Acts 28:1-9 ▼

1 When we had escaped, then we learned that the island was called Malta.

2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, |No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.|

5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and was not harmed.

6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.

8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.

9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.