Chapter 28

Paul, after three months' stay in Malta, continues his voyage, and arrives at Rome. His conference there with the Jews.

1. 1

   And when we had escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita. But the barbarians shewed us no small courtesy.

2. 2

   For kindling a fire, they refreshed us all, because of the rain which was falling, and of the cold.

3. 3

   And when Paul had gathered together a bundle of sticks, and had laid them on the fire, a viper coming out of the heat, fastened on his hand.

4. 4

   And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging on his hand, they said one to another: Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, who, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth him not to live.

5. 5

   And he indeed shaking off the beast into the fire, suffered no harm.

6. 6

   But they supposed that he would begin to swell up, and that he would suddenly fall down, and die. But after they had waited a long time, and seeing that no harm was done to him, changing their minds, they said he was a god.

7. 7

   Now in those places were possessions of the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and for three days entertained us courteously.

8. 8

   And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever, and of a bloody flux. To whom Paul entered in: and when he had prayed, and laid his hands on him, he healed him.

9. 9

   Which being done, all that had diseases in the island came, and were healed:

10. 10

    Who also honoured us with many honours, and when we were setting sail, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

11. 11

    And after three months, we sailed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was the Castors.

12. 12

    And when we were come to Syracusa, we remained there three days.

13. 13

    From thence coasting, we came to Rhegium: and after one day, the south wind blowing, we came the second day to Puteoli:

14. 14

    Where finding brethren, we were invited to stay with them seven days: and so we went for Rome.

15. 15

    And from thence, when the brethren had heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii-forum and the Three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God, and took courage.

16. 16

    And when we were come to Rome, Paul was permitted to dwell by himself, with a soldier that guarded him.

17. 17

    And after the third day, he called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said to them: Men, brethren, I, having done nothing against the people, or the custom of our fathers, was delivered up a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans:

18. 18

    Who when they had examined me, would have let me go, for that there was no cause of death in me:

19. 19

    But the Jews opposing it, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any thing to accuse my nation of.

20. 20

    For this cause, therefore, I desired to see you, and to speak to you. Because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.

21. 21

    But they said to him: We neither received letters concerning thee from Judea, neither did any of the brethren that came hither, relate or speak any evil of thee.

22. 22

    But we desire to hear from thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that it is every where gainsayed.

23. 23

    And when they had appointed him a day, there came very many to him to his lodgings; to whom he expounded, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, out of the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening.

24. 24

    And some believed the things that were said: but some believed not.

25. 25

    And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, Paul saying this one word: Well did the Holy Ghost speak to our fathers by Isaias, the prophet,

26. 26

    Saying: Go to this people, and say to them: With the ear you shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing, you shall see, and shall not perceive.

27. 27

    For the heart of this people is grown gross, and with their ears have they heard heavily, and their eyes they have shut: lest perhaps they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

28. 28

    Be it known, therefore, to you, that this salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it.

29. 29

    And when he had said these words, the Jews went out from him, having much discussion among themselves.

30. 30

    And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging: and he received all that came in to him,

31. 31

    Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without prohibition.