Ashore on Malta

1AND being safe landed, we then understood that the island was called Melita. 2And the rude people treated us with singular humanity; for, lighting a fire, they received us all, because of the violent rain, and because of the cold. 3But as Paul was gathering up a faggot of sticks, and laying them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4Now when the rude people saw the venomous animal hanging from his hand, they said one to another, Surely this man is a murderer, whom though preserved from the sea, righteous vengeance suffereth not to live. 5But he then shaking off the venomous animal into the fire, suffered no manner of inconvenience. 6Now they expected that a violent inflammation would ensue, or that he would have fallen suddenly dead: but when, after waiting a considerable time, they saw no inconvenience arise to him, they changed their opinion, and said that he was a divinity.

7Now in the vicinity of that place was the estate of the principal person on the island, named Publius, who received us into his house, and lodged us with great humanity three days. 8And it so happened that the father of Publius was then confined to his bed with an attack of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul went in, and after praying, laid his hands upon him, and healed him. 9This then being the case, all the rest also who had diseases in the island came to him, and were healed. 10Then they honoured us with many tokens of respect; and when we were about to sail, laid in for us every necessary store.

Paul Arrives in Italy

11And after three months stay we sailed in a ship which had wintered in the island, from Alexandria, whose sign was Castor and Pollux: 12and proceeding on our voyage to Syracuse, we tarried there three days: 13from whence we came round, and arrived opposite to Rhegium; and after one day the south wind arising, we came in two more to Puteoli: 14where finding brethren, we were solicited by them to tarry seven days; and so we went for Rome. 15And the brethren from thence, when they heard of our motions, came out to meet us as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God, and felt fresh courage.

Paul Preaches at Rome

16And when we were come to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but he permitted Paul to have an apartment by himself, with a soldier only who guarded him.

17Now it came to pass that after three days Paul called together the principal persons of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have done nothing contrary to the people and the customs of our ancestors, yet have I been delivered up a prisoner into the hands of the Romans. 18Who, after a full examination, would have discharged me, because there was not the least cause found in me for death. 19But when the Jews opposed it, I was constrained to appeal unto C‘sar; not that I have any accusation to bring against my countrymen. 20For this cause therefore have I invited you hither, to see and to converse with you; for on account of the hope of Israel am I bound with this chain. 21Then they said to him, We have neither received letters concerning thee from Judea, nor hath any one of the brethren who is arrived reported or spoken any thing evil of thee. 22But we think it highly proper to hear from thee what thy sentiments are; for indeed as to this sect, it is well known to us that everywhere it meets with opposition.

23Then having fixed a day with him, still more of them came to him at his lodging, to whom bearing his testimony, he set forth the kingdom of God, and persuaded them of the things relating to Jesus, both out of the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening: 24and some were convinced by the things which were spoken, but others continued in their unbelief. 25So being divided in sentiment among themselves, they broke up, Paul adding one word, That well had the Holy Ghost spoken by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers,

26saying, Go to this people, and say, ?In hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, yet in nowise perceive.

27For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and with their ears they are thick of hearing, and their eyes have they shut; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and become converts, and I should heal them.?

28Be it known therefore unto you, that to the Gentiles is the salvation of God sent, and they will hear. 29And when he had thus spoken, the Jews went away, and had much disputing among themselves.

30But Paul abode two whole years in his own hired apartment, and received all who came to him, 31preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all freedom of discourse, and without the least interruption.