1 When we had escaped, then they*1 learned
that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us no common
kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the
present rain, and because of the cold. 3 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 on his hand. 4 When the natives saw the creature
hanging from his hand, they said one to another, “No doubt this man is a
murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not
allowed to live.” 5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and
wasn’t harmed. 6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen
down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad
happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief
man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously
entertained us for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius
lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying
his hands on him, healed him. 9 Then when this was done, the rest also who
had diseases in the island came, and were cured. 10 They also honored us
with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we
needed.
11 After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had
wintered in the island, whose sign was “The Twin Brothers.” 12 Touching at
Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13 From there we circled around and
arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second
day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brothers,*2 and were entreated to stay with
them for seven days. So we came to Rome. 15 From there the brothers, when
they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The
Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the
captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the
soldier who guarded him.
17 It happened that after three days Paul called together those who were
the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I,
brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our
fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the
Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because
there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it,
I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to
accuse my nation. 20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to
speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this
chain.”
21 They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning
you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of
you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning
this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his
lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and
persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the
prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some believed the things which
were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 When they didn’t agree among
themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit
spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers,
26 saying,
‘Go to this people, and say,
In hearing, you will hear,
But will in no way understand.
In seeing, you will see,
But will in no way perceive.
27 For this people’s heart has grown callous.
Their ears are dull of hearing.
Their eyes they have closed.
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Hear with their ears,
Understand with their heart,
And would turn again,
And I would heal them.’
28 “Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the
Gentiles. They will also listen.”
29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute
among themselves.
30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all
who were coming to him, 31 preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the
things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without
hinderance.
1 NU reads “we” 2 The word for
“brothers” here and where context allows may also be correctly translated
“brothers and sisters” or “siblings.”
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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