Acts 28
New King James Version
Paul’s Ministry on Malta
28 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that (A)the island was called Malta. 2 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. 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. 4 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.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and (C)suffered no harm. 6 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.
7 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. 8 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. 9 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
- Acts 28:2 Lit. barbarians
- Acts 28:7 Magistrate
- Acts 28:11 Gr. Dioskouroi, Zeus’s sons Castor and Pollux
- Acts 28:19 The ruling authorities
- Acts 28:25 NU your
- Acts 28:29 NU omits v. 29.
Acts 28
Contemporary English Version
On the Island of Malta
28 When we came ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The local people were very friendly, and they welcomed us by building a fire, because it was rainy and cold.
3 After Paul had gathered some wood and had put it on the fire, the heat caused a snake to crawl out, and it bit him on the hand. 4 When the local people saw the snake hanging from Paul's hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer! He didn't drown in the sea, but the goddess of justice will kill him anyway.”
5 Paul shook the snake off into the fire and wasn't harmed. 6 The people kept thinking that Paul would either swell up or suddenly drop dead. They watched him for a long time, and when nothing happened to him, they changed their minds and said, “This man is a god.”
7 The governor of the island was named Publius, and he owned some of the land around there. Publius was very friendly and welcomed us into his home for three days. 8 His father was in bed, sick with fever and stomach trouble, and Paul went to visit him. Paul healed the man by praying and placing his hands on him.
9 After this happened, everyone on the island brought their sick people to Paul, and they were all healed. 10 The people were very respectful to us, and when we sailed, they gave us everything we needed.
From Malta to Rome
11 Three months later we sailed in a ship that had been docked at Malta for the winter. The ship was from Alexandria in Egypt and was known as “The Twin Gods.”[a] 12 We arrived in Syracuse and stayed for three days. 13 From there we sailed to Rhegium. The next day a south wind began to blow, and two days later we arrived in Puteoli. 14 There we found some of the Lord's followers, who begged us to stay with them. A week later we left for the city of Rome.
15 Some of the followers in Rome heard about us and came to meet us at the Market of Appius and at the Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged.
Paul in Rome
16 We arrived in Rome, and Paul was allowed to live in a house by himself with a soldier to guard him.
17 Three days after we got there, Paul called together some of the Jewish leaders and said:
My friends, I have never done anything to hurt our people, and I have never gone against the customs of our ancestors. But in Jerusalem I was handed over as a prisoner to the Romans. 18 They looked into the charges against me and wanted to release me. They found that I had not done anything deserving death. 19 (A) The Jewish leaders disagreed, so I asked to be tried by the Emperor.
But I don't have anything to say against my own nation. 20 I am bound by these chains because of what we people of Israel hope for. This is why I have called you here to talk about this hope of ours.
21 The leaders replied, “No one from Judea has written us a letter about you. And not one of them has come here to report on you or to say anything against you. 22 But we would like to hear what you have to say. We understand that people everywhere are against this new group.”
23 They agreed on a time to meet with Paul, and many of them came to his house. From early morning until late in the afternoon, Paul talked to them about God's kingdom. He used the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets[b] to try to win them over to Jesus.
24 Some of the leaders agreed with what Paul said, but others did not. 25 Since they could not agree among themselves, they started leaving. But Paul said, “The Holy Spirit said the right thing when he sent Isaiah the prophet 26 (B) to tell our ancestors,
‘Go to these people
and tell them:
You will listen and listen,
but never understand.
You will look and look,
but never see.
27 All of you
have stubborn hearts.
Your ears are stopped up,
and your eyes are covered.
You cannot see or hear
or understand.
If you could,
you would turn to me,
and I would heal you.’ ”
28-29 Paul said, “You may be sure that God wants to save the Gentiles! And they will listen.”[c]
30 For two years Paul stayed in a rented house and welcomed everyone who came to see him. 31 He bravely preached about God's kingdom and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ, and no one tried to stop him.
Footnotes
- 28.11 known as “The Twin Gods”: Or “carried on its bow a wooden carving of the Twin Gods.” These gods were Castor and Pollux, two of the favorite gods among sailors.
- 28.23 Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets: The Jewish Bible, that is, the Old Testament.
- 28.28,29 And they will listen: Some manuscripts add, “After Paul said this, the people left, but they got into a fierce argument among themselves.”
Hechos 28
La Biblia de las Américas
Pablo en Malta
28 Y una vez que ellos estaban a salvo, nos enteramos(A) de que la isla(B) se llamaba Malta[a](C). 2 Y los habitantes[b](D) nos mostraron toda clase de atenciones, porque a causa de la lluvia que caía y del frío, encendieron una hoguera y nos acogieron a todos(E). 3 Pero cuando Pablo recogió una brazada de leña y la echó al fuego, una víbora salió huyendo del calor y se le prendió en la mano. 4 Y los habitantes[c](F), al ver el animal colgando de su mano, decían entre sí: Sin duda que este hombre es un asesino, pues aunque fue salvado del mar, Justicia[d] no le ha concedido vivir(G). 5 Pablo, sin embargo, sacudiendo la mano, arrojó el animal al fuego y no sufrió ningún daño(H). 6 Y ellos esperaban que comenzara a hincharse, o que súbitamente cayera muerto. Pero después de esperar por largo rato, y de no observar nada anormal en él, cambiaron de parecer y decían que era un dios(I).
7 Y cerca de allí había unas tierras que pertenecían al hombre principal de la isla, que se llamaba Publio, el cual nos recibió y nos hospedó con toda amabilidad por tres días. 8 Y sucedió que el padre de Publio yacía en cama, enfermo con fiebre y disentería; y Pablo entró a verlo, y después de orar(J) puso las manos sobre él, y lo sanó(K). 9 Cuando esto sucedió, los demás habitantes de la isla que tenían enfermedades venían a él y eran curados. 10 También nos honraron con muchas demostraciones de respeto[e], y cuando estábamos para zarpar, nos suplieron[f] con todo lo necesario[g].
Continúa el viaje a Roma
11 Después de tres meses, nos hicimos a la vela en una nave alejandrina(L) que había invernado en la isla, y que tenía por insignia a los Hermanos Gemelos[h]. 12 Cuando llegamos a Siracusa, nos quedamos allí por tres días. 13 Y zarpando[i] de allí, seguimos la costa hasta llegar a Regio. Y al día siguiente se levantó un viento del sur, y en dos días llegamos a Puteoli. 14 Allí[j] encontramos algunos hermanos(M), que nos invitaron a permanecer con ellos por siete días. Y así llegamos a Roma. 15 Cuando los hermanos(N) tuvieron noticia de nuestra llegada[k], vinieron desde allá a recibirnos hasta el Foro de Apio[l] y Las Tres Tabernas[m]; y cuando Pablo los vio, dio gracias a Dios y cobró ánimo.
Pablo en Roma
16 Cuando entramos en Roma, el centurión entregó los presos al prefecto militar, pero[n] a Pablo se le permitió vivir aparte(O), con el soldado que lo custodiaba.
17 Y aconteció que tres días después Pablo convocó a los principales de los judíos(P), y cuando se reunieron, les dijo: Hermanos[o](Q), sin haber hecho yo nada contra nuestro pueblo(R) ni contra las tradiciones de nuestros padres[p](S), desde Jerusalén fui entregado preso en manos de los romanos, 18 los cuales, cuando me interrogaron, quisieron ponerme en libertad(T), pues no encontraron causa para condenarme a muerte[q](U). 19 Pero cuando los judíos se opusieron[r], me vi obligado a apelar al César(V), pero no porque tuviera acusación alguna contra mi pueblo[s]. 20 Por tanto, por esta razón he pedido veros y hablaros[t], porque por causa de la esperanza de Israel(W) llevo esta cadena(X). 21 Y ellos le dijeron: Nosotros ni hemos recibido cartas de Judea sobre ti, ni ha venido aquí ninguno de los hermanos(Y) que haya informado o hablado algo malo acerca de ti. 22 Pero deseamos oír de ti lo que enseñas[u], porque lo que sabemos de esta secta(Z) es que en todas partes se habla contra ella(AA).
Pablo predica en Roma
23 Y habiéndole fijado un día, vinieron en gran número adonde él posaba[v](AB), y desde la mañana hasta la tarde les explicaba testificando(AC) fielmente sobre el reino de Dios, y procurando persuadirlos acerca de Jesús, tanto por la ley de Moisés como por los profetas(AD). 24 Algunos eran persuadidos con lo que se decía, pero otros no creían(AE). 25 Y al no estar de acuerdo entre sí, comenzaron a marcharse después de que Pablo dijo una última palabra: Bien habló el Espíritu Santo a vuestros padres por medio de Isaías el profeta, 26 diciendo:
Ve a este pueblo y di:
«Al oír oiréis, y no entenderéis;
y viendo veréis, y no percibiréis(AF);
27 porque el corazón de este pueblo se ha vuelto insensible[w],
y con dificultad oyen con sus oídos;
y sus ojos han cerrado;
no sea que vean con los ojos,
y oigan con los oídos,
y entiendan con el corazón,
y se conviertan,
y yo los sane(AG)».
28 Sabed, por tanto, que esta salvación de Dios(AH) ha sido enviada a los gentiles(AI). Ellos sí[x] oirán. 29 [y]Y cuando hubo dicho esto, los judíos se fueron, teniendo gran discusión entre sí.
30 Y Pablo se quedó por dos años enteros en la[z] habitación que alquilaba, y recibía a todos los que iban a verlo[aa], 31 predicando el reino de Dios(AJ), y enseñando todo lo concerniente al Señor Jesucristo con toda libertad, sin estorbo(AK).
Footnotes
- Hechos 28:1 O, Melita. Algunos mss. también dicen: Melitene
- Hechos 28:2 Lit., bárbaros
- Hechos 28:4 Lit., bárbaros
- Hechos 28:4 I.e., la personificación de la diosa Diké
- Hechos 28:10 Lit., muchos honores
- Hechos 28:10 O, pusieron a bordo
- Hechos 28:10 Lit., las cosas relacionadas con las necesidades
- Hechos 28:11 Gr., Dióscuros, esto es, los hijos gemelos de Zeus: Cástor y Pólux
- Hechos 28:13 Algunos mss. dicen: costeando
- Hechos 28:14 Lit., Donde
- Hechos 28:15 Lit., Cuando los hermanos oyeron de nosotros
- Hechos 28:15 En latín: Appii Forum, una estación como a 70 km. de Roma
- Hechos 28:15 En latín: Tres Tabernae, una estación como a 54 km. de Roma
- Hechos 28:16 Los mss. más antiguos no incluyen: el centurión...pero
- Hechos 28:17 Lit., Varones hermanos
- Hechos 28:17 O, de los antepasados
- Hechos 28:18 Lit., de muerte en mí
- Hechos 28:19 Lit., hablaron en contra de aquello
- Hechos 28:19 Lit., nación
- Hechos 28:20 U, os invité a que me vierais y me hablarais
- Hechos 28:22 Lit., lo que piensas
- Hechos 28:23 Lit., a la posada
- Hechos 28:27 Lit., se ha engrosado
- Hechos 28:28 Lit., también
- Hechos 28:29 Los mss. más antiguos no incluyen este vers.
- Hechos 28:30 O, en la propia
- Hechos 28:30 Lit., todos los que venían a él
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
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.


