Paul's Ministry on Malta

1And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Malta.

2And the native people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

4And when the natives saw the creature hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice allows not to live.

5And he shook off the creature into the fire, and felt no harm.

6However they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7In the same place were lands of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

8And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of dysentery: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9So when this was done, others also, who had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

10Who also honored us with many honors; and when we departed, they put on board such things as were necessary.

Paul's Arrival at Rome

11And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

12And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

13And from there we set a course, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

14Where we found brethren, and were invited to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

15And from there, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as the Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

16And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was allowed to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

Paul's Ministry in Rome

17And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

19But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.

20For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

21And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judea concerning you, neither any of the brethren that came showed or spoke any harm of you.

22But we desire to hear of you what you think: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.

23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

24And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

25And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after Paul had spoken one word, Well spoke the Holy Spirit by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers,

26Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and not perceive:

27For the heart of this people is stubborn, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

28Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

29And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had much dispute among themselves.

30And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.