The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 28
{28:1} When we had escaped, then [1>]they[<1] learned that the
island was called Malta. {28:2} The natives showed us uncommon
kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the
present rain, and because of the cold. {28:3} But 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. {28:4} When the
natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to
another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped
from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live." {28:5} However he
shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed. {28:6} But
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.
{28:7} Now 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. {28:8} It happened that the
father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to
him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. {28:9} Then when
this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and
were cured. {28:10} They also honored us with many honors, and when we
sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
{28:11} After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria
which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers."
{28:12} Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. {28:13} From
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, {28:14}
where we found [2>]brothers,[<2] and were entreated to stay with them
for seven days. So we came to Rome. {28:15} From 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. {28:16} When 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.
{28:17} It happened that after 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, {28:18} who, when they had
examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of
death in me. {28:19} But when the Jews spoke against it, I was
constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which
to accuse my nation. {28:20} For 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."
{28:21} They 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. {28:22} But 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."
{28:23} When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him
at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of
God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses
and from the prophets, from morning until evening. {28:24} Some
believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. {28:25}
When they didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had
spoken one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the
prophet, to our fathers, {28:26} saying,
'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.
{28:27} For 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,
and I would heal them.'[3]
{28:28} "Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is
sent to the nations. They will also listen."
{28:29} When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a
great dispute among themselves.
{28:30} Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and
received all who were coming to him, {28:31} preaching the Kingdom of
God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all
boldness, without hindrance.
________________________________________________________________________
Footnotes:
[1] {28:1} NU reads "we"
[2] {28:14} The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may
also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
[3] {28:27} Isaiah 6:9-10
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