Paul on Malta
1After we were brought safely through, lwe then learned that mthe island was called Malta. 2nThe native people1 showed us unusual okindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4When pthe native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, q“No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, rJustice2 has not allowed him to live.” 5He, however, sshook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, tthey changed their minds and usaid that he was a god.
7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and vprayed, and wputting his hands on him, healed him. 9And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10They also honored us greatly,3 and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
Paul Arrives at Rome
11After three months we set sail in xa ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods4 as a figurehead. 12Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13And 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. 14There we found ybrothers5 and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15And ythe brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, zPaul thanked God and took courage. 16And when we came into Rome, aPaul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Paul in Rome
17After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, bthough I had done nothing against our people or cthe customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18When they had examined me, they dwished to set me at liberty, ebecause there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19But because the Jews objected, I was compelled fto appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against gmy nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is hbecause of ithe hope of Israel that I am wearing jthis kchain.” 21And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of lthe brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this msect we know that everywhere nit is spoken against.”
23When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening ohe expounded to them, testifying to pthe kingdom of God and qtrying to convince them about Jesus rboth from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24And ssome were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: t“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26u“‘Go to this people, and say,
v“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27wFor this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can 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 xturn, and I would heal them.’
28Therefore let it be known to you that ythis zsalvation of God ahas been sent to the Gentiles; bthey will listen.”6
30He lived there two whole years at his own expense,7 and cwelcomed all who came to him, 31dproclaiming ethe kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ fwith all boldness and gwithout hindrance.
Footnotes
- 1 28:2 Greek barbaroi (that is, non–Greek speakers); also verse 4
- 2 28:4 Or justice
- 3 28:10 Greek honored us with many honors
- 4 28:11 That is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux
- 5 28:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21
- 6 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves
- 7 28:30 Or in his own hired dwelling
For the Sake of the Gospel, Volume 2
Acts 25:1–27, Acts 26:1–32, Acts 27:1–44, Acts 28:1–31 Series • ID: 25205Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.