2
The strange-speaking natives showed us remarkable kindness, for they lighted a fire and made us all welcome because of the pelting rain and the cold.
3
Now, when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and had thrown them on the fire, a viper, driven by the heat, came out and fastened itself on his hand.
4
When the natives saw the creature hanging to his hand, they said to one another, "Beyond doubt this man is a murderer, for, though saved from the sea, unerring Justice does not permit him to live."
5
He, however, shook the reptile off into the fire and was unhurt.
6
They expected him soon to swell with inflammation or suddenly fall down dead; but, after waiting a long time and seeing no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7
Now in the same part of the island there were estates belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius. He welcomed us to his house, and for three days generously made us his guests.
8
It happened, however, that his father was lying ill of dysentery aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him.
9
After this, all the other sick people in the island came and were cured.
10
They also loaded us with honours, and when at last we sailed they put supplies on board for us.
11
Three months passed before we set sail in an Alexandrian vessel, called the `Twin Brothers,' which had wintered at the island.
12
At Syracuse we put in and stayed for two days.