Aug. 19
Acts 28
Act 28:1 When we had
escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
Act 28:2 The natives
showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us
all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
Act 28:3 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.
Act 28:4 When the
natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to
another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has
escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live."
Act 28:5 However he
shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed.
Act 28:6 But they
expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but
when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him,
they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Act 28:7 Now in the
neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of
the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously
entertained us for three days.
Act 28:8 It happened
that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul
entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
Act 28:9 Then when this
was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were
cured.
Act 28:10 They also
honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board
the things that we needed.
Act 28:11 After three
months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the
island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers."
Act 28:12 Touching at
Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
Act 28:13 From there we
circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind
sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,
Act 28:14 where we
found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days.
So we came to Rome.
Act 28:15 From there
the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The
Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he
thanked God, and took courage.
Act 28:16 When we
entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the
captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with
the soldier who guarded him.
Act 28:17 It happened
that after three days Paul called together those who were the leaders
of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "I,
brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the
customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem
into the hands of the Romans,
Act 28:18 who, when
they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no
cause of death in me.
Act 28:19 But when the
Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not
that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
Act 28:20 For this
cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because
of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
Act 28:21 They said to
him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor
did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of
you.
Act 28:22 But we desire
to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is
known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."
Act 28:23 When they had
appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He
explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and
persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from
the prophets, from morning until evening.
Act 28:24 Some believed
the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
Act 28:25 When they
didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken
one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the
prophet, to our fathers,
Act 28:26 saying, 'Go
to this people, and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no
way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.
Act 28:27 For this
people's heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing.
Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes,
hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn
again, and I would heal them.'
Act 28:28 "Be it
known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the
nations. They will also listen."
Act 28:29 When he had
said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among
themselves.
Act 28:30 Paul stayed
two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were
coming to him,
Act 28:31 preaching the
Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus
Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.