Acts 28

Paul on the Island of Malta

1 # Acts 27.26, 39 After we had reached safety, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2#Rom 1.14; 1 Cor 14.11; Col 3.11The local people showed us unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold, they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us around it. 3Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4#Lk 13.2, 4When the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man must be a murderer; though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5#Lk 10.19He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6#Acts 14.11They were expecting him to swell up or drop dead, but after they had waited a long time and saw that nothing unusual had happened to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.

7Now in the vicinity of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8#Mk 5.23; Jas 5.14, 15It so happened that the father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and cured him by praying and putting his hands on him. 9After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10They bestowed many honors on us, and when we were about to sail, they put on board all the provisions we needed.

Paul Arrives at Rome

11 # Acts 27.6 Three months later we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead. 12We put in at Syracuse and stayed there for three days; 13then we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. After one day there a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14#Acts 1.15There we found brothers and sisters and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15The brothers and sisters from there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

16 # Acts 24.23; 27.3 When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Paul and Jewish Leaders in Rome

17 # Acts 6.14; 13.50; 25.8 Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers,#28.17 Gk Men, brothers though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18#Acts 22.24; 23.29; 26.31, 32When they had examined me, the Romans#28.18 Gk they wanted to release me because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19#Acts 25.11But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even though I had no charge to bring against my people. 20#Acts 26.6, 7, 29; Eph 3.1; 4.1; 6.20; 2 Tim 1.16For this reason therefore I asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 21#Acts 22.5They replied, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you. 22#Acts 24.14; 1 Pet 2.12; 4.14But we would like to hear from you what you think, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

Paul Preaches in Rome

23After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. 24Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. 25So they disagreed with each other, and as they were leaving Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah,

26‘Go to this people and say,

You will indeed listen but never understand,

and you will indeed look but never perceive.

27For this people’s heart has grown dull,

and their ears are hard of hearing,

and they have shut their eyes;

otherwise they might look with their eyes

and listen with their ears

and understand with their heart and turn—

and I would heal them.’

28“Let it be known to you, then, that this salvation of God has been sent to the gentiles; they will listen.”#28.28 Other ancient authorities add 28.29, And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, arguing vigorously among themselves

30He lived there two whole years at his own expense#28.30 Or in his own rented dwelling and welcomed all who came to him, 31proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

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