Paul on the Island of Melita

281 And when we were safe, we made the discovery that the island was named Melita. 2 And the simple people living there were uncommonly kind to us, for they made a fire for us, and took us in, because it was raining and cold. 3 But when Paul had got some sticks together and put them on the fire, a snake came out, because of the heat, and gave him a bite on the hand. 4 And when the people saw it hanging on his hand, they said to one another, Without doubt this man has put someone to death, and though he has got safely away from the sea, God will not let him go on living. 5 But shaking off the beast into the fire, he got no damage. 6 But they had the idea that they would see him becoming ill, or suddenly falling down dead; but after waiting a long time, and seeing that no damage came to him, changing their opinion, they said he was a god. 7 Now near that place there was some land, the property of the chief man of the island, who was named Publius; who very kindly took us into his house as his guests for three days. 8 And the father of Publius was ill, with a disease of the stomach; to whom Paul went, and put his hands on him, with prayer, and made him well. 9 And when this took place, all the others in the island who had diseases came and were made well. 10 Then they gave us great honour, and, when we went away, they put into the ship whatever things we were in need of.

Paul Arrives at Rome

11 And after three months we went to sea in a ship of Alexandria sailing under the sign of the Dioscuri, which had been at the island for the winter. 12 And going into the harbour at Syracuse, we were waiting there for three days. 13 And from there, going about in a curve, we came to Rhegium: and after one day a south wind came up and on the day after we came to Puteoli: 14 Where we came across some of the brothers, who kept us with them for seven days; and so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers, when they had news of us, came out from town as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns to have a meeting with us: and Paul, seeing them, gave praise to God and took heart. 16 And when we came into Rome, they let Paul have a house for himself and the armed man who kept watch over him.

Paul Preaches in Rome

17 Then after three days he sent for the chief men of the Jews: and when they had come together, he said to them, My brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the ways of our fathers, I was given, a prisoner from Jerusalem, into the hands of the Romans. 18 Who, when they had put questions to me, were ready to let me go free, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews made protest against it, I had to put my cause into Caesar's hands; not because I have anything to say against my nation. 20 But for this reason I sent for you, to see and have talk with you: for because of the hope of Israel I am in these chains. 21 And they said to him, We have not had letters from Judaea about you, and no one of the brothers has come to us here to give an account or say any evil about you. 22 But we have a desire to give hearing to your opinion: for as to this form of religion, we have knowledge that in all places it is attacked.

23 And when a day had been fixed, they came to his house in great numbers; and he gave them teaching, giving witness to the kingdom of God, and having discussions with them about Jesus, from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were in agreement with what he said, but some had doubts. 25 And they went away, for there was a division among them after Paul had said this one thing: Well did the Holy Spirit say by the prophet Isaiah to your fathers, 26 Go to this people and say, Though you give ear, you will not get knowledge; and seeing, you will see, but the sense will not be clear to you: 27 For the heart of this people has become fat and their ears are slow in hearing and their eyes are shut; for fear that they might see with their eyes and give hearing with their ears and become wise in their hearts and be turned again to me, so that I might make them well. 28 Be certain, then, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will give hearing. 29 []

30 And for the space of two years, Paul was living in the house of which he had the use, and had talk with all those who went in to see him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ without fear, and no orders were given that he was not to do so.

A Lame Man Healed at the Gate of the Temple

31 Now Peter and John were going up to the Temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer; 2 And a certain man who from birth had had no power in his legs, was taken there every day, and put down at the door of the Temple which is named Beautiful, requesting money from those who went into the Temple; 3 He then, seeing Peter and John going into the Temple, made a request to them. 4 And Peter, looking at him, with John, said, Keep your eyes on us. 5 And he gave attention to them, hoping to get something from them. 6 But Peter said, I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up on your feet. 7 And he took him by his right hand, lifting him up; and straight away his feet and the bones of his legs became strong, 8 And, jumping up, he got on to his feet and went into the Temple with them, walking and jumping and giving praise to God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they saw that it was the man who made requests for money at the door of the Temple, and they were full of wonder and surprise at what had taken place.

Peter's Address in Solomon's Porch

11 And while he kept his hands on Peter and John, all the people came running together to the covered way which is named Solomon's, full of wonder.

12 And when Peter saw it he said to the people, You men of Israel, why are you so greatly surprised at this man? or why are you looking at us as if by our power or virtue we had given him the use of his legs? 13 The God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has given glory to his servant Jesus; whom you gave up, turning your backs on him, when Pilate had made the decision to let him go free. 14 But you would have nothing to do with the Holy and Upright One, and made request for a man of blood to be given to you, 15 And put to death the Lord of life; whom God gave back from the dead; of which fact we are witnesses. 16 And his name, through faith in his name, has made this man strong, whom you see and have knowledge of: yes, the faith which is through him has made him well, before you all. 17 And now, my brothers, I am conscious that you did this, as did your rulers, without knowledge. 18 But the things which God had made clear before, by the mouth of all the prophets, that the Christ would have to undergo, he has put into effect in this way. 19 So then, let your hearts be changed and be turned to God, so that your sins may be completely taken away, and times of blessing may come from the Lord; 20 And that he may send the Christ who was marked out for you from the first, even Jesus: 21 Who is to be kept in heaven till the time when all things are put right, of which God has given word by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been from the earliest times. 22 For Moses said, The Lord will give you a prophet from among your people, like me; you will give ear to everything which he will say to you. 23 And every soul who does not give attention to that prophet, will be cut off from among the people. 24 And all the prophets from Samuel and those who came after, every one of them, gave word of these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets, and of the agreement which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, Through your seed a blessing will come on all the families of the earth. 26 To you, first, God sent his servant, blessing you by turning every one of you from his sins.