RKJNT - Acts - 28

28:1  And when they had escaped, then we learned that the island was called Malta.

28:2  And the native people showed us unusual kindness: for they kindled a fire, and welcomed every one of us, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

28:3  And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

28:4  And when the natives saw the creature hanging on his hand, they said to themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, and though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow him to live.

28:5  And he shook off the creature into the fire, and suffered no harm.

28:6  They expected he would have swollen up, or suddenly fallen down dead: but after they watched a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

28:7  In the same vicinity were estates owned by the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who welcomed us, and courteously entertained us for three days.

28:8  And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick, afflicted with a fever and dysentery: Paul went in to see him, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

28:9  When this was done, the others on the island who had diseases, came, and were healed.

28:10  And they honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they put on board everything we needed.

28:11  And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose figurehead was Castor and Pollux.

28:12  And landing at Syracuse, we remained there three days.

28:13  And from there we circled around and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we arrived the next day at Puteoli,

28:14  Where we found brethren, and were asked to remain with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

28:15  And when the brethren there heard of us, they came to meet us, as far as Appii forum and The three taverns: when Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.

28:16  And when we came to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier who guarded him.

28:17  And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief men of the Jews together: and when they had come together, he said to them, Brethren, though I have done nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

28:18  When they had examined me, they would have let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death.

28:19  But when the Jews spoke against it, I was forced to appeal to Caesar; not that I had any charge to bring against my own nation.

28:20  Therefore, for this reason I have called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because it is for the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.

28:21  And they said to him, We neither received letters from Judaea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who have come here reported or spoken any evil against you.

28:22  But we desire to hear from you what your views are: for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.

28:23  And when they had appointed a day, many came to him in his lodging; to whom he explained and testified of the kingdom of God, trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning until evening.

28:24  And some believed the things which were spoken, and some did not believe.

28:25  And when they could not agree among themselves, they departed, after Paul spoke one last statement, Well did the Holy Spirit speak by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,

28:26  Saying, Go to this people, and say, You shall keep hearing, and shall not understand; and keep seeing, but not perceive:

28:27  For the heart of this people has grown calloused, and with their ears they barely hear, 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, that I should heal them.

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

28:29  [And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had a great dispute among themselves.]

28:30  And he lived two years in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to see him,

28:31  Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all boldness, and no man hindered him.