Ashore on Malta

1And when they were safe on shore, they understood, that the island was called Melita. 2And the barbarians shewed us uncommon humanity: for they kindled a fire and took us all in, because of the present rain, and of the cold. 3And Paul having gathered together a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came out a viper from the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging on his hand, they said to one another, This man is certainly a murderer, whom, though he hath been saved from the sea, yet justice suffereth not to live. 5But he shook off the creature into the fire, and suffered no hurt. 6They however were expecting that he would swell, or suddenly fall down dead: but when they had waited a good while, and saw no hurt come to him, they changed their opinion and said that he was a god.

7Now in the parts adjacent to this place was the seat of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who took us into his house, and entertained us three days courteously. 8And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery: to whom Paul went in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9Upon this, others also in the island, who had diseases came to him and were cured: 10who also honoured us with many honors, and furnished us, when we departed, with such things as were necessary.

Paul Arrives in Italy

11And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 12And being arrived at Syracuse, we staid there three days. 13From whence coasting round we came to Rhegium, and after one day a south-wind rising, we came the second day to Puteoli: 14where finding some brethren, we were desired to stay with them seven days: and so we went on to Rome. 15And when the brethren heard of us, they came from thence to meet us, some as far as Appii-forum, and others to the Three-taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God and took courage.

Paul Preaches at Rome

16And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was permitted to live by himself with the soldier that had him in custody.

17And after three days Paul called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were come together, he said unto them, Brethren, though I have done nothing against the people of the Jews, or the customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans: 18who when they had examined me, would have set me at liberty, because there was no crime worthy of death found in me: 19but the Jews opposing it, I was obliged to appeal to Cesar; though not as having any thing to accuse my nation of. 20For this reason therefore I desired to see and to speak to you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21And they said to him, We have neither received letters concerning thee from Judea, nor has any of the brethren, that is come hither, related or spoken any ill of thee. 22But we would willingly hear from thee what thou thinkest: for as to this sect, we know that it is every where spoken against.

23And having appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging; to whom he discoursed and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them of the things concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses, and from the prophets, from morning till evening. 24And some regarded the things that were spoken, but others did not believe. 25And so disagreeing one with another they separated, when Paul had said one word, to wit, that the holy Spirit spake rightly by Esaias the prophet to our fathers,

26saying, Go to this people and say, Ye shall hear by the hearing of the ear, and not understand; and in seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: for the heart of this people is stupified,

27and they hear heavily with their ears, and have closed their eyes; least they should see at all with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

28Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it. 29And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, having much debate among themselves.

30And Paul abode two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him: 31preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom, none forbidding him.