Acts:28

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* Now when they had escaped , they then found out that the island was called Malta . * And the natives showed us unusual kindness ; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome , because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold . * But 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 . * So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand , they said to one another , "No doubt this man is a murderer , whom , though he has escaped the sea , yet justice does not allow to live ." * But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm . * However , they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead . But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him , they changed their minds and said that he was a god . * In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island , whose name was Publius , who received us and entertained us courteously for three days . * And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery . Paul went in to him and prayed , and he laid his hands on him and healed him . * So when this was done , the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed . * They also honored us in many ways ; and when we departed , they provided such things as were necessary . * After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers , which had wintered at the island . * And landing at Syracuse , we stayed three days . * From there we circled round and reached Rhegium . And after one day the south wind blew ; and the next day we came to Puteoli , * where we found brethren , and were invited to stay with them seven days . And so we went toward Rome . * And from there , when the brethren heard about us , they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns . When Paul saw them , he thanked God and took courage . * Now when we came to Rome , the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard ; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him . * And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together . So when they had come together , he said to them : "Men and brethren , though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers , yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans , * who , when they had examined me , wanted to let me go , because there was no cause for putting me to death . * But when the Jews spoke against it , I was compelled to appeal to Caesar , not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation . * For this reason therefore I have called for you , to see you and speak with you , because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain ." * Then they said to him , "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you , nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you . * But we desire to hear from you what you think ; for concerning this sect , we know that it is spoken against everywhere ." * So when they had appointed him a day , many came to him at his lodging , to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God , persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets , from morning till evening . * And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken , and some disbelieved . * So when they did not agree among themselves , they departed after Paul had said one word : "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers , * saying , "Go to this people and say : "Hearing you will hear , and shall not understand ; And seeing you will see , and not perceive ; * For the hearts of this people have grown dull . Their ears are hard of hearing , And their eyes they have closed , Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears , Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn , So that I should heal them ."' * "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles , and they will hear it !" * And when he had said these words , the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves . * Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house , and received all who came to him , * preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence , no one forbidding him .

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