Paul on Malta

28:1 After we had safely reached shore,1 we learned that the island was called Malta.2 28:2 The local inhabitants3 showed us extraordinary4 kindness, for they built a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain5 and was cold. 28:3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood6 and was putting it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 28:4 When the local people7 saw the creature hanging from Paul’s8 hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer! Although he has escaped from the sea, Justice herself9 has not allowed him to live!”10 28:5 However,11 Paul12 shook13 the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 28:6 But they were expecting that he was going to swell up14 or suddenly drop dead. So after they had waited15 a long time and had seen16 nothing unusual happen17 to him, they changed their minds18 and said he was a god.19

28:7 Now in the region around that place20 were fields belonging to the chief official21 of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably as guests for three days. 28:8 The father22 of Publius lay sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him23 and after praying, placed24 his hands on him and healed25 him. 28:9 After this had happened, many of the people on the island who were sick26 also came and were healed.27 28:10 They also bestowed many honors,28 and when we were preparing to sail,29 they gave30 us all the supplies we needed.31