1. Once we were safe, we learned that the island was called Malta. The barbarians treated us with uncommon kindness;
2. they gathered us all around a great fire which they had kindled, because of the rain that had come on, and the cold.
3. Paul had gathered some brushwood and was throwing it into the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself upon his hand.
4. When the barbarians saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another: “Without doubt this man is a murderer; for, though he has been saved from the sea, divine Justice has not suffered him to live.”
5. He, however, shook off the viper into the fire, and suffered no harm.
6. The barbarians expected to see him swell up or fall dead suddenly. But after waiting a long time, and seeing that no harm came to him, they changed their minds and said: He is a god.
2. they gathered us all around a great fire which they had kindled, because of the rain that had come on, and the cold.
3. Paul had gathered some brushwood and was throwing it into the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself upon his hand.
4. When the barbarians saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another: “Without doubt this man is a murderer; for, though he has been saved from the sea, divine Justice has not suffered him to live.”
5. He, however, shook off the viper into the fire, and suffered no harm.
6. The barbarians expected to see him swell up or fall dead suddenly. But after waiting a long time, and seeing that no harm came to him, they changed their minds and said: He is a god.
7. Now in the neighbourhood were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; he received us and entertained us most kindly for three days.
8. The father of Publius was then lying sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went to visit him, and after praying, he laid his hands upon him and healed him.
9. Whereupon all the other sick folk of the island came to him, and they were healed.
10. They paid us great honour at our departure, and supplied us with all that we needed.
11. After a stay of three months, we embarked on a ship from Alexandria which had wintered in the island; it bore the sign of the Dioscuri.
12. Having put in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
13. Thence, following the coast, we reached Rhegium, and the next day, with a south wind blowing, we arrived at Puteoli in two days;
8. The father of Publius was then lying sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went to visit him, and after praying, he laid his hands upon him and healed him.
9. Whereupon all the other sick folk of the island came to him, and they were healed.
10. They paid us great honour at our departure, and supplied us with all that we needed.
11. After a stay of three months, we embarked on a ship from Alexandria which had wintered in the island; it bore the sign of the Dioscuri.
12. Having put in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
13. Thence, following the coast, we reached Rhegium, and the next day, with a south wind blowing, we arrived at Puteoli in two days;
14. We found brethren there, who besought us to stay with them seven days; and afterwards we set out for Rome.
15. Having heard of our arrival, the brethren of that city came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he gave thanks to God and was filled with confidence.
16. When we had arrived at Rome, Paul was permitted to dwell by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
17. Three days later, Paul summoned the chief men among the Jews; and when they had come, he said to them: “Brethren, though I have done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I am a prisoner, and from Jerusalem have been delivered into the power of the Romans.
18. After questioning me, they wished to release me, because there was nothing in me deserving of death.
19. But the Jews opposed this, and I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not indeed that I had any purpose of accusing my nation.
15. Having heard of our arrival, the brethren of that city came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he gave thanks to God and was filled with confidence.
16. When we had arrived at Rome, Paul was permitted to dwell by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
17. Three days later, Paul summoned the chief men among the Jews; and when they had come, he said to them: “Brethren, though I have done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I am a prisoner, and from Jerusalem have been delivered into the power of the Romans.
18. After questioning me, they wished to release me, because there was nothing in me deserving of death.
19. But the Jews opposed this, and I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not indeed that I had any purpose of accusing my nation.
20. This is why I asked to see you and speak with you; for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear this chain.”
21. They answered him: “We have received no letter from Judea concerning thee, nor has any of the brethren who came from there reported or said anything unfavourable of thee.
22. But we would wish to hear from thy own mouth what thou thinkest; for, as regards this sect, we know that it meets with opposition everywhere.”
23. Having appointed a day with him, they came in greater numbers to the place where he was lodging. Paul expounded to them, in earnest discourse, the kingdom of God, seeking to persuade them, from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, concerning Jesus. The discourse lasted from morning until evening.
24. Some were convinced by what he said, but others did not believe.
21. They answered him: “We have received no letter from Judea concerning thee, nor has any of the brethren who came from there reported or said anything unfavourable of thee.
22. But we would wish to hear from thy own mouth what thou thinkest; for, as regards this sect, we know that it meets with opposition everywhere.”
23. Having appointed a day with him, they came in greater numbers to the place where he was lodging. Paul expounded to them, in earnest discourse, the kingdom of God, seeking to persuade them, from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, concerning Jesus. The discourse lasted from morning until evening.
24. Some were convinced by what he said, but others did not believe.
25. As they departed in disagreement, Paul added but these words: “Well did the Holy Spirit speak to your fathers through the prophet Isaiah:
26. Go to this people and say to them: You shall indeed hear with your ears, and shall not understand; you shall indeed look with your eyes, and shall not see.
27. For the heart of this people has become insensible; they have hardened their ears and closed their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, be converted, and receive salvation from Me.—
28. Know, therefore, that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will receive it gladly.”
29. [When he had thus spoken, the Jews departed, discussing eagerly among themselves.]
30. Paul remained for two whole years in a house that he had rented. He received all who came to visit him,
26. Go to this people and say to them: You shall indeed hear with your ears, and shall not understand; you shall indeed look with your eyes, and shall not see.
27. For the heart of this people has become insensible; they have hardened their ears and closed their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, be converted, and receive salvation from Me.—
28. Know, therefore, that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will receive it gladly.”
29. [When he had thus spoken, the Jews departed, discussing eagerly among themselves.]
30. Paul remained for two whole years in a house that he had rented. He received all who came to visit him,
31. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all boldness and without hindrance.