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Acts 28
Lexham English Bible
Acts 28
Lexham English Bible
Paul on Malta
28 And after we[a] were brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 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. 3 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. 4 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!” 5 He, in turn, shook off the creature into the fire and[j] suffered no harm. 6 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.
7 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. 8 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. 9 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
- Acts 28:1 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“were brought safely through”) which is understood as temporal
- Acts 28:2 Literally “not the ordinary”
- Acts 28:2 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“lit”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:3 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had gathered”)
- Acts 28:3 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
- Acts 28:3 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came out”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:4 The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began saying”)
- Acts 28:4 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“was rescued”) which is understood as concessive
- Acts 28:4 Here personified as a goddess
- Acts 28:5 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“shook off”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:6 Or “to burn with fever” (either meaning is possible here)
- Acts 28:6 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had waited”)
- Acts 28:6 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“changed their minds”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:6 The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began saying”)
- Acts 28:7 Literally “by name”
- Acts 28:7 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“welcomed”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:7 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
- Acts 28:8 Here this participle (“went”) has been translated as a finite verb in keeping with English style
- Acts 28:8 Literally “whom”
- Acts 28:8 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“praying”) which is understood as temporal
- Acts 28:8 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
- Acts 28:8 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“placed”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:9 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had taken place”)
- Acts 28:10 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“putting out to sea”) which is understood as temporal
- Acts 28:10 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
- Acts 28:10 Literally “for the needs”
- Acts 28:11 Literally “marked with the Dioscuri” (a joint name for the twin gods Castor and Pollux)
- 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
- Acts 28:13 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“got underway”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:13 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came up”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:14 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“found”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:15 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal
- Acts 28:15 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“saw”) which is understood as temporal
- Acts 28:15 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“gave thanks”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:17 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had assembled”)
- Acts 28:17 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had done”) which is understood as concessive
- Acts 28:17 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
- Acts 28:18 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had examined”) which is understood as temporal
- Acts 28:18 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
- Acts 28:19 Here “because” is supplied as a component of the causal genitive absolute participle (“objected”)
- Acts 28:19 Here “if” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had”) which is understood as concessive
- Acts 28:19 Or “nation”
- Acts 28:20 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
- Acts 28:21 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“come”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 28:23 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had set”) which is understood as temporal
- Acts 28:23 Here the present tense has been translated as conative (“attempting to convince”)
- Acts 28:24 Here “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“what was said”) which is understood as means
- Acts 28:25 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“made”)
- Acts 28:26 Literally “hearing you will hear”
- Acts 28:26 Literally “seeing you will see”
- Acts 28:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
- Acts 28:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
- Acts 28:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
- Acts 28:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
- Acts 28:27 A quotation from Isa 6:9–10
- 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.”
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 King James Version
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
English Standard Version
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
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
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New International Version (NIV) 
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NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.
New King James Version (NKJV) 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
English Standard Version (ESV) 
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.