Acts 28

1verseWhen we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.

2verseThe natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.

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

4verseWhen the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.”

5verseHowever he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed.

6verseBut they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

7verseNow in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and courteously entertained us for three days.

8verseThe father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.

9verseThen when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured.

10verseThey also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

11verseAfter three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was “The Twin Brothers.”

12verseTouching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.

13verseFrom there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,

14versewhere we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.

15verseFrom there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16verseWhen we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

17verseAfter three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,

18versewho, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.

19verseBut when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.

20verseFor this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

21verseThey said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.

22verseBut we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23verseWhen they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.

24verseSome believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

25verseWhen they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one message: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,

26versesaying, ‘Go to this people and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.

27verseFor this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, then I would heal them.’

28verse“Be it known therefore to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”

29verseWhen he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

30versePaul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him,

31versepreaching God’s Kingdom and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.