honors, and on setting sail, they laid on us the things for our needs.

Paul Arrives in Italy

11And after three months, we sailed in an Alexandrian ship having wintered in the island, with a figurehead of the Dioscuri.† 12And having put in at Syracuse, we stayed three days, 13from where, having cast off,† we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, a south wind having come up, on the second day we came to Puteoli, 14where having found some brothers, we were entreated to remain with them seven days. And so we came to Rome.

15And the brothers from there, having heard the things concerning us, came out as far as the Forum of Appius† and the Three Taverns† to meet us, whom Paul having seen, having given thanks to God, took courage.

Paul Preaches at Rome
(Isaiah 6:1–13)

16Now when we came to Rome,† Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.

17And it came to pass after three days that he† called together those being leaders of the Jews. And on their having come together, he was saying to them, “Men, brothers, having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered from Jerusalem as a prisoner into the hands of the Romans, 18who, having examined me, were wanting to let me go on account of not one cause of death existing in me. 19But on the Jews objecting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not as having anything to accuse my nation. 20For this cause, therefore, I have called to see you⁺ and to speak to you. For because of the hope of Israel, I have around me this chain.”

21And they said to him, “We received neither letters concerning you from Judea, nor did any of the brothers having arrived report or say anything evil concerning you. 22But we count it worthy to hear from you what you think, for truly, concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”

23Then, having appointed to him a day, many came to him to the lodging, to whom he expounded from morning to evening, fully testifying to the kingdom of God and persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

24And indeed, some were persuaded of the things being said, but some refused to believe. 25And being discordant with one another they began to leave, Paul having said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly by the prophet Isaiah to your⁺† fathers, 26saying:

‘Go to this people and say,

“In hearing you⁺ will hear and never understand;

and in seeing you⁺ will see and never perceive.”

27For the heart of this people grew dull,

and with the ears they barely hear,

and they have closed their eyes,

lest ever they should see with the eyes,

and should hear with the ears,

and should understand with the heart,

and should turn, and I will heal them.’†

28Therefore be it known to you⁺ that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”†

30And he stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and he was welcoming all those coming to him, 31proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, freely.

Footnotes:

1 WH Melitene
4 Or Justice; the Greek goddess of justice is Dike.
11 Or the Twin Brothers; that is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux
13 BYZ and TR having sailed around
15 The Forum of Appius was about 43 miles or 70 kilometers from Rome.
15 The Three Taverns was about 35 miles or 57 kilometers from Rome.
16 BYZ and TR include the centurion delivered up the prisoners to the captain of the barrack, but.
17 BYZ and TR Paul
25 BYZ and TR our
27 Isaiah 6:9–10 (see also LXX)
28 BYZ and TR include 29And on his having said this, the Jews went away, having much dispute among themselves.