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¹ Having thus escap'd, we found we were upon the isle of Malta: ² where the inhabitants, as much barbarians, as they were, receiv'd us with great humanity. they kindled a fire, and secur'd us from the falling rains, as well as the cold: ³ when Paul having taken up some brush-wood and laid it upon the fire, a viper started out from the heat, and seiz'd upon his hand. ⁴ the barbarians seeing the venomous creature hang fast to his hand, said to one another, this man is a murderer, no doubt; for, escaped from the wreck, the divine justice still pursues him to death. ⁵ but Paul shook off the animal into the fire without having receiv'd any hurt. ⁶ however, they expected to have seen him swell, or suddenly die away. but when they had waited a good while, and saw no harm come to him, they were of another opinion, and said he was a God. ⁷ The chief of the island, one Publius, had his estate in that quarter: he entertain'd us with diet and lodging for three days with great civility. ⁸ Publius's father happening then to lie sick of a fever, and a dysentery, Paul made him a visit, pray'd by him, gave him imposition of hands, and cur'd him. ⁹ upon this several that were indispos'd in the island came to Paul, and were cur'd, ¹⁰ showing their respect by many presents, and furnishing us with provisions upon our departure.

¹¹ After having been there three months, we embark'd on board the Castor and Pollux from Alexandria, that had put in there by hard weather: ¹² we landed at Syracuse, and stay'd there three days. ¹³ from thence we turn'd to the wind, and arriv'd at Rhegium: the next day the wind being at south, we came in two days to Puteoli: ¹⁴ where finding some brethren, they desir'd us to stay with them seven days, after which we set out for Rome: ¹⁵ the brethren there having had news of us, came as far as Appiiforum, and the Three inns to meet us: whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God, and was greatly encourag'd. ¹⁶ Upon our arrival at Rome, the centurion deliver'd the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was allow'd to be at private lodgings, under the custody of a soldier.

¹⁷ three days after, Paul sent for the chief of the Jews: and when they were assembled, he said to them, "my brethren, tho' I have done nothing against the Jews, or against the customs of our fathers, I was made a prisoner at Jerusalem, and put into the hands of the Romans: ¹⁸ who, after my examination, would have discharg'd me, as having done nothing that was capital. ¹⁹ but the Jews opposing it, I was oblig'd to appeal to the emperor: not having however any design to accuse them. ²⁰ for this reason I desir'd to see and talk with you; it being for the expectation of Israel that I am subject to this chain." ²¹ they reply'd, we have receiv'd no letter from Judea concerning you; nor have any of our brethren that are arrived, said any harm of you. ²² but we should be glad to know your sentiments: for as to this sect, we are sensible it is every where inveigh'd against.

²³ Having therefore set him a day, they came in great numbers to his lodgings; where he explain'd and confirm'd the reality of the gospel-dispensation, from morning to night, enforcing what the writings of Moses and the prophets had affirm'd concerning Jesus. ²⁴ some believed what he had said, but others did not believe: ²⁵ so not being able to agree, they retir'd, upon Paul's having told them, that the holy spirit had very justly said to our fathers by the prophet Esaias , ²⁶ "go to this people and say, hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. ²⁷ for the heart of this people is become gross, their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and I should heal them." ²⁸ take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them. ²⁹ [ having said this, the Jews went out, warmly debating it among themselves.]  

³⁰ After this, Paul staid two whole years in a house he had hired, and gave access to all that visited him, ³¹ preaching the kingdom of God, and instructing them in all things relating to the Lord Jesus Christ, with the utmost freedom, without being molested.