Paul on Malta
After we were brought safely through, awe then learned that bthe island was called Malta. 2 aThe native people showed us unusual bkindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When athe native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, b“No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, cJustice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, ashook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, athey changed their minds and bsaid 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 entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and aprayed, and bputting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
Paul Arrives at Rome
11 After three months we set sail in aa ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found abrothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And athe brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, bPaul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, aPaul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Paul in Rome
17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, athough I had done nothing against our people or bthe customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they awished to set me at liberty, bbecause there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled ato appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against bmy nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is abecause of bthe hope of Israel that I am wearing cthis dchain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of athe brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this asect we know that everywhere bit is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening ahe expounded to them, testifying to bthe kingdom of God and ctrying to convince them about Jesus dboth from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And asome were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: a“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 a“‘Go to this people, and say,
b“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 aFor this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and bturn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that athis bsalvation of God chas been sent to the Gentiles; dthey will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and awelcomed all who came to him, 31 aproclaiming bthe kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ cwith all boldness and dwithout hindrance.