Acts 28:1-16 ▼

1 Having thus escap'd, we found we were upon the isle of Malta:

2 where the inhabitants, as much barbarians, as they were, receiv'd us with great humanity, they kindled a fire, and secur'd us from the falling rains, as well as the cold:

3 when Paul having taken up some brush-wood and laid it upon the fire, a viper started out from the heat, and seiz'd upon his hand.

4 the barbarians seeing the venomous creature hang fast to his hand, said to one another, this man is a murderer, no doubt; for, escaped from the wreck, the divine justice still pursues him to death.

5 but Paul shook off the animal into the fire without having receiv'd any hurt.

6 however, they expected to have seen him swell, or suddenly die away, but when they had waited a good while, and saw no harm come to him, they were of another opinion, and said he was a God.

7 The chief of the island, one Publius, had his estate in that quarter: he entertain'd us with diet and lodging for three days with great civility.

8 Publius's father happening then to lie sick of a fever, and a dysentery, Paul made him a visit, pray'd by him, gave him imposition of hands, and cur'd him.

9 upon this several that were indispos'd in the island came to Paul, and were cur'd,

10 showing their respect by many presents, and furnishing us with provisions upon our departure.

11 After having been there three months, we embark'd on board the Castor and Pollux from Alexandria, that had put in there by hard weather:

12 we landed at Syracuse, and stay'd there three days.

13 from thence we turn'd to the wind, and arriv'd at Rhegium: the next day the wind being at south, we came in two days to Puteoli:

14 where finding some brethren, they desir'd us to stay with them seven days, after which we set out for Rome:

15 the brethren there having had news of us, came as far as Appiiforum, and the Three inns to meet us: whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God, and was greatly encourag'd.

16 Upon our arrival at Rome, the centurion deliver'd the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was allow'd to be at private lodgings, under the custody of a soldier.