Ashore on Malta

1And having been saved, we then 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 coming on and because of the cold.

3Now of Paul having gathered a quantity of sticks and having laid them on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened 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, Justicea has not permitted to live.” 5Then indeed, having shaken off the creature into the fire, he suffered no injury. 6But they were expecting him to be about to become inflamed or suddenly to fall down dead. But of them 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 belonging to the chief of the island, named Publius, who having received us, entertained us hospitably for three days. 8And it came to pass, 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 of 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

11Then after three months, we sailed in an Alexandrian ship having wintered in the island, with a figurehead of the Dioscuri.b 12And having put in at Syracuse, we stayed three days, 13from where having gone around, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind having come on, 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 market of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us, whom Paul having seen, having given thanks to God, took courage.

Paul Preaches at Rome

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

17And it came to pass after three days, he called together those being leaders of the Jews. And of them 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 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 of the Jews objecting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not as having anything to lay against my nation. 20Therefore for this cause I have called to see you and to speak to you. For because of the hope of Israel, I have around me this chain.”

21Then they said to him, “We received neither letters concerning you from Judea, nor any of the brothers having arrived reported or said anything evil concerning you. 22But we deem 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 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 he is speaking, but some refused to believe. 25And being discordant with one another they began to leave, Paul having spoken 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 has grown dull,

and with the ears they barely hear,

and they have closed their eyes,

lest ever they should see with the eyes,

and they should hear with the ears,

and they should understand with the heart,

and should turn,

and I will heal them.’d

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

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