(Once) we were safely ashore , - we learned that the island was called Malta.
- The islanders showed us vvv vvv extraordinary kindness. - They kindled a fire (and) welcomed all of us because (it was) - raining - - and - - cold.
- - Paul gathered a bundle of sticks , and as he laid (them) on the fire , a viper , driven out by the heat , fastened (itself) to his hand.
- When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his - hand , they said to one another , “ Surely this - man is a murderer. (Although he) was saved from the sea , - Justice {has} not allowed (him) to live. ”
- But - (Paul) shook the creature {off} into the fire (and) suffered no ill effects.
- - (The islanders) were expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But - after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him , they changed their minds (and) said he was a god.
- Nearby ... ... ... ... ... stood an estate belonging to vvv Publius , (the) chief official of the island. (He) welcomed us (and) entertained (us) hospitably (for) three days.
- The father - of Publius was sick in bed , suffering from fever and dysentery. - Paul went in to (see) (him) , and after praying (and) placing (his) hands on him , he healed (the man).
(After) this had happened , the rest of the vvv sick on the island came and were cured as well.
(The islanders) - honored us in many ways and supplied - - (our) needs (when we were ready) to sail.
- After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered in the island. It had the Twin Brothers as a figurehead.
- Putting in at Syracuse , we stayed there three days.
From (there) we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. - After one day , a south wind came up , (and) on the second day we arrived at Puteoli.
(There) we found (some) brothers who invited us to spend (the week( ... with them. And so we came to - Rome.
The brothers there had heard - about us (and) traveled as far as (the) Forum of Appius and (the) Three Taverns to meet us. (When} Paul saw (them) , vvv he was encouraged and gave thanks - to God.
- When we arrived in Rome , - Paul was permitted to stay by himself , with - a soldier to guard him.
- - After three days , he called together the - leaders of the Jews. (When) they had gathered , he said to them , vvv “ Brothers , (although) I have done nothing against (our) people or the customs - of our fathers , I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem (and) handed over to - - the Romans -.
(They) examined me (and) wanted to release (me) , because there was no - basis for a death sentence against me.
But (when) the Jews objected , I was compelled to appeal to Caesar , (even though) I have no (charge) to bring against my - nation.
So for this - reason I have called to see you and speak with (you). (It is) because of the hope - of Israel (that) I am bound with this - chain. ”
- - (The leaders) replied - - , “ We have not received ... (any) letters about you from - Jude -a , nor {have} any of the brothers (from there) reported or even mentioned anything bad about you.
But we consider vvv vvv vvv your views {worth} hearing , because - - we know that (people) everywhere are speaking against - this - sect. ”
So they set a day to (meet with Paul) , (and) many (people) came to - - (the place) he was staying. He expounded to (them) from morning to evening , testifying about the kingdom - of God and persuading them about - Jesus from - the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
- - Some (of them) were convinced by what he said , but (others) refused to believe.
- vvv They disagreed among (themselves) (and) began to leave - (after) Paul had made (this final) statement - : “ The - Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your - fathers through Isaiah - the prophet :
- ‘ Go to this - people and say , “ You will be ever hearing ... (but) never ... understanding ; - you will be ever seeing ... (but) never ... perceiving. ”
For this - people’s - heart has grown callous ; - they hardly hear ... with (their) ears , and they have closed their - eyes. Otherwise ... they might see with (their) eyes , - hear with (their) ears , - understand with (their) hearts , and turn , and I would heal them.’
Be - advised , therefore , that - - - God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles , and they will listen !”
- (Paul) stayed there two full years ... in his own rented house , - welcoming all who came to (visit) him.
vvv vvv Boldly (and) freely he proclaimed the kingdom - of God and taught - about the Lord Jesus ([Lexicon/G5501-5600#G5547|Christ.]]