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Acts 28
The Message
Acts 28
The Message
28 1-2 Once everyone was accounted for and we realized we had all made it, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. The natives went out of their way to be friendly to us. The day was rainy and cold and we were already soaked to the bone, but they built a huge bonfire and gathered us around it.
3-6 Paul pitched in and helped. He had gathered up a bundle of sticks, but when he put it on the fire, a venomous snake, roused from its sleepiness by the heat, struck his hand and held on. Seeing the snake hanging from Paul’s hand like that, the natives jumped to the conclusion that he was a murderer getting what he deserved. Paul shook the snake off into the fire like it was nothing. They kept expecting him to drop dead, but when it was obvious he wasn’t going to, they jumped to the conclusion that he was a god!
7-9 The head man in that part of the island was Publius. He took us into his home as his guests, drying us out and putting us up in fine style for the next three days. Publius’s father was sick at the time, down with a high fever and dysentery. Paul went to the old man’s room, and when he laid hands on him and prayed, the man was healed. Word of the healing got around fast, and soon everyone on the island who was sick came and got healed.
Rome
10-11 We spent a wonderful three months on Malta. They treated us royally, took care of all our needs and outfitted us for the rest of the journey. When an Egyptian ship that had wintered there in the harbor prepared to leave for Italy, we got on board. The ship had a carved Gemini for its figurehead: “the Heavenly Twins.”
12-14 We put in at Syracuse for three days and then went up the coast to Rhegium. Two days later, with the wind out of the south, we sailed into the Bay of Naples. We found Christian friends there and stayed with them for a week.
14-16 And then we came to Rome. Friends in Rome heard we were on the way and came out to meet us. One group got as far as Appian Court; another group met us at Three Taverns—emotion-packed meetings, as you can well imagine. Paul, brimming over with praise, led us in prayers of thanksgiving. When we actually entered Rome, they let Paul live in his own private quarters with a soldier who had been assigned to guard him.
17-20 Three days later, Paul called the Jewish leaders together for a meeting at his house. He said, “The Jews in Jerusalem arrested me on trumped-up charges, and I was taken into custody by the Romans. I assure you that I did absolutely nothing against Jewish laws or Jewish customs. After the Romans investigated the charges and found there was nothing to them, they wanted to set me free, but the Jews objected so fiercely that I was forced to appeal to Caesar. I did this not to accuse them of any wrongdoing or to get our people in trouble with Rome. We’ve had enough trouble through the years that way. I did it for Israel. I asked you to come and listen to me today to make it clear that I’m on Israel’s side, not against her. I’m a hostage here for hope, not doom.”
21-22 They said, “Nobody wrote warning us about you. And no one has shown up saying anything bad about you. But we would like very much to hear more. The only thing we know about this Christian sect is that nobody seems to have anything good to say about it.”
23 They agreed on a time. When the day arrived, they came back to his home with a number of their friends. Paul talked to them all day, from morning to evening, explaining everything involved in the kingdom of God, and trying to persuade them all about Jesus by pointing out what Moses and the prophets had written about him.
24-27 Some of them were persuaded by what he said, but others refused to believe a word of it. When the unbelievers got cantankerous and started bickering with each other, Paul interrupted: “I have just one more thing to say to you. The Holy Spirit sure knew what he was talking about when he addressed our ancestors through Isaiah the prophet:
Go to this people and tell them this:
“You’re going to listen with your ears,
but you won’t hear a word;
You’re going to stare with your eyes,
but you won’t see a thing.
These people are blockheads!
They stick their fingers in their ears
so they won’t have to listen;
They screw their eyes shut
so they won’t have to look,
so they won’t have to deal with me face-to-face
and let me heal them.”
28 “You’ve had your chance. The non-Jewish outsiders are next on the list. And believe me, they’re going to receive it with open arms!”
30-31 Paul lived for two years in his rented house. He welcomed everyone who came to visit. He urgently presented all matters of the kingdom of God. He explained everything about Jesus Christ. His door was always open.
Acts 28
New International Version
Acts 28
New International Version
Paul Ashore on Malta
28 Once safely on shore, we(A) found out that the island(B) was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand,(C) they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.”(D) 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.(E) 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.(F)
7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer,(G) placed his hands on him(H) and healed him.(I) 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us(J) in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
Paul’s Arrival at Rome
11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship(K) with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. 13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters(L) who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers and sisters(M) there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.(N)
Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard
17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders.(O) When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers,(P) although I have done nothing against our people(Q) or against the customs of our ancestors,(R) I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me(S) and wanted to release me,(T) because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.(U) 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar.(V) I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel(W) that I am bound with this chain.”(X)
21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people(Y) who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”(Z)
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God,(AA) and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets(AB) he tried to persuade them about Jesus.(AC) 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.(AD) 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said(AE) through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;(AF)
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’[a](AG)
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation(AH) has been sent to the Gentiles,(AI) and they will listen!” [29] [b]
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God(AJ) and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness(AK) and without hindrance!
Footnotes
- Acts 28:27 Isaiah 6:9,10 (see Septuagint)
- Acts 28:29 Some manuscripts include here After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.
Acts 28
New Life Version
Acts 28
New Life Version
The Powerful Work of Paul
28 After we were safe on the island, we knew that it was Malta. 2 The people on the island were very kind to us. It was raining and cold. They made a fire so we could get warm. 3 Paul had gathered some wood. As he laid it on the fire, a snake came out because of the heat. It held fast to Paul’s hand. 4 When the people of the island saw the snake holding to his hand, they said to each other, “This man is a killer. He was saved from the sea and yet it is not right for him to live.” 5 Paul shook off the snake into the fire. He was not hurt in any way. 6 The people waited. They thought his hand would get large and he would fall over dead. After watching for a long time, they saw nothing happen to him. Then they changed their minds and said that Paul was a god.
The Father of Publius Is Healed
7 Publius was the head man of the island. He owned land around there. For three days he took us in and gave us everything we needed. 8 The father of Publius was sick with a stomach sickness. Paul went to see him. He prayed and laid his hands on him and the man was healed. 9 Because of this, other people of the island who were sick came to Paul and were healed. 10 They had great respect for us. When we got into a ship to leave, they gave us everything we needed.
11 We had stayed on the island three months. Then we left on a ship that had stayed there during the winter. It was from the city of Alexandria. This ship was called the Twin Brothers. 12 We came to Syracuse and stayed there three days. 13 From there we went by ship around to the city of Rhegium. After a day a south wind started to blow. On the second day we came to the city of Puteoli. 14 We found some Christians there, and they asked us to stay with them. We were there seven days and then went on to the city of Rome.
15 When the Christians heard of our coming, they came to meet us. They came as far as the town of Appius and to a place to stay called the Three Stores. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
Paul Tells Why and How He Has Come
16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live where he wanted to. But a soldier was always by his side to watch him. 17 Three days later Paul asked the leaders of the Jews to come to him. When they had gathered together, he said, “Brothers, I have done nothing against our people or the way our early fathers lived. And yet, I was tied with chains in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 I was put on trial, but they found no reason to put me to death. They would have let me go free. 19 But the Jews did not like this. So I had to ask to be sent to Caesar. It was not because I had anything against my people. 20 The reason I have asked you to come is to tell you this. It is because of the hope of the Jewish nation that I am tied in these chains.”
21 They said to Paul, “We have had no letters from Judea about you. No Jew who has come here has ever said anything bad about you. 22 We would like to hear from you what you believe. As for this new religion, all we know is that everyone is talking against it.”
23 They planned to meet him on a certain day. Many people came to the place where he stayed. He preached to them about the holy nation of God. He tried to get them to put their trust in Jesus Christ by preaching from the Law of Moses and from the writings of the early preachers. From morning until night he spoke to them. 24 Some of them believed his teaching. Others did not believe.
25 As they left, they did not agree with each other. Then Paul said, “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your early fathers through the early preacher Isaiah. 26 He said, ‘Go to these people and say, “You will hear and never understand, you will look and never see, 27 because these people have hearts that have become fat. They do not hear well with their ears. They have closed their eyes so their eyes do not see and their ears do not hear and their minds do not understand and they do not turn to Me and let Me heal them.”’ (A)
28 “I want you to know that the Good News of God of knowing how to be saved from the punishment of sin has been sent to the people who are not Jews. And they will listen to it!” 29 *After he had said these things, the Jews went away and argued with each other.
30 Paul paid money to live in a house by himself for two years. He was happy for all who came to see him. 31 He kept on preaching about the holy nation of God. He taught about the Lord Jesus Christ without fear. No one stopped him.
Acts 28
New American Standard Bible
Acts 28
New American Standard Bible
Safe at Malta
28 When (A)they had been brought safely through, (B)then we found out that (C)the island was called [a]Malta. 2 (D)The [b]natives showed us extraordinary kindness, for they kindled a fire and (E)took us all in because of the rain that had started and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out [c]because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When (F)the [d]natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “(G)Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, [e]justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However, [f](H)Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 Now they were expecting that he was going to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and (I)began to say that he was a god.
7 Now in the neighboring parts of that place were lands belonging to the [g]leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us warmly for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with a recurring fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after he (J)prayed, he (K)laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being cured. 10 They also showed us many honors, and when we were about to set sail, they [h]supplied us with [i]everything we needed.
Paul Arrives in Rome
11 After three months we set sail on (L)an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had [j]the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind came up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 [k]There we found some (M)brothers and sisters, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and that is how we came to Rome. 15 And from there the (N)brothers and sisters, when they heard about us, came as far as the [l]Market of Appius and the [m]Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was (O)allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
17 After three days [n]Paul called together those who were (P)the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “(Q)Brothers, (R)though I had done nothing against our people or (S)the customs of our [o]fathers, yet I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 And when they had (T)examined me, they (U)were willing to release me because there were (V)no grounds [p]for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews [q]objected, I was forced to (W)appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I [r]requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing (X)this chain for (Y)the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor has any of (Z)the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what [s]your views are; for regarding this (AA)sect, it is known to us that (AB)it is spoken against everywhere.”
23 When they had set a day for [t]Paul, people came to him at (AC)his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly (AD)testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, (AE)from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 (AF)Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,
‘(AG)Go to this people and say,
“[u](AH)You will keep on hearing, and will not understand;
And [v]you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;
27 (AI)For the hearts of this people have become [w]insensitive,
And with their ears they [x]hardly hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.”’
28 Therefore, let it be known to you that (AJ)this salvation of God has been sent (AK)to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”[y]
30 Now Paul stayed two full years [z]in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 31 [aa](AL)preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ (AM)with all openness, unhindered.
Footnotes
- Acts 28:1 Or Melita
- Acts 28:2 Gr barbaroi, referring to people who did not speak Greek
- Acts 28:3 Or from the heat
- Acts 28:4 See note v 2
- Acts 28:4 Or Justice; i.e., the personification of a goddess
- Acts 28:5 Lit he
- Acts 28:7 Prob. the Roman governor of the island
- Acts 28:10 Or put on board
- Acts 28:10 Lit the things pertaining to the needs
- Acts 28:11 Gr Dioscuri; i.e., Castor and Pollux, twin sons of Zeus
- Acts 28:14 Lit Where
- Acts 28:15 Lat Appii Forum, a station about 43 miles or 69.2 km from Rome
- Acts 28:15 Lat Tres Tabernae, a station about 33 miles or 53.1 km from Rome
- Acts 28:17 Lit he
- Acts 28:17 Or forefathers
- Acts 28:18 Lit of death in me
- Acts 28:19 Lit spoke against
- Acts 28:20 Or invited you to see me and speak with me
- Acts 28:22 Lit you think
- Acts 28:23 Lit him
- Acts 28:26 Lit with a hearing you will hear
- Acts 28:26 Lit seeing you will see
- Acts 28:27 Lit dull
- Acts 28:27 Or are hard of hearing
- Acts 28:28 Late mss add as v 29: When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
- Acts 28:30 Or at his own expense
- Acts 28:31 Or proclaiming
Acts 28
Amplified Bible
Acts 28
Amplified Bible
Safe at Malta
28 After we were safe [on land], we found out that the island was called [a]Malta. 2 And the [b]natives showed us extraordinary kindness and hospitality; for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, since it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a [c]viper crawled out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, Justice [the avenging goddess] has not permitted him to live.” 5 Then Paul [simply] shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 But they stood watching and expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began saying that he was a god.
7 In the vicinity of that place there were estates belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was sick [in bed] with recurring attacks of fever and dysentery; and Paul went to him, and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 After this occurred, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being healed. 10 They also gave us many honors [gifts and courtesies expressing respect]; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all the things we needed.
Paul Arrives at Rome
11 At the end of three months we set sail on a ship which had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the [d]Twin Brothers [Castor and Pollux] as its figurehead. 12 We landed at Syracuse [on Sicily] and stayed there three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium [on Italy’s southern tip]; and a day later a south wind came up, and on the second day we arrived at [e]Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers and sisters, having heard news about us, came from as far away as the [f]Forum of Appius and [g]Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself [in rented quarters] with the soldier who was guarding him.
17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Kinsmen, though I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our fathers, yet I was turned over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 After they had interrogated me, they were ready to release me because I was not guilty of any offense deserving death. 19 But when the Jews objected [to my release], I was forced to appeal to Caesar (Emperor Nero), not because I had any charge to make against my nation. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel (the Messiah, the resurrection) that I am bound with this chain.” 21 They said to him, “We have not received [any] letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the [Jewish] brothers come here and reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we would like to hear from you what your views are [that is, exactly what you believe]; for in regard to this sect (Christianity), we are fully aware that it is denounced everywhere.”
23 When they had set a day for Paul, they came to his lodging in large numbers. And he carefully explained [Christianity] to them from morning until evening, solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, both from the Law of Moses and from the [writings of the] Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and they began to leave after Paul had made one last statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, saying, 26 ‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, but will not understand,
You will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
27
“For the heart (the understanding, the soul) of this people has become dull (calloused),
And with their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have shut their eyes [to the truth];
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return [to Me],
And I would heal them.”’(A)
28 Therefore let it be known to you that [this message of] the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they indeed will listen!”(B) 29 [h][And when he had said these things, the Jews left, arguing among themselves.]
30 And Paul lived there for two full years [at his own expense] in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 31 preaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness and boldness, unhindered and unrestrained.
Footnotes
- Acts 28:1 Gr Melita, located about 60 miles south of Sicily and 600 miles west of Fair Havens, Crete.
- Acts 28:2 Gr barbaroi, referring to people who did not speak Greek.
- Acts 28:3 Probably a sand viper (vipera ammodytes), whose venom is deadly and fast-acting.
- Acts 28:11 I.e. sons of Zeus in Greek mythology.
- Acts 28:13 Located about 150 miles from Rome in the Bay of Naples, near Pompeii, this was Rome’s main seaport.
- Acts 28:15 About 43 miles from Rome.
- Acts 28:15 About 33 miles from Rome.
- Acts 28:29 Early mss do not contain this v.
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