Acts 28

Thomson(i) 1 And having escaped, they then knew that the island was called Melita. 2 Now the barbarians treated us with uncommon humanity; for having kindled a fire they took us all to it, because of the3 present rain, and because of the cold. 3 And as Paul having gathered a bundle of sticks was laying them on the fire, a viper coming out from the heat, fastened on his hand. 4 When the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging to his hand they said to one another, This man is certainly a murderer whom vengeance suffereth not to live, though he hath escaped from the sea. 5 He indeed shaked off the venomous creature into the fire, and suffered no harm; 6 but they expected that he would swell or fall dead suddenly. But when they had waited a considerable time and saw no mishap befal him, they changed their minds and said, He is a god. 7 Now in the neighbourhood of that place lay the estate of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who took us to his house and entertained us kindly three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius being seized with a fever and a dysentery, was confined to his bed, to whom Paul went in and having prayed, laid his hands on him, and cured him. 9 This therefore being done, the rest in the island who had diseases came and were cured. 10 Therefore they honoured us with many honours and at our departure put on board such things as were necessary. 11 Now after three months we embarked on board a ship of Alexandria which had for its ensign Castor and Pollux, and which had wintered in that island. 12 And being conveyed to Syracuse we staid there three days. 13 Thence we came round and touched at Regium; and after one day, the south wind springing up, we on the second day arrived at Puteoli, 14 where we met with brethren and were intreated to stay with them seven days and then set out for Rome, 15 from which place the brethren, having heard of us, came, some to Appii-forum and some to Tres-tabernae to meet us. And when Paul saw them he gave thanks to God and took courage. 16 And when we arrived at Rome the centurion delivered the prisoners to the prefect. But Paul was permitted to be at a private lodging, with the soldier who guarded him. 17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul sent for them who were the chief men of the Jews, and when assembled he said to them, Men, brethren, though I have done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered up a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 These when they examined me, would have set me at liberty, because I had done nothing that deserved death. 19 But the Jews opposing this, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I have any thing to lay to the charge of my nation. 20 For this cause, therefore, I have sent for you that I might see you and speak with you. For on account of the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain. 21 To this they replied, We have neither received any letters concerning thee from Judea, nor hath any of the brethren who have arrived, related or spoken any harm of thee. 22 But we should be glad to hear what thou thinkest; for with respect to this sect we know that it is every where spoken against. 23 So having set him a day, they came to him at his lodging, in greater numbers; to whom he explained the kingdom of God, testifying and endeavouring to reconcile them to the things concerning Jesus, from the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some indeed were reconciled by what were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 And being at variance among themselves they broke up, upon Paul's saying one word, that the holy spirit had spoken well to our fathers by the prophet Esaias, 26 saying, "Go and say to the people, Hearing you shall hear, though you may not understand; and seeing you shall see, though you may not perceive; 27 for the heart of this people is callous, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have shut their eyes, that for a while they may not see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn that I may heal them." 28 Be it known therefore to you, that this salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hearken to it. 29 And when he had said this the Jews departed, debating warmly among themselves. 30 And Paul continued two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him, 31 proclaiming the reign of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all freedom and without restraint.