(GWT)
Acts
28
:
1
When we were safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
2
The people who lived on the island were unusually kind to us. They made a fire and welcomed all of us around it because of the rain and the cold.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
3
Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire. The heat forced a poisonous snake out of the brushwood. The snake bit Paul's hand and wouldn't let go.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
4
When the people who lived on the island saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer! He may have escaped from the sea, but justice won't let him live."
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
5
Paul shook the snake into the fire and wasn't harmed.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
6
The people were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after they had waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
7
A man named Publius, who was the governor of the island, had property around the area. He welcomed us and treated us kindly, and for three days we were his guests.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
8
His father happened to be sick in bed. He was suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, prayed, placed his hands on him, and made him well.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
9
After that had happened, other sick people on the island went to Paul and were made well.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
10
They showed respect for us in many ways, and when we were going to set sail, they put whatever we needed on board.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
11
After three months we sailed on an Alexandrian ship that had spent the winter at the island. The ship had the gods Castor and Pollux carved on its front.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
12
We stopped at the city of Syracuse and stayed there for three days.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
13
We sailed from Syracuse and arrived at the city of Rhegium. The next day a south wind began to blow, and two days later we arrived at the city of Puteoli.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
14
In Puteoli we discovered some believers who begged us to spend a week with them.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
15
Believers in Rome heard that we were coming, so they came as far as the cities of Appius' Market and Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and felt encouraged. So we finally arrived in the city of Rome.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
16
After our arrival, Paul was allowed to live by himself, but he had a soldier who guarded him.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
17
After three days Paul invited the most influential Jews in Rome to meet with him. When they assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, I haven't done anything against the Jewish people or violated the customs handed down by our ancestors. Yet, I'm a prisoner from Jerusalem, and I've been handed over to the Roman authorities.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
18
The Roman authorities cross-examined me and wanted to let me go because I was accused of nothing for which I deserved to die.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
19
But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal my case to the emperor. That doesn't mean I have any charges to bring against my own people.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
20
That's why I asked to see you and speak with you. I'm wearing these chains because of what Israel hopes for."
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
21
The Jewish leaders told Paul, "We haven't received any letters from Judea about you, and no Jewish person who has come to Rome has reported or mentioned anything bad about you.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
22
However, we would like to hear what you think. We know that everywhere people are talking against this sect."
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
23
On a designated day a larger number of influential Jews [than expected] went to the place where Paul was staying. From morning until evening, Paul was explaining the kingdom of God to them. He was trying to convince them about Jesus from Moses' Teachings and the Prophets.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
24
Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others continued to disbelieve.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
25
The Jews, unable to agree among themselves, left after Paul had quoted this particular passage to them: "How well the Holy Spirit spoke to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah!
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
26
The Spirit said: 'Go to these people and say, "You will hear clearly but never understand. You will see clearly but never comprehend.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
27
These people have become close-minded and hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. And they never turn to me for healing."'
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
28
"You need to know that God has sent his salvation to people who are not Jews. They will listen."
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
29
"You need to know that God has sent his salvation to people who are not Jews. They will listen."
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
30
Paul rented a place to live for two full years and welcomed everyone who came to him.
(GWT)
Acts
28
:
31
He spread the message about God's kingdom and taught very boldly about the Lord Jesus Christ. No one stopped him.