Acts 28

1. Now when they were safe, they learned that the island was called Melita.

2. And the barbarians showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold and received all of us.

3. But when Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and wound itself around his hand.

4. And when the barbarians saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt, this man is a murderer; although he has been saved from the sea, justice does not permit him to live.”

5. But he shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no injury.

6. Now they were expecting him to become swollen, or suddenly fall down dead. But when they watched for a long time and saw that no harm came to him, they changed their opinion and said that he was a god.

7. Now in the areas around that place were lands that belonged to the chief of the island, named Publius, who received us in a brotherly way and lodged us for three days.

8. Now it happened that Publius’ father lay afflicted with fevers and dysentery; but Paul came to him and prayed for him, and laid his hands on him and healed him.

9. So then, after this took place, the others on the island who had infirmities came and were healed.

10. And they honored us with many honors; and when we set sail, they gave us the things that we needed.

11. Then after three months, we sailed in a ship that had wintered at the island; it was an Alexandrian ship with the sign Dioscuri.

12. Now after landing at Syracuse, we remained for three days.

13. After setting a course from there, we arrived at Rhegium; and after one day the south wind blew, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.

14. There we found brethren, who entreated us to remain with them for seven days. And so, after that we came to Rome.

15. Now the brethren there had heard the things concerning us, and they came out to meet us as far as the marketplace of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he gave thanks to God and took courage.

16. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the camp; but Paul was allowed to remain by himself with the soldier who kept him.

17. Now it came to pass that after three days, Paul called together those who were chief among the Jews. And when they had come together, he said to them, “Men and brethren, although I have done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered into the hands of the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.

18. After examining me, they desired to let me go because there was not one cause of death in me.

19. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—not as though I had anything to charge against my nation.

20. For this cause then, I have called for you, in order that I might see you and speak to you; because it is for the hope of Israel that I have this chain around me.”

21. Then they said to him, “We have neither received letters concerning you from Judea, nor have any of the brethren who have arrived reported anything or spoken evil of you.

22. But we would like to hear from you and to know what you think, because we are indeed very aware that this sect is everywhere spoken against.”

23. And when they appointed a day for him to speak, many came into his lodging to hear him; and he expounded to them from morning until evening, fully testifying of the kingdom of God and persuading them of the things concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets.

24. And some were truly convinced of the things that were spoken, but some did not believe.

25. And they departed in disagreement with one another after Paul had spoken these words: “Well did the Holy Spirit speak by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,

26. Saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “In hearing you shall hear, and in no way understand; and in seeing you shall see, but in no way perceive.

27. For the heart of this people has grown fat, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” ‘

28. Be it known to you, that the salvation of God has, therefore, been sent to the Gentiles; and they will hear.”

29. And after he said these things, the Jews went away with much debate among themselves.

30. And Paul remained two whole years in his own hired house, welcoming all who came to him,

31. Proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, no man forbidding him.