Act 28 | ESV | STEP | After we were brought safely through , we then learned that the island was called Malta .

1 After we were brought safely through, ^awe then learned that ^bthe island was called Malta. 2 ^cThe native people ^{▼▼Greek barbaroi (that is, non–Greek speakers); also verse 4} showed us unusual ^ekindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When 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. 4 When ^fthe native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ^g“No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, ^hJustice ^{▼▼Or justice} has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, ^jshook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They 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, ^kthey changed their minds and ^lsaid that he was a god.

7 Now 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. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and ^mprayed, and ⁿputting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, ^{▼▼Greek honored us with many honors} and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Paul Arrives at Rome

11 After three months we set sail in ^pa ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods ^{▼▼That is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux} as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 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. 14 There we found ^rbrothers ^{▼▼Or brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21} and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And ^tthe brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, ^uPaul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, ^vPaul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

Paul in Rome

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, ^wthough I had done nothing against our people or ^xthe customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they ^ywished to set me at liberty, ^zbecause there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled ^aato appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against ^abmy nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is ^acbecause of ^adthe hope of Israel that I am wearing ^aethis ^afchain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of ^agthe brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this ^ahsect we know that everywhere ^aiit is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening ^ajhe expounded to them, testifying to ^akthe kingdom of God and ^altrying to convince them about Jesus ^amboth from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And ^ansome were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: ^ao“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 ^ap“‘Go to this people, and say,
^aq“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 ^arFor 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 ^asturn, and I would heal them.’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that ^atthis ^ausalvation of God ^avhas been sent to the Gentiles; ^awthey will listen.” ^{▼▼Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves}

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, ^{▼▼Or in his own hired dwelling} and ^azwelcomed all who came to him, 31 ^baproclaiming ^bbthe kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ ^bcwith all boldness and ^bdwithout hindrance.