1And when they were safely ashore, they learned that the island was called Melita (Malta). 2And the barbarous people (islanders) showed us unusual kindness. They kindled a fire, and welcomed each of us, because of the present rain, and the cold.

3And when Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood sticks, and laid them on the fire, a viper came out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4And when the islanders saw the venomous snake hanging from his hand, they thought to themselves, “No doubt this man is a murderer, and though he has escaped the sea, yet justice will not allow him to live.” 5And Paul shook the snake off into the fire, and felt no harm. 6And they watched for his hand to swell, or for him to suddenly drop dead; but after they had watched a great while, and saw no harm came to him, they changed their minds, and decided that he must be a god.

7There was an estate nearby, owned by Publius, the chief official of the island; who welcomed us to his home, and courteously lodged us for three days. 8And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick with a fever and of a bloody flux (dysentery). Paul went in to see him, and after praying, he laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9And so, after that, others on the island who had diseases also came, and were healed; 10And they honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to depart, they put on board such supplies as we needed.

11And after three months, we put out to sea in a ship from Alexandria, that had wintered on the island, whose figurehead was of the twin gods, Castor and Pollux. 12And we put in at Syracuse, where we stayed for three days. 13And from there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium; and the next day a favorable south wind blew, and the following day we arrived at Puteoli; 14There we found brothers and sisters (in Christ), who invited us to stay with them seven days; and then we headed toward Rome. 15And when other brothers and sisters from Rome heard of us, they came as far as to the Forum of Appius, and The Three Taverns to greet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage. 16And when we arrived at Rome, the centurion delivered his prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.

17And after three days, Paul called together the Jewish leaders; and when they assembled, he said to them, “My brothers, though I have done nothing against our people, or the customs of our fathers, yet I was I arrested in Jerusalem and became a prisoner in the hands of the Romans. 18Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because I was not guilty of anything deserving death. 19But then, when the Jews objected to my being freed, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; not that I had anything to accuse my nation of. 20For this reason, therefore, I have called for you, to meet and to speak with you; because, for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.” 21And they said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judaea about you, nor have any of the brethren that came showed or spoke any ill of you. 22But we want to hear from you what you think about this sect; for we know that everywhere it is maligned (spoken against).” 23And they set a date to meet with him; and many came to his lodging; where he expounded upon and testified about the kingdom of God from morning till evening, trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, out of both the law of Moses, and the writings of the prophets. 24And some were convinced of what he told them, but some still did not believe. 25And they debated among themselves, and then began to leave, after Paul had made this statement: “Well spoke the Holy Spirit by Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers, 26When he said, ‘Go to this people, and say, “Hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and not perceive; 27For the hearts of these people have become calloused, and their ears can hardly hear, and they’ve closed their eyes; otherwise, they would see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn, be converted, and I would heal them”’ (Is.6:9-10). 28So let it be known to you, that the salvation of God is now being sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear and accept it.” 29And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had much discussion and disputing among themselves. 30And for two whole years, Paul lived in his own rented house, and welcomed all that came to visit him, 31Proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching them about the Lord Jesus Christ, with all boldness and confidence, without hindrance.