And when got safe we then ascertained that the island was called Melita.
And the barbarians a showed us no common kindness, for they kindled a fire-heap and took us all in because of the then rain and because of the cold.
But when Paul gathered a certain quantity of sticks and laid [it] on the fire-heap, a viper came out through the heat and fastened on his hand.
And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand, they said one to another, Certainly a murderer is this man, whom though got safe from the sea, justice refused to let live.
He however shook off the beast into the fire and suffered no harm.
And they expected that he would be inflamed or fall down dead suddenly; but when they were long expecting and beheld nothing amiss happen, they, changing their mind, said that he was a god.
Now in the country surrounding that place were lands belonging to the chief b of the island, by name Publius, who received and entertained us three days courteously.
And so it was that the father of Publius lay ill of a fever c and dysentery, unto whom Paul came in and laid his hands on him with prayer and healed him.
This then being done others also that had sicknesses on the island came and were cured;
who also honoured us with many honours, and on sailing put on board d things for our need.
And after three months we sailed in a ship of Alexandria after having wintered in the island, with Dioscuri e for a sign.
And landing at Syracuse we tarried three days;
and thence having gone round we arrived at Rhegium, and after one day when a south wind sprung up we came on the second day to Puteoli,
where we found brethren and were besought to tarry with them seven days; and so we came unto Rome.
And thence the brethren having heard about us came out to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Tres Tabernæ; whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
And when he came to Rome [the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the prætorian guard, but] Paul was allowed to remain with the soldier who guarded him.
And it came to pass that after three days he called together those that were chief of the Jews: and when they were come together he said unto them, Brethren, I though having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans;
who, after examination, wished to release me because there was no cause of death in me.
But when the Jews spoke against [it] I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not having anything to accuse my nation of.
For this cause therefore did I call for you to see and to speak with, for on account of the hope of Israel am I bound with this chain.
And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judea concerning thee, neither did any of the brethren on arriving report or speak anything evil concerning thee.
But we beg of thee to hear what thou thinkest; for concerning this sect it is known to us that it is everywhere spoken against.
And having appointed him a day, many came unto him into the lodging, to whom he expounded, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, from both the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening.
And some assented to the things that were said, and some disbelieved.
And being disagreed one with another they left, Paul having said one word, Well spoke the Holy Spirit through Isaiah unto our fathers,
saying, Go unto this people and say, With hearing ye shall hear and in no wise understand, with seeing ye shall see and in no wise perceive.
For the heart of this people became gross, and with [their] ears they became dull of hearing, and [their] eyes have they closed, lest they should see with [their] eyes and hear with [their] ears and understand with the heart, and return, and I should heal them.
Be it known therefore unto you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles; they also will hear.
(Verse not included in this translation)
And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging, and received all that came unto him,
preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all boldness unhinderedly.