AND being safe landed, we then understood that the island was called
Melita. (2)And the rude people treated us with singular humanity; for,
lighting a fire, they received us all, because of the violent rain, and
because of the cold. (3)But as Paul was gathering up a faggot of
sticks, and laying them on the fire, there came a viper out of the
heat, and fastened on his hand.
(4)Now when the rude people saw the venomous animal hanging from his
hand, they said one to another, Surely this man is a murderer, whom
though preserved from the sea, righteous vengeance suffereth not to
live. (5)But he then shaking off the venomous animal into the fire,
suffered no manner of inconvenience. (6)Now they expected that a
violent inflammation would ensue, or that he would have fallen suddenly
dead: but when, after waiting a considerable time, they saw no
inconvenience arise to him, they changed their opinion, and said that
he was a divinity.
(7)Now in the vicinity of that place was the estate of the principal
person on the island, named Publius, who received us into his house,
and lodged us with great humanity three days. (8)And it so happened
that the father of Publius was then confined to his bed with an attack
of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul went in, and after praying, laid
his hands upon him, and healed him. (9)This then being the case, all
the rest also who had diseases in the island came to him, and were
healed. (10)Then they honoured us with many tokens of respect; and when
we were about to sail, laid in for us every necessary store. (11)And
after three months stay we sailed in a ship which had wintered in the
island, from Alexandria, whose sign was Castor and Pollux: (12)and
proceeding on our voyage to Syracuse, we tarried there three days:
(13)from whence we came round, and arrived opposite to Rhegium; and
after one day the south wind arising, we came in two more to Puteoli:
(14)where finding brethren, we were solicited by them to tarry seven
days; and so we went for Rome. (15)And the brethren from thence, when
they heard of our motions, came out to meet us as far as Appii Forum
and the Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God, and
felt fresh courage.
(16)And when we were come to Rome, the centurion delivered the
prisoners to the captain of the guard; but he permitted Paul to have an
apartment by himself, with a soldier only who guarded him.
(17)Now it came to pass that after three days Paul called together the
principal persons of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said
unto them, Men and brethren, though I have done nothing contrary to the
people and the customs of our ancestors, yet have I been delivered up a
prisoner into the hands of the Romans. (18)Who, after a full
examination, would have discharged me, because there was not the least
cause found in me for death. (19)But when the Jews opposed it, I was
constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I have any accusation to
bring against my countrymen. (20)For this cause therefore have I
invited you hither, to see and to converse with you; for on account of
the hope of Israel am I bound with this chain.
(21)Then they said to him, We have neither received letters concerning
thee from Judea, nor hath any one of the brethren who is arrived
reported or spoken any thing evil of thee. (22)But we think it highly
proper to hear from thee what thy sentiments are; for indeed as to this
sect, it is well known to us that everywhere it meets with opposition.
(23)Then having fixed a day with him, still more of them came to him at
his lodging, to whom bearing his testimony, he set forth the kingdom of
God, and persuaded them of the things relating to Jesus, both out of
the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening: (24)and
some were convinced by the things which were spoken, but others
continued in their unbelief. (25)So being divided in sentiment among
themselves, they broke up, Paul adding one word, That well had the Holy
Ghost spoken by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers, (26)saying, Go to
this people, and say, "In hearing ye shall hear, and shall not
understand; and seeing ye shall see, yet in nowise perceive. (27)For
the heart of this people is waxed gross, and with their ears they are
thick of hearing, and their eyes have they shut; lest at any time they
should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand
with their hearts, and become converts, and I should heal them[48]."
(28)Be it known therefore unto you, that to the Gentiles is the
salvation of God sent, and they will hear. (29)And when he had thus
spoken, the Jews went away, and had much disputing among themselves.
(30)But Paul abode two whole years in his own hired apartment, and
received all who came to him, (31)preaching the kingdom of God, and
teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all
freedom of discourse, and without the least interruption.
THE EPISTLE of PAUL the APOSTLE, TO THE ROMANS.