Acts 28
Common English Bible
On the Island of Malta
28 After reaching land safely, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. Because it was rainy and cold, they built a fire and welcomed all of us. 3 Paul gathered a bunch of dry sticks and put them on the fire. As he did, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, latched on to his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer! He was rescued from the sea, but the goddess Justice hasn’t let him live!” 5 Paul shook the snake into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They expected him to swell up with fever or suddenly drop dead. After waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to claim that he was a god.
7 Publius, the island’s most prominent person, owned a large estate in that area. He welcomed us warmly into his home as his guests for three days. 8 Publius’ father was bedridden, sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul went to see him and prayed. He placed his hand on him and healed him. 9 Once this happened, the rest of the sick on the island came to him and were healed. 10 They honored us in many ways. When we were getting ready to sail again, they supplied us with what we needed.
Paul makes it to Rome
11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had spent the winter at the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with carvings of the twin gods Castor and Pollux as its figurehead. 12 We landed in Syracuse where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed to Rhegium. After one day a south wind came up, and we arrived on the second day in Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and sisters who urged us to stay with them for a week. In this way we came to Rome. 15 When the brothers and sisters there heard about us, they came as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he gave thanks to God and was encouraged. 16 When we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to live by himself, with a soldier guarding him.
Paul meets Jewish leaders in Rome
17 Three days later, Paul called the Jewish leaders together. When they gathered, he said, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I’m a prisoner from Jerusalem. They handed me over to the Romans, 18 who intended to release me after they examined me, because they couldn’t find any reason for putting me to death. 19 When the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar. Don’t think I appealed to Caesar because I had any reason to bring charges against my nation. 20 This is why I asked to see you and speak with you: it’s because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
21 They responded, “We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of our brothers come and reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we think it’s important to hear what you think, for we know that people everywhere are speaking against this faction.”
23 On the day scheduled for this purpose, many people came to the place where he was staying. From morning until evening, he explained and testified concerning God’s kingdom and tried to convince them about Jesus through appealing to the Law from Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others refused to believe. 25 They disagreed with each other and were starting to leave when Paul made one more statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke correctly when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,
26 Go to this people and say:
You will hear, to be sure, but never understand;
and you will certainly see but never recognize what you are seeing.
27 This people’s senses have become calloused,
and they’ve become hard of hearing,
and they’ve shut their eyes
so that they won’t see with their eyes
or hear with their ears
or understand with their minds,
and change their hearts and lives that I may heal them.[a]
28 “Therefore, be certain of this: God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen!”[b]
Paul’s ministry in Rome
30 Paul lived in his own rented quarters for two full years and welcomed everyone who came to see him. 31 Unhindered and with complete confidence, he continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Footnotes
- Acts 28:27 Isa 6:9-10
- Acts 28:28 Critical editions of the Gk New Testament do not include 28:29 After he said this, the Jews left, debating among themselves.
Acts 28
Authorized (King James) Version
28 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. 8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: 10 who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. 13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: 14 where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. 15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judæa concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. 22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26 saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
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
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible
KJV reproduced by permission of Cambridge University Press, the Crown’s patentee in the UK.
