When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta. 2The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3But 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. 4When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.“5However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed. 6But 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.
7Now in the neighbourhood 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. 8It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. 9Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured. 10They also honoured us with many honours, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
11After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was “The Twin Brothers.“ 12Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli, 14where we found brothers,[1] and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome. 15From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked Allah, and took courage. 16When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
17It happened that after three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me. 19But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. 20For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.“
21They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you. 22But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.“
23When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of Allah, and persuading them concerning ‘Isa, both from the Taurat of Musa and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Shaya, the prophet, to our fathers, 26saying,
‘Go, and tell this people,
You will be ever hearing,
But never understanding;
You will be ever seeing,
But never perceiving.
27For this people’s heart has grown callous,
Their ears are dull of hearing,
They have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And turn, and I would heal them.'[2]
28“Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of Allah is sent to the nations. They will also listen.“
29When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
30Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him, 31proclaiming the Kingdom of Allah, and teaching the things concerning the Lord ‘Isa al-Masih with all boldness, without hindrance.
[1] 28:14 The word for “brothers“ here and where context allows may also be correctly translated “brothers and sisters“ or “siblings.“
[2] 28:26-27 Quoting the prophet Shaya 6:9-10 in the Taurat.