Rome at Last

Once safe, they learned the island was Malta. The natives showed uncommon kindness and kindled a fire because of the rain and cold. Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. The natives said this man must be a murderer whom Justice had not allowed to live. But he shook off the creature into the fire and was not harmed. They expected him to swell or fall down dead; after watching a long time and seeing nothing harmful, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

Publius, the chief man of the island, received them courteously for three days. His father lay sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went in, prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him. Then the rest who had diseases on the island came and were cured, and they honored them with many honors and supplied their needs when they sailed.

After three months they sailed in a ship of Alexandria whose sign was the Twin Brothers. At Puteoli they found brothers and stayed seven days, and so they came toward Rome. Believers came as far as the Market of Appius and The Three Taverns to meet them. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. In Rome he was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

After three days Paul called together the local leaders of his people. He said that he was bound with this chain for the hope of Israel. From morning until evening he explained the Kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the prophets. Some believed and some disbelieved. Paul quoted the Holy Spirit's words through Isaiah about hearing but not understanding. He said, "Be it known therefore to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen." Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who came, preaching God's Kingdom and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.