On the Island of Malta

1And when they had been brought safely through to shore, then we learned that the island was called [†]Malta. 2And the [†]natives showed us extraordinary affection; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. 3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out [†]because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4And when the [†]natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, [†]Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6But they were waiting for him to soon swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, changing their minds, they began to say that he was a god.

7Now in the areas around that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8And it happened that the father of Publius was lying afflicted with fever and dysentery; and Paul, going to see him and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him. 9And after this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being healed. 10They also bestowed on us many honors of respect; and when we were setting sail, they [†]supplied us with [†]all we needed.

Paul Arrives in Rome

11Now at the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had [†]the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12After we put into Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and after a day when a south wind sprang up, on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14[†]There we found some brothers, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15And the brothers, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the [†]Market of Appius and [†]Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16And when we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Paul’s Ministry in Rome

17And it happened that after three days [†]Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our [†]fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground [†]for putting me to death. 19But when the Jews [†]objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I [†]requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21And they said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”

23And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing. 25And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26saying,

‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY,

“[†]YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, [†]BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND;

AND [†]YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE;

27FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL,

AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR,

AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES;

LEST THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES,

AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,

AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN,

AND I HEAL THEM.”’

28Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.” [[†]When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

30And he stayed two full years [†]in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31[†]preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered.