Fluent Translation · Read & Reflect
Acts 28
Malta: Hospitality, Misjudgment, and Healing
After we had reached safety, we learned that the island was called Malta. The local people showed us extraordinary kindness. They lit a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and placed them on the fire. A viper came out because of the heat and fastened onto his hand. When the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man must be a murderer. Even though he escaped the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” But Paul shook the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They expected him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. After waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen, they changed their minds and began saying he was a god. Near that place were lands belonging to Publius, the leading man of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. Publius’ father was sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him, prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him. After this happened, the rest of the sick people on the island also came and were healed. They honored us in many ways, and when we were about to sail, they supplied everything we needed.
Paul Arrives in Rome
After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered on the island and had the Twin Gods as its figurehead. We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium. The next day a south wind came up, and on the second day we reached Puteoli. There we found brothers and sisters who urged us to stay with them seven days. And in this way we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters there had heard about us and came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier guarding him.
Paul Meets the Jewish Leaders in Rome
Three days later Paul called together the leading Jewish men. When they gathered, he said, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into Roman hands. After examining me, the Romans wanted to release me because there was no reason for a death sentence. But when some Jewish leaders objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar—not because I have any accusation to bring against my nation. This is why I asked to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” They answered, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers who came here has reported or said anything bad about you. But we want to hear what you think, because we know that people everywhere speak against this sect.”
Paul Testifies from Moses and the Prophets
They set a day to meet with Paul, and even more people came to the place where he was staying. From morning until evening he explained and testified solemnly about God’s kingdom, trying to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
Some were persuaded by what he said, while others did not trust.
Since they disagreed with one another, they began to leave after Paul made one final statement:
“The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to your ancestors,
saying,
‘Go to this people and say:
You will keep hearing but never understand,
and keep seeing but never perceive.
For this people’s heart has become dull;
they hear with difficulty with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes,
otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their heart,
turn,
and I would heal them.’
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation from God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
The Kingdom Proclaimed without Hindrance
Paul stayed for two full years in his own rented lodging and welcomed everyone who came to him. He proclaimed God’s kingdom and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete boldness and without hindrance.