Acts 28

¹ And, being safely through, then we recognized that the island is called Melita. ² Besides, the barbarians tender us not the casual philanthropy, for, kindling a fire, they took us all in, because of the imminent shower and because of the cold. ³ Now at Paul's twisting together a certain quantity of kindling and placing it on the fire, a viper, coming out of the warmth, fastens on his hand. ⁴ Now, as the barbarians perceived the wild beast hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, whom, being safely through out of the sea, Justice lets not live." ⁵ He, indeed, then, twitching the wild beast into the fire, suffered nothing evil. ⁶ Yet they were apprehensive that he is about to become inflamed or suddenly fall down dead. Yet, after much apprehension, and beholding nothing coming to be amiss with him, retracting, they said he is a god. ⁷ Now in the regions about that place the freeholds belonged to the foremost man of the island, named Publius, who, receiving us, lodges us three days, amiably. ⁸ Now it occurred that the father of Publius was lying down, pressed with fever and dysentery. Paul, entering to him and praying, placing his hands on him, heals him. ⁹ Now at this occurring, the rest also of those in the island having infirmities approached and were cured, ¹⁰ who honor us with many honors also, and, at our setting out, they placed on board what was for our needs. ¹¹ Now, after three months, we set out in an Alexandrian ship with the ensign Dioscuri, which has wintered in the island. ¹² And, landing at Syracuse, we stay three days, ¹³ whence, tacking about, we arrive at Rhegium, and the south wind coming on after one day, we came the second day to Puteoli, ¹⁴ where, finding brethren, we were entreated to stay with them seven days. And thus to Rome we come. ¹⁵ And thence the brethren, hearing about us, come to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Taverns, perceiving whom, Paul, thanking God, took courage. ¹⁶ Now when we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to remain by himself together with the soldier who guarded him. ¹⁷ Now it occurred three days after, that he calls together those who are foremost of the Jews. Now, at their coming together, he said to them "I, men, brethren, doing nothing contrary to the people or to the hereditary customs, was given up a prisoner out of Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, ¹⁸ who, examining me, intended to release me, because not one cause of death existed in me. ¹⁹ Now at the contradicting of the Jews, I am compelled to appeal to Caesar - not as though having anything of which to accuse my nation. ²⁰ For this cause, then, I call for you, to see and speak to you. For on account of the expectation of Israel this chain is lying about me." ²¹ Now they say to him, "Neither do we receive letters concerning you from Judea, nor do any of the brethren coming along report or speak anything wicked concerning you. ²² Now we count it worthwhile to hear from you what your disposition is. For, indeed, concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is being contradicted." ²³ Now setting a day for him, more came to him in the lodging, to whom he expounded, certifying to the kingdom of God, besides persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till dusk." ²⁴ And these, indeed, were persuaded by what is said, yet others disbelieved. ²⁵ Now there being disagreements one with another, they were dismissed, Paul making one declaration, that, "Ideally the holy spirit speaks through Isaiah the prophet, to your fathers, ²⁶ saying, 'Go to this people and say, "In hearing, you will be hearing, and may by no means be understanding, And observing, you will be observing, and may by no means be perceiving, ²⁷ For stoutened is the heart of this people, And with their ears heavily they hear, And with their eyes they squint, Lest at some time they may be perceiving with their eyes, And with their ears should be hearing, And with their heart may be understanding, And should be turning about, And I shall be healing them."' ²⁸ Let it be known to you, then, that to the nations was dispatched this salvation of God, and they will hear." ²⁹ - ³⁰ Now he remains two whole years in his own hired house, and he welcomed all those going in to him, ³¹ heralding the kingdom of God, and teaching that which concerns the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, unforbidden.