Shared Word Translation
Acts 28
Paul on Malta
And after we had been brought safely through, then we learned that the island was called Malta. And the natives were showing us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold.
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. And when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they were saying to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has been saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed to live.”
But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. And they were expecting him to swell or suddenly fall down dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happening to him, they changed their minds and were saying that he was a god.
Paul Heals Many
Now in the region around that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him.
And when this had taken place, the rest of those on the island who had diseases were coming and being healed, who also honored us with many honors, and when we were about to sail, they provided what we needed.
Paul Arrives at Rome
And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria that had wintered in the island, with the Twin Gods as figurehead. And putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days, and from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium; and after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,
where, finding brothers, we were urged to remain with them seven days. And so we came to Rome. And from there the brothers, when they heard about us, came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns; when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
And when we entered into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.
Paul Preaches in Rome
And it happened that after three days he called together those who were the leading men of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them,
“Men, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
who, after examining me, were wanting to release me, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I have any charge to bring against my nation.
For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and to speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”
And they said to him, “We have received no letters about you from Judea, nor has any of the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. But we desire to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”
And when they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers, to whom he was explaining, solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them concerning Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.
And some were being persuaded by the things that were spoken, but others were not believing. And being in disagreement with one another, they began to depart after Paul had spoken one word:
saying,
‘Go to this people and say,
You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive;
for the heart of this people has become dull,
and with their ears they barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
And he stayed two whole years in his own rented lodging and was welcoming all those who were coming to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.