1
After we had escaped, we then learned that the island was called Malta.
2
And the natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
3
Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, when a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.
4
When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live."
5
He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
6
They waited, expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead; but when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
8
It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery; and Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him.
9
And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.