Living_Oracles(i)
1 And being got safe to land, they then knew that the island was called Melita.
2 And the barbarians treated us with uncommon humanity; for having kindled a fire, they brought us all to it, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3 Now, as Paul was gathering up a bundle of sticks, and laying them on the fire, a viper coming out of the heat, fastened upon his hand.
4 And as soon as the barbarians saw the fierce animal hanging on his hand, they said one to another, This man is certainly a murderer, whom justice has not permitted to live, though he be saved from the sea.
5 But he, shaking off the fierce animal into the fire, suffered no evil.
6 However, they expected that he should have swollen, or suddenly have fallen down dead: and having waited a considerable time, and seeing no mischief befall him, changing their minds, they said he was a god.
7 And in the neighborhood of that place, there was the estate of the chief of the island, whose name was Publius; who, having received us into his house, entertained us in a courteous manner for three days.
8 And so it was, that the father of Publius, being seized with a fever and bloody flux, was confined to his bed: to whom Paul going in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 Now, therefore, when this miracle was wrought, the rest also, who had disorders, in the island, came, and were healed.
10 Who also honored us with great honors; and when we departed, put on board 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 continued there three days.
13 From thence we coasted round, and came over against Rhegium. And after one day the south wind arising, we came, in two days, to Puteoli:
14 where we found brethren, and were entreated to stay with them seven days: and so we went for Rome.
15 And from thence, the brethren, having heard of our affairs, came out 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 band: but Paul was permitted to dwell apart, in a house of his own, with a soldier that guarded him.
17 And it came to pass, that, after three days, Paul called together those that were the chief of the Jews. And when they were come together, he said to them, Brethren, though I have done nothing contrary to the people, nor to our paternal customs, yet I was delivered a prisoner, from Jerusalem, into the hands of the Romans;
18 who, having examined me, were willing to have set me at liberty, as there was no cause of death in me.
19 But when the Jews opposed, I was obliged to appeal to Cesar; not as having anything of which to accuse my own nation.
20 For this reason, therefore, I entreated, that I might see and speak with you; for on account of the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.
21 And they said to him, We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you; nor have any of the brethren, that have come hither, related, or said, any evil concerning you.
22 But we desire to hear from you, what you think; for as concerning this sect, we know that it everywhere spoken against.
23 And having appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging; to whom he expounded, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them of the things that relate to Jesus; both from the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken; and some believed not.
25 And disagreeing with each other, they broke up the assembly: Paul saying this one word, Surely, well did the Holy Spirit speak, by Isaiah the prophet, to our fathers,
26 when he said, "Go to this people and say, Hearing you will hear, and will not understand; and seeing you will see, and will not perceive:
27 for the heart of this people is become gross, and with their ears they hear heavily; and they have drawn their eyes together, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
28 Therefore be it known to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, having great debates among themselves.
30 But Paul continued two whole years in his own hired house, and received all who came to him;
31 announcing the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which relate to the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, and without any restraint.