Chapter 28
1 When we had escaped , then they learnt 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 laid 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 to one 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 wasn’ t 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 neighbourhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island , named Publius , who received us and courteously entertained us for three days .
8 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 .
10 They also honoured us with many honours ; and when we sailed , they put on board the things that we needed .
11 After three months , we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island , whose figurehead was " The Twin Brothers ."
12 Touching at Syracuse , we stayed there three days .
13 From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium . After one day , a south wind sprang up , and on the second day we came to Puteoli ,
14 where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days . So we came to Rome .
15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us , came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns . When Paul saw them , he thanked God and took courage .
16 When we entered into Rome , the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard , but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him .
17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews . When they had come together , he said to them , " I , brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers , still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans ,
18 who , when they had examined me , desired to set me free , because there was no cause of death in me .
19 But when the Jews spoke against it , I was constrained to appeal to Caesar , not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation .
20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you . For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
21 They said to him , " We neither received letters from Judea concerning you , nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you .
22 But we desire to hear from you what you think . For , as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against ."
23 When they had appointed him a day , many people came to him at his lodging . He explained to them , testifying about God ’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus , both from the law of Moses and from the prophets , from morning until evening .
24 Some believed the things which were spoken , and some disbelieved.
25 When they didn’ t agree amongst themselves , they departed after Paul had spoken one message : " The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers ,
26 saying , ‘ Go to this people and say , in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand . In seeing , you will see , but will in no way perceive .
27 For this people ’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing . Their eyes they have closed . Lest they should see with their eyes , hear with their ears , understand with their heart , and would turn again , then I would heal them .’
28 " Be it known therefore to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations , and they will listen."
29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute amongst themselves.
30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him ,
31 preaching God ’ s Kingdom and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness , without hindrance.