Ashore on Malta

1And having been saved, we recognized that the island is called Melita. 2And the barbarians extended no small philanthropy to us: for, having kindled a fire, they received us all to it, on account of the recent rain and cold. 3And Paul having gathered up a certain bundle of sticks, and placed it on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened on his hand. 4But when the barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand, they said to one another, Surely this man is a murderer, whom, having been saved from the sea, justice did not permit to live. 5Then indeed, having shaken off the beast into the fire, he suffered no injury: 6and they were looking for him to be about to swell up and suddenly fall down dead. But having looked a long time, and seeing nothing out of place come to him, changing their minds, they said that he was a god.

7But in the regions around about that place there were farms belonging to the chief man of the island, by name Publius: who, having received us, entertained us courteously three days. 8And it came to pass, that the father of Publius was lying prostrate with fevers and dysentery: to whom Paul having come in, and prayed, laying hands on him, healed him. 9And this taking place, the rest also, on the island having diseases, continued to come to him, and be healed; 10who also honored us with many honors; and conferred on us, departing, those things appertaining to use.

Paul Arrives in Italy

11And after three months we embarked in an Alexandrian ship, having spent the winter in the island, dedicated to the sons of Jupiter. 12And having disembarked into Syracuse, we remained three days; 13thence having come circuitously, we arrived into Rhegium. And after one day there being a south wind, we came the second day to Puteoli, 14where having found brethren, we were entreated to remain with them seven days: and thus we came into Rome. 15And the brethren, hearing the news concerning us, came thence to meet us at the Appian Forum and Three Taverns: whom Paul, seeing, having given thanks to God, took courage.

Paul Preaches at Rome

16And when we came into Rome, it was permitted to Paul to remain to himself with the soldier guarding him.

17And it came to pass, after three days, he called together those who were first of the Jews; and they having assembled, he said to them, I, men, brethren, having done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, was committed a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans; 18who judging me, were counseling to release me, because there was nothing worthy of death in me: 19and the Jews speaking against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not having anything for which to accuse my nation. 20Then for this cause I have called you, to see you, and talk to you: for on account of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21And they said to him, Neither have we received letters from Judea concerning you, neither has any one of the brethren coming, proclaimed or spoken anything evil concerning you. 22But we desire to hear from you what you think: for indeed concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is everywhere spoken against.

23And having appointed a day with him, many came to him into his hired house, to whom witnessing he expounded the kingdom of God, indeed persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses, and the prophets, from morning unto evening. 24And some of them indeed believed the things spoken, but others continued to doubt; 25and they being disharmonious to one another, dispersed, Paul saying one word, that truly the Holy Ghost spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your fathers, saying,

26Go to this people, and say, By hearing ye shall hear, and may not understand; and seeing you shall see, and may not perceive:

27for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and they heard with their ears heavily, and closed their eyes; lest they may see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I shall heal them.

28Therefore let it be known unto you, that this salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear. 29

30And he spent a whole biennium in his own hired house, and received all those coming to him, 31preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things concerning the Lord Jesus, with all boldness, uninterruptedly.