Acts

28 And when we were safely through then we knew that the island was called Melita.

2 And the natives began to shew us no common philanthropy; for kindling a fire they received us all, because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold.

3 But when Paul had gathered a certain lot of firewood into a bundle and laid it on the fire a viper by reason of the heat coming forth, fastened on his hand.

4 And when the natives saw the brute hanging out from his hand they began to say one to another—Doubtless this man is a murderer, whom though brought safely through out of the sea Justice hath not suffered to live.

5 He however shaking off the brute into the fire suffered no harm;

6 whereas they were expecting that he was about to become inflamed or to fall down suddenly dead;—but when they had been long expecting and had observed nothing unusual happening unto him they changed their minds, and began to say he was a god.

7 Now in the neighbourhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island by name Publius,—who making us welcome for three days hospitably entertained us.

8 And it so happened that the father of Publius with feverish heats and dysentery distressed was lying prostrate: unto whom Paul entering in and praying, laid his hands on him and healed him.

9 And when this happened the rest also even they in the island who were sick were coming in and getting cured;

10 who also with many honours honoured us, and when we were about to sail put on board such things as we might need.

11 And after three months we sailed in a ship which had wintered in the island, [a ship] of Alexandria whose ensign was The Twin Brothers;

12 and touching at Syracuse we tarried three days;

13 whence going round we reached Rhegium; and after one day a south wind springing up on the second day we came to Puteoli;

14 where finding brethren we were entreated to tarry with them seven days;—and thus towards Rome we came.

15 And when from thence the brethren heard the tidings concerning us they came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and the Three Taverns—seeing whom Paul thanked God and took courage.

16 And when we entered into Rome Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him.

17 And it came to pass after three days that he called together those who were the chief of the Jews; and when they came together he began to say unto them—I brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers as a prisoner out of Jerusalem was delivered into the hands of the Romans;—

18 who indeed when they had examined me were minded to set me at liberty because there was nothing worthy of death in me.

19 But as the Jews spake against it I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar,—not as though against my nation I had anything to bring by way of accusation.

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you to see and to speak with you; for on account of the hope of Israel this chain have I about me!

21 And they said unto him—We have neither received letters concerning thee from the Jews, nor hath anyone of the brethren who hath arrived reported or spoken concerning thee anything ill.

22 But we deem it well that from thee we should hear what are thine opinions; for indeed concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere is it spoken against.

23 And having arranged with him a day there came unto him to the lodging a larger number; unto whom he proceeded to expound, bearing full witness as to the kingdom of God and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets,—from morning till evening.

24 And some indeed were persuaded by the things that were spoken, whereas others disbelieved;

25 and not being agreed among themselves they began to leave,—Paul having said one thing—Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah the prophet unto your fathers,

26 saying—Go thy way unto this people, and say—Ye shall surely hear and yet will in nowise understand, And surely see and yet will in nowise perceive;

27 For the heart of this people hath become dense, And with their ears heavily have they heard, And their eyes have they closed,—Lest once they should see with their eyes, And with their ears should hear, And with their hearts should understand and return,—When I would certainly heal them.

28 Be it known unto you therefore, That unto the nations hath been sent forth this salvation of God: they will also hear.

29 []

30 And he abode two whole years in his own hired house, and made welcome all who were coming in unto him,—

31 proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech without hindrance.