Acts 28
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After we were brought safely through, l we then learned that m the island was called Malta.
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n The native people showed us unusual o kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
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When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.
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When p the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, q "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, r Justice has not allowed him to live."
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He, however, s shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
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They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, t they changed their minds and u said that he was a god.
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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.
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It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and v prayed, and w putting his hands on him healed him.
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And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.
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They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
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After three months we set sail in x a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead.
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Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.
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And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.
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There we found y brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.
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And y the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, z Paul thanked God and took courage.
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And when we came into Rome, a Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
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After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, b though I had done nothing against our people or c the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
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When they had examined me, they d wished to set me at liberty, e because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
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But because the Jews objected, I was compelled f to appeal to Caesar - though I had no charge to bring against g my nation.
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For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is h because of i the hope of Israel that I am wearing j this k chain."
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And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of l the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
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But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this m sect we know that everywhere n it is spoken against."
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When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening o he expounded to them, testifying to p the kingdom of God and q trying to convince them about Jesus r both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
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And s some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
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And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: t "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
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u "'Go to this people, and say,
v You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
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w For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and x turn, and I would heal them.'
28
Therefore let it be known to you that y this z salvation of God a has been sent to the Gentiles; b they will listen."
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He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and c welcomed all who came to him,
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d proclaiming e the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ f with all boldness and g without hindrance.
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Cross References
Acts 27:39
Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore.
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Cross References
Acts 27:26
But we must run aground on some island.
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Cross References
Acts 28:4
When the native people 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.
Romans 1:14
I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
1 Corinthians 14:11
But if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.
Colossians 3:11
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
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Cross References
Acts 27:3
The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.
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Cross References
Acts 28:2
The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
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Cross References
Job 4:7
Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off?
Luke 13:2
And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?
Luke 13:4
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?
John 9:2
And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?
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Cross References
Numbers 32:23
But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.
Amos 5:19
As if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall, and a serpent bit him.
Amos 9:3
If they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, from there I will search them out and take them; and if they hide from my sight at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent, and it shall bite them.
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Cross References
Mark 16:18
They will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.
Luke 10:19
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
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Cross References
Acts 14:11
And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!
Acts 14:19
But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
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Cross References
Acts 8:10
They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great.
Acts 14:11
And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!
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Cross References
Acts 9:40
But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
James 5:14 - 15
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
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Cross References
Mark 5:23
And implored him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.
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Cross References
Acts 27:6
There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board.
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Cross References
John 21:23
So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?
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Cross References
Acts 28:14
There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.
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Cross References
Romans 1:9 - 12
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you
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Cross References
Acts 24:23
Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
Acts 27:3
The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.
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Cross References
Acts 25:8
Paul argued in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.
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Cross References
Acts 6:14
For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.
Acts 15:1
But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.
Acts 21:21
And they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.
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Cross References
Acts 26:31 - 32
And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, "This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.
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Cross References
Acts 23:29
I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
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Cross References
Acts 25:11
If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.
Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.
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Cross References
Acts 24:17
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
Acts 26:4
My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
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Cross References
Acts 23:6
Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.
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Cross References
Luke 2:25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
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Cross References
Acts 26:29
And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am - except for these chains.
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Cross References
Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
2 Timothy 1:16
May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
Acts 21:33
Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done.
Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
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Cross References
Acts 22:5
As the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
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Acts 24:5
For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
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Cross References
Luke 2:34
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
1 Peter 2:12
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
1 Peter 3:16
Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
1 Peter 4:14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
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Cross References
Acts 17:2 - 3
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.
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Cross References
Acts 28:31
Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
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Cross References
Acts 19:8
And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
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Cross References
Acts 8:35
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
Acts 24:14
But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.
Acts 26:22
To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
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Cross References
Acts 14:4
But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.
Acts 17:4 - 5
And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
Acts 19:9
But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.
Acts 23:7
And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
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Cross References
Matthew 15:7
You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
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Cross References
Isaiah 6:9 - 10
And he said, "Go, and say to this people: "'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.
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Cross References
Matthew 13:14 - 15
Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.
Mark 4:12
So that "they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.
Luke 8:10
He said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
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Cross References
Isaiah 6:9 - 10
And he said, "Go, and say to this people: "'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.
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Cross References
John 12:40
"He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them."
Romans 11:8
As it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.
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Cross References
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.
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Cross References
Acts 13:26
Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.
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Cross References
Psalms 67:2
That your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
Isaiah 40:5
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Luke 2:30
For my eyes have seen your salvation
Luke 3:6
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'
Romans 11:11
So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.
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Cross References
Acts 13:46
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.
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Cross References
John 10:16
And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
Matthew 8:11
I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 21:43
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.
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Cross References
Philippians 1:13
So that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
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Cross References
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 20:25
And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.
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Cross References
Acts 28:23
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
Matthew 12:28
But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Matthew 13:19
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.
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Cross References
Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.
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Cross References
Philippians 1:12 - 13
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
2 Timothy 2:9
For which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.