Acts 28

And having been brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.

And the barbarians were offering no ordinary benevolence to us, for, lighting a fire because of the impending rain and because of the cold, they welcomed us all. \*

But when Paul had gathered a certain quantity of sticks and had placed them on the fire, a viper, coming out from the heat, seized his hand.

And as the barbarians saw the creature hanging from his hand, they were saying to one another, “This man is certainly a murderer, whom, having been saved from the sea, Justice has not permitted to live.” \*

Then he, shaking off the creature into the fire, suffered no harm.

But they were expecting him to begin to be inflamed or suddenly to fall down dead. But as they watched for a long time and saw nothing unusual happening to him, turning themselves around, they said he was a god. \*

Now in the {areas} around that place were lands of the first of the island, Publius by name, who, welcoming us, kindly entertained us for three days.

And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick, being afflicted with fevers and dysentery, to whom having gone in and having prayed, having placed {his} hands on him, Paul healed him.

And this having happened, the others on the island having sicknesses were also coming and being healed.

They also honored us with many honors, and they gave to us as we were putting to sea the things for {our} needs. \*

And after three months, we put to sea in an Alexandrian ship with a Dioscouri figurehead having wintered at the island.

And having come down to Syracuse, we stayed for three days. \*

Having sailed from there, we came down to Rhegium, and after one day, a south wind having occurred, we came to Puteoli the next day,

where, having found brothers, we were begged to stay with them for seven days, and thus we went towards Rome.

From there, the brothers, having heard the things about us, came to a meeting with us as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns, whom seeing, Paul, thanking God, took courage. \*

And when we entered into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.

And it happened that after three days, he called together the ones being first among the Jews. And when they had come together, he said to them, “Men, brothers, having done nothing opposed to the people or to the fathers’ customs, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,

who, having questioned me, were intending to release me because there was no reason in me for death. \*

But as the Jews were objecting, I was forced to appeal to Caesar—not as if having anything {of which} to accuse my nation.

Therefore for this reason I summoned you, to see and to speak with you. For on account of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” \*

But they said to him, “We have not received letters from Judea about you, nor have any of the brothers, coming, reported or said anything evil about you.

But we value to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.” \*

And having appointed a day for him, more came to him at his lodging, to whom he was explaining, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and the Prophets from morning until evening.

And while some were convinced by the things being said, others still did not believe. \*

And being discordant with one another, they were leaving, Paul having spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,

saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “By hearing you will hear but you will not understand at all, and seeing you will see but you will not perceive at all.” \* 27 For the heart of this people has been thickened, and with {their} ears they have hardly heard, and they have shut their eyes, lest they might see with {their} eyes, and they might hear with {their} ears, and they might understand with {their} heart and turn back, and I would heal them.’ \*

Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear.”

[And when he had said these things, the Jews went away, having a great dispute among themselves.] \*

And he stayed for two whole years in his own rented house, and he was welcoming all the ones coming in to him,

proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.