Acts 28 (NMV)
1 Once we were safely ashore, we then learned that the island was called Malta.
2 The local people showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed all of us, because it was raining and cold.
3 As Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.
4 When the local people saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "This man must be a murderer. Though he escaped the sea, justice has not allowed him to live."
5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm.
6 They were expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
7 Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
8 Publius's father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after praying, he laid his hands on him and healed him.
9 After this happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were healed.
10 They honored us in many ways, and when we were ready to sail, they provided us with the supplies we needed.
11 After three months, we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered on the island. It had the Twin Gods as its figurehead.
12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.
13 From there we sailed along the coast and arrived at Rhegium. A day later a south wind came up, and the next day we reached Puteoli.
14 There we found some believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.
15 The brothers and sisters there had heard we were coming, and they came as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he gave thanks to God and was encouraged.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
17 After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.
18 They examined me and wanted to release me, since there was no basis for a death sentence against me.
19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no charge to bring against my own people.
20 For this reason, I have asked to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."
21 Then they said to him, "We haven't received any letters about you from Judea, and none of the brothers who have come here have reported or said anything bad about you.
22 But we would like to hear your views, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect."
23 After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From morning until evening he explained and testified about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others did not believe.
25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah
26 when He said: 'Go to this people and say, You will certainly hear but never understand, and you will certainly see but never perceive.
27 For this people's heart has grown callous; they have blocked their ears and closed their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart and turn back, and I would heal them.'
28 Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation from God has been sent to the Gentiles [non-Jews], they will listen!"
29 [Some manuscripts add: When he had said these things, the Jews departed, arguing vigorously among themselves.]
30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. He welcomed all who came to him,
31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.