28 When we had escaped, then they^[a] learned that the island was called Malta. ² The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain 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 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 from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.” ⁵ However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed. ⁶ But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and 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 courteously entertained us for three days. ⁸ The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. ⁹ Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured. ¹⁰ They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.