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 note 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 note 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 note,
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 [ note 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.
-- --
The End of the First Volume.
-- --
Mace [1729], THE NEW TESTAMENT IN Greek and English. Containing the ORIGINAL TEXT Corrected from the Authority of the most Authentic Manuscripts: AND A NEW VERSION Form'd agreeably to the Illustrations of the most Learned Commentators and Critics: WITH NOTES and VARIOUS READINGS, AND A Copious Alphabetical Index (Printed for J. ROBERTS [etc.], LONDON) [word count] [B11200].