Acts 28

1 And when they were safe they understood, that the island was called Melita. 2 And the barbarians shewed us uncommon humanity: for they kindled a fire and took us all in, because of the present rain, and of the cold. 3 And Paul having gathered together a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came out a viper from the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the creature hanging on his hand, they said to one another, This man is certainly a murderer, whom, though he hath been saved from the sea, yet justice suffereth not to live. 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire, and suffered no hurt. 6 They however were expecting that he would swell, or suddenly fall down dead: but when they had waited a good while, and saw no hurt come to him, they changed and said that he was a god. 7 Now in the parts adjacent to place was the seat of the chief of the island, whose name was Publius, who took us into and entertained us three days courteously. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery: to whom Paul went in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 Upon this, others also in the island, who had diseases came to and were cured: 10 who also honoured us with many honors, and furnished when we departed, with such things as were necessary. 11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 12 And being arrived at Syracuse, we staid three days. 13 From whence coasting round we came to Rhegium, and after one day a south-wind rising, we came the second day to Puteoli: 14 where finding brethren, we were desired to stay with them seven days: and so we went to Rome. 15 And when the brethren heard of us, they came from thence to meet us, as far as Appii-forum, and the Three-taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was permitted to live by himself with the soldier that had him in custody. 17 And after three days Paul called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were come together, he said unto them, Brethren, though I have done nothing against the people or the customs of fathers, was I delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans: 18 who when they had examined me, would have set at liberty, because there was no crime of death in me: 19 but the Jews opposing I was obliged to appeal to Cesar; not as having any thing to accuse my nation of. 20 For this reason therefore I desired to see and to speak to you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21 And they said to him, We have neither received letters concerning thee from Judea, nor has any of the brethren, that is come hither, related or spoken any ill of thee. 22 But we would willingly hear from thee what thou thinkest: for as to this sect, we know that it is every where spoken against. 23 And having appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging; to whom he discoursed and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them of the things concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses, and the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some regarded the things that were spoken, but others did not believe. 25 And disagreeing one with another they separated, when Paul had said one word, that the holy Spirit spake rightly by Esaias the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying, Go to this people and say, Ye shall hear by hearing and not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: for the heart of this people is stupified, 27 and they hear heavily with ears, and have closed their eyes; least they should see at all with eyes, and hear with ears, and understand with heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear 29 And when he had said these the Jews departed, having much debate among themselves. 30 And Paul abode two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him: 31 preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom, none forbidding him.