Ashore on Malta

1And, having safely escaped, we then ascertained that the island was called Melita. 2And the barbarians were extending to us no ordinary kindness; for, having kindled a fire, they took us all in, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3And Paul, having gathered a certain lot of fuel, and put it on the fire, a viper, coming out from the heat, fastened upon his hand. 4And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging on his hand, they said among themselves, "Assuredly this man is a murderer, whom, though safely escaping from the sea, justice permitted not to live." 5He, therefore, having shaken off the beast into the fire, suffered no harm; 6but they were expecting that he would surely become swollen, or suddenly fall down dead; but, after looking a great while, and observing nothing unusual happening to him, changing their minds, they said that he was a god.

7Now, in the districts round about that place, were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, by name Publius; who, receiving us, entertained us hospitably three days. 8And it happened that the father of Publius was lying prostrate, afflicted with fever and dysentery; to whom Paul coming, and praying, laying his hands on him, healed him. 9And, when this happened, the others also, who had diseases in the island, were coming to him, and being healed; 10who also honored us with many honors; and, when we were setting sail, they placed on board the things suited to our needs.

Paul Arrives in Italy

11And, after three months, we set sail in an Alexandrian ship, which had wintered in the island, marked CASTOR AND POLLUX. 12And, landing at Syracuse, we remained three days: 13whence, making a circuit, we came to Rhegium. And, after one day, a south wind springing up, we came on the second day to Puteoli; 14where, finding brethren, we were entreated to remain with them seven days; and so we came towards Rome. 15And from thence the brethren, having heard the tidings concerning us, came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns; seeing whom, Paul, giving thanks to God, took courage.

Paul Preaches at Rome

16And, when we came to Rome, it was permitted Paul to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

17And it came to pass, after three days, that he called together those who were chief men of the Jews; and, when they came together, he said to them, "Brethren, having done nothing contrary to the people, or to our ancestral customs, I was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans; 18who, indeed, having examined me, were disposed to release me, because there was in me no cause of death. 19But, when the Jews spake against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; not that I have anything of which to accuse my nation. 20For this cause, therefore, I called for you, to see and to speak with you: for, on account of the hope of Israel, I am encompassed with this chain." 21But they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judaea concerning you, nor did any one of the brethren, coming, report or speak any evil concerning you. 22But we deem it proper to hear from you what you think: for, indeed, concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."

23And, having arranged for him a day, there came to him to his lodging a greater number, to whom he was expounding, fully testifying as to the Kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening. 24And some were believing the things spoken, and some were disbelieving. 25And, disagreeing among themselves, they were departing, when Paul uttered one declaration, "Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah, the prophet, to your fathers,

26saying, 'Go your way to this people, and say, With hearing ye shall hear, but in no wise understand; and, looking, ye shall look, and in no wise see;

27for the heart of this people was made gross; and with their ears they heard heavily; and their eyes they closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should turn, and I should heal them.'

28Be it known, therefore, to you, that to the gentiles was this salvation of God sent: they also will hear." 29OMITTED TEXT.

30And he remained two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and was wont to welcome all who came to him; 31preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, without hindrance.