Acts 28
1AND having escaped, they then learned that the island is called Melita.
2And the barbarians showed us no little kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3And Paul having gathered 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 animal hanging from his hand, they said among themselves: No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though escaped from the sea, justice suffered not to live.
5He, however, shaking off the animal into the fire, suffered no harm.
6But they were expecting that he would become inflamed, or suddenly fall down dead; but after looking a great while, and seeing no harm befall him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7In the region around that place, there were lands of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who received and entertained us kindly three days.
8Now it happened, that the father of Publius was lying sick with a fever and a bloody flux; to whom Paul entered in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.
9And this having been done, the others also, who had diseases in the island, came and were healed;
10who also honored us with many honors; and when we put to sea, they loaded us with such things as were necessary.
11And after three months, we put to sea in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the island, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
12And landing at Syracuse, we remained three days.
13And from thence, making a circuit[28:13], we came to Rhegium. And after one day, a south wind arose, and we came on the second day to Puteoli;
14where we found brethren, and were entreated to remain with them seven days; and so we went toward Rome.
15And from thence, the brethren, having heard of us, came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and the Three Taverns; whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God, and took courage.
16And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the camp; but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
17And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called together those who were the chief men of the Jews; and when they were come together, he said to them: Men, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans;
18who, when they had examined me, wished to release me, because there was no cause of death in me.
19But as the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; not that I have anything to charge against my nation.
20For this cause therefore I called for you, to see and to speak with you; for on account of the hope of Israel I am compassed with this chain.
21And they said to him: We neither received letters from Judaea concerning thee, nor did any one of the brethren that came, report or speak any evil concerning thee.
22But we desire to hear from thee what thou thinkest; for concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.
23And having appointed a day for him, they came to him in greater numbers to his lodging; to whom he expounded, testifying fully the kingdom of God, and persuading them of the things concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening.
24And some believed the things spoken, and some believed not.
25And disagreeing among themselves, they departed, after Paul had spoken one word: Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,
26saying: Go to this people, and say; With the hearing ye will hear, and will not understand, And seeing ye will see, and will not perceive.
27For the heart of this people is become gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And turn, and I shall heal them.
28Be it known to you, therefore, that to the Gentiles the salvation of God was sent; they, moreover, will hear.[28:29]
30And Paul remained two whole years in his own hired house, and gladly received all that came in to him;
31preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no one hindering him.