On the Island of Malta
And when athey had been brought safely through to shore, bthen we learned that cthe island was called Malta. 2 aAnd the natives showed us extraordinary affection; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and breceived us all. 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 itself on his hand. 4 And when athe natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “bUndoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However ahe shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were waiting for him to soon swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, changing their minds, they abegan to say that he was a god.
7 Now in the areas around that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying afflicted with fever and dysentery; and Paul, going to see him and having aprayed, blaid his hands on him and healed him. 9 And after this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being healed. 10 They also bestowed on us many honors of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.
Paul Arrives in Rome
11 Now at the end of three months we set sail on aan Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put into Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and after a day when a south wind sprang up, on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found some abrothers, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15 And the abrothers, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 And when we entered Rome, Paul was aallowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
Paul’s Ministry in Rome
17 And it happened that after three days Paul called together those who were athe leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “bBrothers, cthough I had done nothing against our people or dthe customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 And when they had aexamined me, they bwere willing to release me because there was cno ground for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was forced to aappeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing athis chain for bthe sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 And they said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of athe brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this asect, it is known to us that bit is spoken against everywhere.”
23 And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at ahis lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bbearing witness about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, cfrom both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 aAnd some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,
‘aGo to this people and say,
“bYou will keep on hearing, but will not understand;
And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
27 aFor the heart of this people has become dull,
And with their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Lest they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I heal them.”’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that athis salvation of God was sent bto the Gentiles—they will also hear.” 29 [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]
30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 apreaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ bwith all confidence, unhindered.