Acts 28
Disciples’ Literal New Testament
While Stranded On The Island of Malta, Paul Heals the Sick
28 And having been brought-safely-through, then we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives[a] were showing us not the ordinary humaneness. For having lit a fire, they welcomed us all because of the rain having set-upon us and because of the cold. 3 And Paul having gathered a certain quantity of dry-sticks, and having put them on the fire— a viper having come-out because of the heat fastened-on his hand. 4 And when the natives saw the beast hanging from his hand, they were saying to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer whom, having been brought-safely-through from the sea, Justice[b] did not allow to live”. 5 Then indeed the one, having shaken-off the beast into the fire, suffered no harm. 6 And the ones were expecting that he was about to be swelling-up, or suddenly be falling down dead. But while they for a long time were waiting-in-expectation and observing nothing out-of-place happening to him— having changed their minds, they were saying that he was a god. 7 Now in the areas around that place were lands belonging to the leading[c] official of the island, Publius by name— who, having welcomed us, entertained[d] us courteously for three days. 8 And it came about that the father of Publius was lying-down, being gripped with fevers and dysentery, to whom having gone in and having prayed, having laid his hands on him, Paul healed him. 9 And this having taken place, the others on the island having infirmities were also coming to him and being cured— 10 who also honored us with many honors, and at our putting-to-sea provided the things for our needs.
After Three Winter Months, They Boarded Another Ship And Sailed For Rome
11 And after three[e] months, we put-to-sea in a ship having spent the winter at the island[f]— an Alexandrian one marked with the Twin-brothers[g]. 12 And having put-in at Syracuse, we stayed three days— 13 from which, having cast-off, we came to Rhegium. And after one day, a south wind having come up, we came on the second day to Puteoli— 14 where, having found brothers, we were invited to stay with them for seven[h] days. And so[i] we came[j] to Rome. 15 And from there the brothers, having heard the things concerning us, came as far as the Forum[k] of Appius and the Three Taverns[l] to meet us— whom having seen, Paul, having given-thanks to God, took courage[m].
In Rome Paul Explains His Circumstance To The Jews, Who Ask To Hear His Message
16 And when we entered into Rome, it was permitted to Paul to stay by himself [n], with the soldier guarding him. 17 And it came about after three days that he called-together the ones being leading ones of the Jews. And they having come together, he was saying to them, “I, men, brothers, having done nothing contrary to our people or our ancestors’ customs, was handed-over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans— 18 who, having examined me, were wanting to release me because of there being no charge worthy of death in connection with me. 19 But the Jews speaking-against it, I was compelled to appeal-to Caesar— not as-though having anything to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore, I called-for you, to see and speak to you. For I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel”. 21 And the ones said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers having arrived report or speak anything evil concerning you. 22 And we consider-it-fitting that we hear from you the things which you think. For indeed concerning this sect[o], it is known to us that it is being spoken-against everywhere”.
Some Believed Paul’s Message, Others Rejected. Paul Turns To The Gentiles
23 And having appointed a day for him, more came to him at his lodging— to whom he was explaining it from early-in-the-morning until evening, solemnly-testifying as to the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24 And some were being persuaded by the things being said, but others were not-believing[p]. 25 And being not-in-agreement with one another, they were departing, Paul having spoken one statement— that “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet [in Isa 6:9-10] to your fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: In hearing, you will hear and by no means understand. And while seeing, you will see and by no means perceive. 27 For the heart of this people became dull[q], and they hardly[r] heard with their ears, and they closed their eyes, that they might not ever see[s] with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand in their heart, and turn-back, and I shall heal[t] them’. 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent-forth to the Gentiles. They[u] also will hear it”. 29 [v]
While Two Years Pass, Paul Continues To Proclaim Christ
30 And he stayed two[w] whole years in his own rented-quarters[x]. And he was welcoming all the ones coming-in to him— 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without-hindrance.
Footnotes
- Acts 28:2 That is, the local non-Greek-cultured people.
- Acts 28:4 That is, the goddess by this name; or, justice as an abstract concept.
- Acts 28:7 Or, the first man, a title for this official found in inscriptions on Malta.
- Acts 28:7 Or, received us as guests, gave us lodging.
- Acts 28:11 That is, some time in February of a.d. 60.
- Acts 28:11 It would have been in the port of Valetta.
- Acts 28:11 Or, Dioscuri. That is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux, twin sons of Zeus and Leda, patron gods of sailors. The mark may refer to a carved figurehead, or to painted emblems on each side of the prow.
- Acts 28:14 During this time, Julius (v 1) would have been making arrangements for the 130 mile or 210 kilometer journey by road to Rome.
- Acts 28:14 Or, in this manner.
- Acts 28:14 Or, went.
- Acts 28:15 This location was 39 miles or 63 kilometers south of Rome.
- Acts 28:15 Or, Inns. This location was 30 miles or 49 kilometers south of Rome.
- Acts 28:15 Paul had written them the book of Romans (in 20:2) about three years earlier, and now takes courage at their concern for him.
- Acts 28:16 That is, in his own rented quarters (v 30), rather than in prison.
- Acts 28:22 That is, Christians.
- Acts 28:24 Or, refusing-to-believe.
- Acts 28:27 Or, thick, fat, insensitive.
- Acts 28:27 That is, with difficulty. They are spiritually hard of hearing.
- Acts 28:27 This expresses the purpose of the people. They closed their eyes to God that they might not ever see what they did not want to see, and never have to change their ways and return to God.
- Acts 28:27 Paul places the blame on these Jews for not entering the process that results in spiritual healing: see and hear, understand, and turn back.
- Acts 28:28 Or, And they will listen.
- Acts 28:29 Some manuscripts add ‘And he having spoken these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.’
- Acts 28:30 Thus, closing the book some time in a.d. 62. Some think Paul was then tried and released; others that his case was dismissed because the Jews failed to prosecute it. Some think Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon during this time. Others think these letters were written during the two years in Caesarea (24:27); others, in an imprisonment in Ephesus during Acts 19.
- Acts 28:30 Or, at his own expense (in Roman government quarters).
Acts 28
English Standard Version
Paul on Malta
28 After we were brought safely through, (A)we then learned that (B)the island was called Malta. 2 (C)The native people[a] showed us unusual (D)kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When (E)the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, (F)“No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, (G)Justice[b] has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, (H)shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, (I)they changed their minds and (J)said that he was a god.
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and (K)prayed, and (L)putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly,[c] and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
Paul Arrives at Rome
11 After three months we set sail in (M)a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods[d] as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found (N)brothers[e] and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And (O)the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, (P)Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, (Q)Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Paul in Rome
17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, (R)though I had done nothing against our people or (S)the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they (T)wished to set me at liberty, (U)because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled (V)to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against (W)my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is (X)because of (Y)the hope of Israel that I am wearing (Z)this (AA)chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of (AB)the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this (AC)sect we know that everywhere (AD)it is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening (AE)he expounded to them, testifying to (AF)the kingdom of God and (AG)trying to convince them about Jesus (AH)both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And (AI)some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: (AJ)“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 (AK)“‘Go to this people, and say,
(AL)“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 (AM)For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and (AN)turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that (AO)this (AP)salvation of God (AQ)has been sent to the Gentiles; (AR)they will listen.”[f]
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense,[g] and (AS)welcomed all who came to him, 31 (AT)proclaiming (AU)the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ (AV)with all boldness and (AW)without hindrance.
Footnotes
- Acts 28:2 Greek barbaroi (that is, non–Greek speakers); also verse 4
- Acts 28:4 Or justice
- Acts 28:10 Greek honored us with many honors
- Acts 28:11 That is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux
- Acts 28:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21
- Acts 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves
- Acts 28:30 Or in his own hired dwelling
Acts 28
GOD’S WORD Translation
Paul on the Island of Malta
28 When we were safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The people who lived on the island were unusually kind to us. They made a fire and welcomed all of us around it because of the rain and the cold.
3 Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire. The heat forced a poisonous snake out of the brushwood. The snake bit Paul’s hand and wouldn’t let go. 4 When the people who lived on the island saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer! He may have escaped from the sea, but justice won’t let him live.”
5 Paul shook the snake into the fire and wasn’t harmed. 6 The people were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after they had waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
7 A man named Publius, who was the governor of the island, had property around the area. He welcomed us and treated us kindly, and for three days we were his guests. 8 His father happened to be sick in bed. He was suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, prayed, placed his hands on him, and made him well.
9 After that had happened, other sick people on the island went to Paul and were made well. 10 They showed respect for us in many ways, and when we were going to set sail, they put whatever we needed on board.
Paul Sails from Malta to Rome
11 After three months we sailed on an Alexandrian ship that had spent the winter at the island. The ship had the gods Castor and Pollux carved on its front. 12 We stopped at the city of Syracuse and stayed there for three days. 13 We sailed from Syracuse and arrived at the city of Rhegium. The next day a south wind began to blow, and two days later we arrived at the city of Puteoli. 14 In Puteoli we discovered some believers who begged us to spend a week with them.
15 Believers in Rome heard that we were coming, so they came as far as the cities of Appius’ Market and Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and felt encouraged. So we finally arrived in the city of Rome.[a] 16 After our arrival, Paul was allowed to live by himself, but he had a soldier who guarded him.
Paul in Rome
17 After three days Paul invited the most influential Jews in Rome to meet with him. When they assembled, he said to them, “Brothers, I haven’t done anything against the Jewish people or violated the customs handed down by our ancestors. Yet, I’m a prisoner from Jerusalem, and I’ve been handed over to the Roman authorities. 18 The Roman authorities cross-examined me and wanted to let me go because I was accused of nothing for which I deserved to die. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal my case to the emperor. That doesn’t mean I have any charges to bring against my own people. 20 That’s why I asked to see you and speak with you. I’m wearing these chains because of what Israel hopes for.”
21 The Jewish leaders told Paul, “We haven’t received any letters from Judea about you, and no Jewish person who has come to Rome has reported or mentioned anything bad about you. 22 However, we would like to hear what you think. We know that everywhere people are talking against this sect.”
23 On a designated day a larger number of influential Jews ⌞than expected⌟ went to the place where Paul was staying. From morning until evening, Paul was explaining God’s kingdom to them. He was trying to convince them about Jesus from Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets. 24 Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others continued to disbelieve.
25 The Jews, unable to agree among themselves, left after Paul had quoted this particular passage to them: “How well the Holy Spirit spoke to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah! 26 The Spirit said: ‘Go to these people and say,
“You will hear clearly but never understand.
You will see clearly but never comprehend.
27 These people have become close-minded
and hard of hearing.
They have shut their eyes
so that their eyes never see.
Their ears never hear.
Their minds never understand.
And they never turn to me for healing.” ’
28 “You need to know that God has sent his salvation to people who are not Jews. They will listen.” [b]
30 Paul rented a place to live for two full years and welcomed everyone who came to him. 31 He spread the message about God’s kingdom and taught very boldly about the Lord Jesus Christ. No one stopped him.
Acts 28
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 Caesar; 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 Judaea 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.
Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
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