Paul on Malta

28 And after we[a] were brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. And the local inhabitants showed extraordinary[b] kindness to us, for they lit a fire and[c] welcomed us all, because of the rain that had begun and because of the cold. And when[d] Paul had gathered a large number of sticks and was placing them[e] on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and[f] fastened itself on his hand. And when the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying[g] to one another, “Doubtless this man is a murderer whom, although he[h] was rescued from the sea, Justice[i] has not permitted to live!” He, in turn, shook off the creature into the fire and[j] suffered no harm. But they were expecting that he was going to swell up[k] or suddenly to fall down dead. So after[l] they had waited for a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and[m] began saying[n] that he was a god.

Now in the regions around that place were fields belonging to the chief official of the island, named[o] Publius, who welcomed us and[p] entertained us[q] hospitably for three days. And it happened that the father of Publius was lying down, afflicted with fever and dysentery. Paul went[r] to him[s] and after[t] praying, he placed his[u] hands on him and[v] healed him. And after[w] this had taken place, the rest of those on the island who had diseases were coming and being healed also. 10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we[x] were putting out to sea, they gave us[y] the things we needed.[z]

Paul Arrives in Rome at Last

11 Now after three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian one with the twin gods Castor and Pollux as its insignia.[aa] 12 And putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13 From there we got underway[ab] and[ac] arrived at Rhegium, and after one day a south wind came up and[ad] on the second day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brothers, and[ae] were implored to stay with them seven days. And in this way we came to Rome. 15 And from there the brothers, when they[af] heard the news about us, came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. When he[ag] saw them, Paul gave thanks to God and[ah] took courage. 16 And when we entered into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.

Paul and the Jewish Community in Rome

17 Now it happened that after three days, he called together those who were the most prominent of the Jews. And when[ai] they had assembled, he said to them, “Men and brothers, although[aj] I had done nothing against our[ak] people or the customs of our fathers, from Jerusalem I was delivered as a prisoner into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they[al] had examined me, were wanting to release me,[am] because there was no basis for an accusation worthy of death with me. 19 But because[an] the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar (not as if I[ao] had any charge to bring against my own people).[ap] 20 Therefore for this reason I have requested to see you and to speak with you,[aq] for because of the hope of Israel I am wearing this chain!” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters about you from Judea, nor has any of the brothers come and[ar] reported or spoken anything evil about you. 22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”

23 And when they[as] had set a day with him, many more came to him at his lodging place, to whom he was explaining from early in the morning until evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and attempting to convince[at] them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets. 24 And some were convinced by[au] what was said, but others refused to believe. 25 So being in disagreement with one another, they began to leave after[av] Paul made one statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through the prophet Isaiah to your fathers, 26 saying,

‘Go to this people and say,
    You will keep on hearing[aw] and will never understand,
and you will keep on seeing[ax] and will never perceive.
27     For the heart of this people has become dull,
and with their[ay] ears they hear with difficulty,
    and they have shut their eyes,
lest they see with their[az] eyes,
    and hear with their[ba] ears,
    and understand with their[bb] heart,
and turn, and I would heal them.”’[bc]

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They also will listen!”[bd]

30 So he stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 28:1 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“were brought safely through”) which is understood as temporal
  2. Acts 28:2 Literally “not the ordinary”
  3. Acts 28:2 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“lit”) has been translated as a finite verb
  4. Acts 28:3 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had gathered”)
  5. Acts 28:3 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  6. Acts 28:3 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came out”) has been translated as a finite verb
  7. Acts 28:4 The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began saying”)
  8. Acts 28:4 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“was rescued”) which is understood as concessive
  9. Acts 28:4 Here personified as a goddess
  10. Acts 28:5 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“shook off”) has been translated as a finite verb
  11. Acts 28:6 Or “to burn with fever” (either meaning is possible here)
  12. Acts 28:6 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had waited”)
  13. Acts 28:6 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“changed their minds”) has been translated as a finite verb
  14. Acts 28:6 The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began saying”)
  15. Acts 28:7 Literally “by name”
  16. Acts 28:7 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“welcomed”) has been translated as a finite verb
  17. Acts 28:7 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  18. Acts 28:8 Here this participle (“went”) has been translated as a finite verb in keeping with English style
  19. Acts 28:8 Literally “whom”
  20. Acts 28:8 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“praying”) which is understood as temporal
  21. Acts 28:8 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  22. Acts 28:8 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“placed”) has been translated as a finite verb
  23. Acts 28:9 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had taken place”)
  24. Acts 28:10 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“putting out to sea”) which is understood as temporal
  25. Acts 28:10 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  26. Acts 28:10 Literally “for the needs”
  27. Acts 28:11 Literally “marked with the Dioscuri” (a joint name for the twin gods Castor and Pollux)
  28. Acts 28:13 Or “we sailed along” (with “the coast” understood); the exact meaning of the text as it stands is disputed and various additional terms have to be supplied in any case
  29. Acts 28:13 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“got underway”) has been translated as a finite verb
  30. Acts 28:13 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came up”) has been translated as a finite verb
  31. Acts 28:14 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“found”) has been translated as a finite verb
  32. Acts 28:15 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal
  33. Acts 28:15 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“saw”) which is understood as temporal
  34. Acts 28:15 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“gave thanks”) has been translated as a finite verb
  35. Acts 28:17 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had assembled”)
  36. Acts 28:17 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had done”) which is understood as concessive
  37. Acts 28:17 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  38. Acts 28:18 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had examined”) which is understood as temporal
  39. Acts 28:18 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  40. Acts 28:19 Here “because” is supplied as a component of the causal genitive absolute participle (“objected”)
  41. Acts 28:19 Here “if” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had”) which is understood as concessive
  42. Acts 28:19 Or “nation”
  43. Acts 28:20 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  44. Acts 28:21 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“come”) has been translated as a finite verb
  45. Acts 28:23 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had set”) which is understood as temporal
  46. Acts 28:23 Here the present tense has been translated as conative (“attempting to convince”)
  47. Acts 28:24 Here “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“what was said”) which is understood as means
  48. Acts 28:25 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“made”)
  49. Acts 28:26 Literally “hearing you will hear”
  50. Acts 28:26 Literally “seeing you will see”
  51. Acts 28:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  52. Acts 28:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  53. Acts 28:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  54. Acts 28:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  55. Acts 28:27 A quotation from Isa 6:9–10
  56. Acts 28:28 Some later manuscripts include v. 29: “And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.”

Paulo pa Chilumba cha Melita

28 Titapulumuka choncho, tinamva kuti chilumbacho chimatchedwa Melita. Anthu a pa chilumbacho anatichitira zokoma zimene sizichitika kawirikawiri. Iwo anakoleza moto natilandira tonse chifukwa kumagwa mvula ndipo kumazizira. Paulo anatola mtolo wankhuni, pamene amayika pa moto, munatulukamo njoka chifukwa cha kutentha, ndipo inamuluma pa dzanja. Anthu a pa chilumbacho ataona njokayo ili lende pa dzanja lake, iwo anawuzana kuti, “Munthu uyu akuyenera kukhala munthu wopha anthu; pakuti ngakhale wapulumuka pa nyanja, chilungamo sichinamulore kuti akhale ndi moyo.” Koma Paulo anayikutumulira pa moto njokayo, ndipo sanamve kupweteka. Anthu anayembekezera kuti thupi lake litupa kapena agwa ndi kufa mwadzidzidzi, koma anadikira nthawi yayitali. Ataona kuti palibe kanthu kachilendo kanamuchitikira anasintha maganizo awo nanena kuti iye ndi mulungu.

Pafupi ndi malowa panali munda wa Popliyo, mkulu wa boma la pa chilumbacho. Iye anatilandira natisamala bwino masiku atatu. Abambo ake anali gone, chifukwa amadwala malungo ndi kamwazi. Paulo analowa mʼchipinda chake kukawaona, ndipo atapemphera, anasanjika manja ake pa iwo nawachiritsa. Zitachitika zimenezi, anthu onse odwala a pa chilumbacho anabwera ndipo anachiritsidwa. 10 Anthuwo anatilemekeza ife mʼnjira zambiri ndipo pamene tinakonzeka kuti tiyambe ulendo, anatipatsa zonse zomwe tinazisowa.

Paulo Afika ku Roma

11 Patapita miyezi itatu, tinanyamuka pa sitima ina imene inakhala pa chilumbacho chifukwa cha kuzizira. Inali sitima ya ku Alekisandriya imene inali ndi chizindikiro cha milungu ya mapasa yotchedwa Kastro ndi Polikisi. 12 Tinakafika ku Surakusa ndipo kumeneko tinakhalako masiku atatu. 13 Kuchokera kumeneko tinayenda ndi kukafika ku Regio. Mmawa mwake mphepo yochokera kummwera inawomba, ndipo tsiku linalo tinakafika ku Potiyolo. 14 Kumeneko tinapezako abale amene anatiyitana kuti tikhale nawo sabata limodzi. Ndipo kenaka tinapita ku Roma. 15 Abale kumeneko atamva kuti tikubwera, anabwera kudzakumana nafe mpaka ku bwalo la Apiyo ndiponso ku nyumba za alendo zitatu. Atawaona anthu amenewa Paulo anayamika Mulungu ndipo analimbikitsidwa. 16 Titafika ku Roma, Paulo analoledwa kukhala pa yekha ndi msilikali womulondera.

Paulo Alalikira kwa Ayuda ku Roma

17 Patapita masiku atatu, Paulo anasonkhanitsa pamodzi atsogoleri a Ayuda. Atasonkhana, Paulo anawawuza kuti, “Abale anga, ngakhale kuti ine sindinachite kanthu kalikonse kulakwira mtundu wathu kapena miyambo ya makolo athu, koma anandigwira mu Yerusalemu ndi kundipereka mʼmanja mwa Aroma. 18 Iwo anandifufuza ndipo anafuna kundimasula chifukwa sanandipeze wopalamula mlandu woyenera kuphedwa. 19 Koma Ayuda atakana, ine ndinakakamizidwa kupempha kuti ndikaonekere pamaso pa Kaisara, sikuti ndinali ndi kanthu konenezera mtundu wanga. 20 Pa chifukwa ichi ndapempha kuti ndionane nanu ndi kuyankhula nanu. Pakuti nʼchifukwa cha chiyembekezo cha Israeli ndamangidwa unyolo uwu.”

21 Iwo anayankha kuti, “Ife sitinalandire kalata iliyonse yochokera ku Yudeya yonena za iwe, ndipo palibe mmodzi wa abale amene anachokera kumeneko anafotokoza kapena kunena kalikonse koyipa ka iwe. 22 Koma ife tikufuna kumva maganizo ako ndi otani, pakuti tikudziwa kuti ponseponse anthu akuyankhula zotsutsana ndi mpatuko umenewu.”

23 Iwo anakonza tsiku lina loti akumane ndi Paulo, ndipo anabwera anthu ambiri ku nyumba kumene amakhala. Kuyambira mmawa mpaka madzulo, Paulo anawafotokozera ndi kuwawuza za ufumu wa Mulungu ndipo anayesa kuwakopa kuti akhulupirire Yesu kuchokera mʼMalamulo a Mose ndiponso mʼmabuku a Aneneri. 24 Ena anakopeka ndi zimene Paulo ananena, koma enanso sanakhulupirire. 25 Ndipo anayamba kuchoka popeza sanagwirizane pakati pawo Paulo atanena mawu awa omaliza akuti, “Mzimu Woyera anayankhula zoona za makolo anu pamene Iye ananena kudzera mwa Mneneri Yesaya kuti,

26 “Pita kwa anthu awa ndi kuwawuza kuti,
‘Kumva mudzamva, koma osamvetsetsa;
    kupenya mudzapenya, koma osaona kanthu.’
27 Pakuti mtima wa anthu ndi wokanika;
    mʼmakutu mwawo ndi mogontha,
    ndipo atsinzina kuti asaone kanthu.
Mwina angapenye ndi maso awo,
    angamve ndi makutu awo,
    angamvetse ndi nzeru zawo ndi kutembenuka,
Ineyo nʼkuwachiritsa.

28 “Chifukwa chake ine ndikufuna mudziwe kuti chipulumutso cha Mulungu chatumizidwa kwa anthu a mitundu ina, ndipo iwo adzamvera.” 29 Paulo atanena mawu amenewa, Ayuda aja anachoka akutsutsana kwambiri.

30 Paulo anakhala kumeneko zaka ziwiri zathunthu mʼnyumba yobwereka yomwe amalipira ndipo ankalandira aliyense amene amabwera kudzamuona. 31 Molimba mtima ndi popanda womuletsa, Paulo analalikira za ufumu wa Mulungu ndi kuphunzitsa za Ambuye Yesu Khristu.

Paul’s Ministry on Malta

28 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that (A)the island was called Malta. And the (B)natives[a] 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 (C)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 (D)said that he was a god.

In that region there was an estate of the [b]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 (E)prayed, and (F)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. 10 They also honored us in many (G)ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were (H)necessary.

Arrival at Rome

11 After three months we sailed in (I)an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the [c]Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found (J)brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 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.

16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but (K)Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Paul’s Ministry at Rome

17 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, (L)though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet (M)I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, (N)when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the [d]Jews spoke against it, (O)I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because (P)for the hope of Israel I am bound with (Q)this chain.”

21 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. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that (R)it is spoken against everywhere.”

23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, (S)to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus (T)from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And (U)some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 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 [e]our fathers, 26 saying,

(V)‘Go to this people and say:
“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;
And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
27 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.” ’

28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent (W)to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 29 [f]And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 (X)preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 28:2 Lit. barbarians
  2. Acts 28:7 Magistrate
  3. Acts 28:11 Gr. Dioskouroi, Zeus’s sons Castor and Pollux
  4. Acts 28:19 The ruling authorities
  5. Acts 28:25 NU your
  6. Acts 28:29 NU omits v. 29.

Paul Ashore on Malta

28 Once safely on shore, we(A) found out that the island(B) was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 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. 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) But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.(E) 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)

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. 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) 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

  1. Acts 28:27 Isaiah 6:9,10 (see Septuagint)
  2. Acts 28:29 Some manuscripts include here After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.