Book of Common Prayer

The viper does not hurt Paul’s hand. He heals Publius’ father, and preaches Christ at Rome.

28 And when they had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta. ² And the people of the island showed us no little kindness, for they kindled a fire, and took us in every one, because of the falling rain and because of the cold.

³ And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them into the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, which leapt upon his hand. ⁴ When the islanders saw the venomous snake hanging on his hand, they said among themselves, This man must be a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffers not to live. ⁵ But he shook the snake off into the fire and felt no ill effect. ⁶ However, they waited for him to swell up or fall down dead suddenly. But after they had waited 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 region, the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, had a lordship. He received us and kindly lodged us for three days. ⁸ And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of dysentery. Paul entered in to him and prayed, and laid his hands on him and healed him. ⁹ When this was done, others also who had diseases in the isle came and were healed. ¹⁰ And they honoured us greatly; and when we departed, they brought on board such things as were necessary.

¹¹ After three months, we departed in a ship of Alexandria that had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was Castor and Pollux. ¹² And when we came to Syracuse, we stayed there three days. ¹³ And from there we made a circuit 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 invited to stay with them seven days; and so we went on toward Rome.

¹⁵ And from Rome, when the brethren heard of us, they came out as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and gained courage. ¹⁶ And when he reached Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the chief captain of the host. But Paul was allowed to dwell by himself, with one soldier to guard him.

²⁷ And Jesus said to them, All of you will fall away because of me this night. For it is written: I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. ²⁸ But after I am risen up again, I will go into Galilee ahead of you. ²⁹ But Peter said to him, Even if all were to fall away, yet I would not. ³⁰ And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, this day – even this night, before the cock crows twice – you will deny me three times. ³¹ And Peter spoke more boldly: No; if I must die with you, I will not deny you. Likewise also said all the others.

³² And they came to a place named Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, Sit here, while I go apart and pray. ³³ And he took with him Peter, James, and John. And he began to be horrified, and to be in an agony, ³⁴ and said to them, My soul is very heavy, even to the death. You stay here and watch. ³⁵ And he went forward a little, and fell down on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; take away this cup from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will, be done.

³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping and said to Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? Could not you watch with me one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak.

³⁹ And again he went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. ⁴⁰ And he returned and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; neither did they know what to answer him. ⁴¹ And he came the third time, and said to them, Sleep on now, and take your ease! It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of man will be delivered into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise up, let us go. Lo, he who betrays me is at hand.