1And when they had escaped, then we learned that the island was called Malta. 2And 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. 3And 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. 4And 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. 5And he shook off the creature into the fire, and suffered no harm. 6They 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. 7In 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. 8And 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. 9When this was done, the others on the island who had diseases, came, and were healed. 10And they honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they put on board everything we needed. 11And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose figurehead was Castor and Pollux. 12And landing at Syracuse, we remained there three days. 13And 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, 14Where we found brethren, and were asked to remain with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. 15And 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. 16And when we came to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier who guarded him. 17And 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. 18When they had examined me, they would have let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19But 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. 20Therefore, 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. 21And 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. 22But we desire to hear from you what your views are: for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere. 23And 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. 24And some believed the things which were spoken, and some did not believe. 25And 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, 26Saying, Go to this people, and say, You shall keep hearing, and shall not understand; and keep seeing, but not perceive: 27For 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. 28Therefore let it be known to you, that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it. 29[And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had a great dispute among themselves.] 30And he lived two years in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to see him, 31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all boldness, and no man hindered him.