1 ¶ Once we were safe, we learned that the island was called Malta.

2 And the local people showed us unusual kindness: for they kindled a fire, and welcomed all of us, because it was raining, and cold.

3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a viper driven out by the heat, fastened on his hand.

4 And when the local people saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, Surely this man is a murderer, for though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.

5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire, and suffered no harm.

6 However they were expecting him to swell up, or to suddenly fall down dead: but after they had watched for a long while, seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7 Now in the same vicinity there was an estate which belonged Publius, the leading official of the island; who welcomed us, and treated us kindly while we were his guests for three days.

8 Now it happened, that the father of Publius was sick in bed with fever and dysentery: and Paul went to see him, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9 And after this had happened, the others on the island, who had diseases, came, and were healed:

10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we sailed, they put on board everything we needed.

11 ¶ Now after three months we put to sea in a ship from Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, and had Castor and Pollux on its prow.

12 And landing at Syracuse, we remained there three days.

13 And having gone around from there, we arrived at Rhegium: and the next day a south wind blew, so we arrived at Puteoli the following day:

14 Where we found brethren, and were urged to stay with them for seven days: and thus we went toward Rome.

15 And when the brethren there heard that we were coming, they traveled as far as Appii Forum and Three Taverns to meet us: and when Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.

16 And when we arrived in Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.

17 ¶ Three days later Paul called the leaders of the Jews together: and when they came, he said to them, Men and brethren, although I have done nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 Who, after having examined me, would have let me go, because there were no grounds for putting me to death.

19 But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar; not, however, because I had anything to accuse my nation of.

20 For this reason I have asked to see you, and to speak with you: because it is for the hope of Israel that I wear this chain.

21 And they said, We have not received letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brethren who came from there reported or said anything bad about you.

22 But we want to hear from you what you think: for we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.

23 ¶ And having set a day to meet with him, they came to the place where he was staying in large numbers; and from morning until evening, he expounded and witnessed to them about the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses, and from the prophets.

24 And some believed the things that were said, and some did not believe.

25 And when they could not agree among themselves, they left, after Paul made this final statement, The Holy Spirit rightly said to our fathers through Isaiah the prophet,

26 Go to this people, and say, Hearing you will hear, and will not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive:

27 For the heart of this people has become dull, and their ears are slow of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn to me, and let me heal them.

28 Therefore let it be known unto you, that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.

29 And after he had said these words, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.

30 ¶ Now Paul stayed for two whole years in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and boldly teaching them about the Lord Jesus Christ, and no one stopped him.