Acts 28 :: English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul on Malta

Act 28:1After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.

Act 28:2The native people[fn] showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

Act 28:3

Act 28:3When 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.

Act 28:4

Act 28:4When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice[fn] has not allowed him to live.”

Act 28:5

Act 28:5He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.

Act 28:6

Act 28:6They 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, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

Act 28:7

Act 28:7Now 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.

Act 28:8

Act 28:8It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him.

Act 28:9

Act 28:9And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.

Act 28:10

Act 28:10They also honored us greatly,[fn] and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Paul Arrives at Rome

Act 28:11

Act 28:11After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods[fn] as a figurehead.

Act 28:12

Act 28:12Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.

Act 28:13

Act 28:13And 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.

Act 28:14

Act 28:14There we found brothers[fn] and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.

Act 28:15

Act 28:15And 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, Paul thanked God and took courage.

Act 28:16

Act 28:16And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

Paul in Rome

Act 28:17

Act 28:17After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

Act 28:18

Act 28:18When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.

Act 28:19

Act 28:19But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation.

Act 28:20

Act 28:20For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”

Act 28:21

Act 28:21And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.

Act 28:22

Act 28:22But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

Act 28:23

Act 28:23When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

Act 28:24

Act 28:24And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

Act 28:25

Act 28:25And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

Act 28:26

Act 28:26“‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

Act 28:27

Act 28:27For 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 turn, and I would heal them.’

Act 28:28

Act 28:28Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”[fn]

Act 28:29

Act 28:29 See Footnote

Act 28:30

Act 28:30He lived there two whole years at his own expense,[fn] and welcomed all who came to him,

Act 28:31

Act 28:31proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

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ESV Footnotes

(28:2)

Greek barbaroi (that is, non–Greek speakers); also verse 4

(28:4)

Or justice

(28:10)

Greek honored us with many honors

(28:11)

That is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux

(28:14)

Or brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21

(28:28)

Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves

(28:30)

Or in his own hired dwelling

BLB Footnotes

(28:29)

Some Greek manuscripts exclude this verse. The ESV related footnote for 28:28 states:
Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves

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