Net English TranslationActs 28 =
Paul on Malta
28

1 After we had safely reached shore,1 we learned that the island was called Malta.2 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. 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. 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 5 However,11 Paul12 shook13 the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 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

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. 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. 9 After this had happened, many of the people on the island who were sick26 also came and were healed.27 10 They also bestowed many honors,28 and when we were preparing to sail,29 they gave30 us all the supplies we needed.31

Paul Finally Reaches Rome

11 After three months we put out to sea32 in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island and had the “Heavenly Twins”33 as its figurehead.34 12 We put in35 at Syracuse36 and stayed there three days. 13 From there we cast off37 and arrived at Rhegium,38 and after one day a south wind sprang up39 and on the second day we came to Puteoli.40 14 There41 we found42 some brothers43 and were invited to stay with them seven days. And in this way we came to Rome.44 15 The brothers from there,45 when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius46 and Three Taverns47 to meet us. When he saw them,48 Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live49 by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Paul Addresses the Jewish Community in Rome

17 After three days50 Paul51 called the local Jewish leaders52 together. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers,53 although I had done54 nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors,55 from Jerusalem56 I was handed over as a prisoner to the Romans.57 18 When58 they had heard my case,59 they wanted to release me,60 because there was no basis for a death sentence61 against me. 19 But when the Jews objected,62 I was forced to appeal to Caesar63 – not that I had some charge to bring64 against my own people.65 20 So for this reason I have asked to see you and speak with you, for I am bound with this chain because of the hope of Israel.”66 21 They replied,67 “We have received no letters from Judea about you, nor have any of the brothers come from there68 and reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for regarding this sect we know69 that people70 everywhere speak against71 it.”

23 They set72 a day to meet with him,73 and they came to him where he was staying74 in even greater numbers.75 From morning until evening he explained things76 to them,77 testifying78 about the kingdom of God79 and trying to convince80 them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets. 24 Some were convinced81 by what he said,82 but others refused83 to believe. 25 So they began to leave,84 unable to agree among themselves, after Paul made one last statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly to your ancestors85 through the prophet Isaiah 26 when he said,

‘Go to this people and say,

“You will keep on hearing,86 but will never understand,

and you will keep on looking,87 but will never perceive.

27 For the heart of this people has become dull,88

and their ears are hard of hearing,89

and they have closed their eyes,

so that they would not see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

and turn,90 and I would heal them.”’91

28 “Therefore be advised92 that this salvation from God93 has been sent to the Gentiles;94 they95 will listen!”

29 [[EMPTY]]96

30 Paul97 lived98 there two whole years in his own rented quarters99 and welcomed100 all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ101 with complete boldness102 and without restriction.103

128:1tn Grk “We having been brought safely through” [to land] (same verb as 27:44). The word “shore” is implied, and the slight variations in translation from 27:44 have been made to avoid redundancy in English. The participle διασωθέντες (diaswqente") has been taken temporally. 228:1sn Malta is an island (known by the same name today) in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily. The ship had traveled 625 mi (1,000 km) in the storm.map For location see JP4-A3. 328:2tn Although this is literally βάρβαροι (barbaroi; “foreigners, barbarians”) used for non-Greek or non-Romans, as BDAG 166 s.v. βάρβαρος 2.b notes, “Of the inhabitants of Malta, who apparently spoke in their native language Ac 28:2, 4 (here β. certainly without derogatory tone…).” 428:2tn BDAG 1019 s.v. τυγχάνω 2.d states, “δυνάμεις οὐ τὰς τυχούσας extraordinary miracles Ac 19:11. Cp. 28:2.” 528:2tn Or “because it was about to rain.” BDAG 418 s.v. ἐφίστημι 4 states, “διὰ τ. ὑετὸν τὸν ἐφεστῶτα because it had begun to rain Ac 28:2…But the mng. here could also be because it threatened to rain (s. 6).” 628:3tn Or “sticks.” 728:4tn Although this is literally βάρβαροι (barbaroi; “foreigners, barbarians”) used for non-Greek or non-Romans, as BDAG 166 s.v. βάρβαρος 2.b notes, “Of the inhabitants of Malta, who apparently spoke in their native language Ac 28:2, 4 (here β. certainly without derogatory tone…).” 828:4tn Grk “his”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 928:4tn That is, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live. BDAG 250 s.v. δίκη 2 states, “Justice personified as a deity Ac 28:4”; L&N 12.27, “a goddess who personifies justice in seeking out and punishing the guilty – ‘the goddess Justice.’ ἡ δίκη ζῆν οὐκ εἴασεν ‘the goddess Justice would not let him live’ Ac 28:4.” Although a number of modern English translations have rendered δίκη (dikh) “justice,” preferring to use an abstraction, in the original setting it is almost certainly a reference to a pagan deity. In the translation, the noun “justice” was capitalized and the reflexive pronoun “herself” was supplied to make the personification clear. This was considered preferable to supplying a word like ‘goddess’ in connection with δίκη. 1028:4sn The entire scene is played out initially as a kind of oracle from the gods resulting in the judgment of a guilty person (Justice herself has not allowed him to live). Paul’s survival of this incident without ill effects thus spoke volumes about his innocence. 1128:5tn BDAG 737 s.v. οὖν 4 indicates the particle has an adversative sense here: “but, however.” 1228:5tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 1328:5tn Grk “shaking the creature off…he suffered no harm.” The participle ἀποτινάξας (apotinaxa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 1428:6tn Or “going to burn with fever.” According to BDAG 814 s.v. πίμπρημι, either meaning (“swell up” or “burn with fever”) is possible for Acts 28:6. 1528:6tn The participle προσδοκώντων (prosdokwntwn) has been taken temporally. 1628:6tn The participle θεωρούντων (qewrountwn) has been taken temporally. 1728:6tn Grk “happening.” The participle γινόμενον (ginomenon) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 1828:6tn Grk “changing their minds.” The participle μεταβαλόμενοι (metabalomenoi) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 1928:6sn And said he was a god. The reaction is like Acts 14:11-19 where the crowd wanted to make Paul and Barnabas into gods. The providence of God had protected Paul again. 2028:7tn BDAG 798 s.v. περί 2.a.γ states, “of nearby places…τὰ περὶ τὸν τὸπον the region around the place Ac 28:7.” The presence of ἐκεῖνον (ekeinon) results in the translation “that place.” 2128:7tn That is, the chief Roman official. Several inscriptions have confirmed the use of πρῶτος (prwtos) as an administrative title used on the island of Malta for the highest Roman official. See further BDAG 852 s.v. Πόπλιος. 2228:8tn Grk “It happened that the father.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. 2328:8tn Grk “to whom Paul going in.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) was replaced by a personal pronoun (“him”) and a new sentence begun here in the translation. The participle εἰσελθών (eiselqwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 2428:8tn The participle ἐπιθείς (epiqeis) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 2528:8sn And healed him. Here are healings like Luke 9:40; 10:30; 13:13; Acts 16:23. 2628:9tn BDAG 142 s.v. ἀσθένεια 1 states, “ἔχειν ἀ. be ill Ac 28:9.” 2728:9sn Many…also came and were healed. Again, here is irony. Paul, though imprisoned, “frees” others of their diseases. 2828:10tn Or “they also honored us greatly”; Grk “they also honored us with many honors” (an idiom). 2928:10tn BDAG 62 s.v. ἀνάγω 4, “as a nautical t.t. (ἀ. τὴν ναῦν put a ship to sea), mid. or pass. ἀνάγεσθαι to begin to go by boat, put out to sea.” In this case the simpler English “sail” is more appropriate. The English participle “preparing” has also been supplied, since the provisioning of the ship would take place some time before the actual departure. 3028:10tn BDAG 384 s.v. ἐπιτίθημι 1.b has “give τινί τι someth. to someone…ἀναγομένοις τὰ πρὸς τὰς χρείας when we sailed they gave us what we needed Ac 28:10.” 3128:10sn They gave us all the supplies we needed. What they had lost in the storm and shipwreck was now replaced. Luke describes these pagans very positively. 3228:11tn BDAG 62 s.v. ἀνάγω 4, “as a nautical t.t. (ἀ. τὴν ναῦν put a ship to sea), mid. or pass. ἀνάγεσθαι to begin to go by boat, put out to sea.” 3328:11tn Or “the ‘Twin Gods’”; Grk “the Dioscuri” (a joint name for the pagan deities Castor and Pollux).sn That had the ‘Heavenly Twins’ as its figurehead. The twin brothers Castor and Pollux, known collectively as the Dioscuri or ‘Heavenly Twins,’ were the twin sons of Zeus and Leda according to Greek mythology. The Alexandrian ship on which Paul and his companions sailed from Malta had a carved emblem or figurehead of these figures, and they would have been the patron deities of the vessel. Castor and Pollux were the “gods of navigation.” To see their stars was considered a good omen (Epictetus, Discourses 2.18.29; Lucian of Samosata, The Ship 9). 3428:11tn Or “as its emblem.” 3528:12tn Grk “And putting in.” The participle καταχθέντες (katacqente") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. On the meaning of the participle, BDAG 516 s.v. κατάγω states, “Hence the pass., in act. sense, of ships and seafarers put in εἴς τι at a harbor…εἰς Συρακούσας Ac 28:12.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 3628:12sn Syracuse was a city on the eastern coast of the island of Sicily. It was 75 mi (120 km) from Malta. 3728:13tc A few early mss (א* B Ψ [gig] {sa [bo]}) read περιελόντες (perielonte", “[From there we] cast off [and arrived at Rhegium]”; cf. Acts 27:40). The other major variant, περιελθόντες (perielqonte", “[we] sailed from place to place”), is found in Ì74 א2 A 066 1739 Ï lat sy. Although περιελόντες is minimally attested, it is found in the better witnesses. As well, it is a more difficult reading, for its meaning as a nautical term is uncertain, requiring something like “τὰς ἀγκύρας be supplied = ‘we weighed anchor’” (BDAG 799 s.v. περιαιρέω 1). It thus best explains the rise of the other readings. 3828:13sn Rhegium was a city on the southern tip of Italy. It was 80 mi (130 km) from Syracuse. 3928:13tn Grk “after one day, a south wind springing up, on the second day.” The genitive absolute construction with the participle ἐπιγενομένου (epigenomenou) has been translated as a clause with a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 4028:13sn Puteoli was a city on the western coast of Italy south of Rome. It was in the Bay of Naples some 220 mi (350 km) to the north of Rhegium. Here the voyage ended; the rest of the journey was by land. 4128:14tn Grk “where.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“where”) has been replaced with the demonstrative pronoun (“there”) and a new sentence begun here in the translation. 4228:14tn Grk “finding.” The participle εὑρόντες (Jeurontes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 4328:14sn That is, some fellow Christians. 4428:14map For location see JP4-A1. 4528:15sn Mention of Christian brothers from there (Rome) shows that God’s message had already spread as far as Italy and the capital of the empire. 4628:15sn The Forum of Appius was a small traveler’s stop on the Appian Way about 43 mi (71 km) south of Rome (BDAG 125 s.v. ᾿Αππίου φόρον). It was described by Horace as “crammed with boatmen and stingy tavernkeepers” (Satires 1.5.3). 4728:15sn Three Taverns was a stop on the Appian Way 33 mi (55 km) south of Rome. 4828:15tn Grk “whom, when he saw [them], Paul.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) was replaced by the personal pronoun (“them”) and a new sentence begun here in the translation. 4928:16tn Or “to stay.”sn Allowed to live by himself. Paul continued to have a generous prison arrangement (cf. Acts 27:3). 5028:17tn Grk “It happened that after three days.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. 5128:17tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 5228:17tn L&N 33.309 has “‘after three days, he called the local Jewish leaders together’ Ac 28:17.” 5328:17tn Grk “Men brothers,” but this is both awkward and unnecessary in English. 5428:17tn The participle ποιήσας (poihsas) has been translated as a concessive adverbial participle. 5528:17tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.”sn I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. Once again Paul claimed to be faithful to the Jewish people and to the God of Israel. 5628:17map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4. 5728:17tn Grk “into the hands of the Romans,” but this is redundant when παρεδόθην (paredoqhn) has been translated “handed over.” 5828:18tn Grk “who when.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“who”) has been replaced by the personal pronoun (“they”) and a new sentence begun at this point in the translation. 5928:18tn Or “had questioned me”; or “had examined me.” BDAG 66 s.v. ἀνακρίνω 2 states, “to conduct a judicial hearing, hear a case, question.” 6028:18sn They wanted to release me. See Acts 25:23-27. 6128:18tn Grk “no basis for death,” but in this context a sentence of death is clearly indicated. 6228:19tn That is, objected to my release. 6328:19tn Or “to the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor). 6428:19tn BDAG 533 s.v. κατηγορέω 1 states, “nearly always as legal t.t.: bring charges in court.” L&N 33.427 states for κατηγορέω, “to bring serious charges or accusations against someone, with the possible connotation of a legal or court context – ‘to accuse, to bring charges.’” 6528:19tn Or “my own nation.” 6628:20sn The hope of Israel. A reference to Israel’s messianic hope. Paul’s preaching was in continuity with this Jewish hope (Acts 1:3; 8:12; 14:22; 19:8; 20:25). 6728:21tn Grk “they said to him.” 6828:21tn Or “arrived”; Grk “come” (“from there” is implied). Grk “coming.” The participle παραγενόμενος (paragenomeno") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 6928:22tn Grk “regarding this sect it is known to us.” The passive construction “it is known to us” has been converted to an active one to simplify the translation. 7028:22tn Grk “that everywhere it is spoken against.” To simplify the translation the passive construction “it is spoken against” has been converted to an active one with the subject “people” supplied. 7128:22tn On the term translated “speak against,” see BDAG 89 s.v. ἀντιλέγω 1. 7228:23tn Grk “Having set.” The participle ταξάμενοι (taxamenoi) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 7328:23tn Grk “Having set a day with him”; the words “to meet” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. 7428:23tn Or “came to him in his rented quarters.” 7528:23tn BDAG 848 s.v. πολύς 1.b.β.ב states, “(even) more πλείονες in even greater numbers Ac 28:23.” 7628:23tn The word “things” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader. 7728:23tn Grk “to whom he explained.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) has been replaced by the pronoun (“them”) and a new sentence begun at this point in the translation. 7828:23tn BDAG 233 s.v. διαμαρτύρομαι 1 has “to make a solemn declaration about the truth of someth. testify of, bear witness to (orig. under oath)…God’s kingdom 28:23.” 7928:23sn Testifying about the kingdom of God. The topic is important. Paul’s preaching was about the rule of God and his promise in Jesus. Paul’s text was the Jewish scriptures. 8028:23tn Or “persuade.” 8128:24tn Or “persuaded.” 8228:24tn Grk “by the things spoken.” 8328:24sn Some were convinced…but others refused to believe. Once again the gospel caused division among Jews, as in earlier chapters of Acts (13:46; 18:6). 8428:25tn The imperfect verb ἀπελύοντο (apeluonto) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect. 8528:25tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.” 8628:26tn Grk “you will hear with hearing” (an idiom). 8728:26tn Or “seeing”; Grk “you will look by looking” (an idiom). 8828:27tn Or “insensitive.”sn The heart of this people has become dull. The charge from Isaiah is like Stephen’s against the Jews of Jerusalem (Acts 7:51-53). They were a hard-hearted and disobedient people. 8928:27tn Grk “they hear heavily with their ears” (an idiom for slow comprehension). 9028:27sn Note how the failure to respond to the message of the gospel is seen as a failure to turn. 9128:27sn A quotation from Isa 6:9-10. 9228:28tn Grk “Therefore let it be known to you.” 9328:28tn Or “of God.” 9428:28sn The term Gentiles is in emphatic position in the Greek text of this clause. Once again there is the pattern: Jewish rejection of the gospel leads to an emphasis on Gentile inclusion (Acts 13:44-47). 9528:28tn Grk “they also.” 9628:29tc Some later mss include 28:29: “When he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.” Verse 29 is lacking in Ì74vid א A B E Ψ 048 33 81 1175 1739 2464 pc and a number of versions. They are included (with a few minor variations) in Ï it and some versions. This verse is almost certainly not a part of the original text of Acts, as it lacks the best credentials. The present translation follows NA27 in omitting the verse number, a procedure also followed by a number of other modern translations. 9728:30tn Grk “He”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 9828:30tn Or “stayed.” 9928:30tn Or perhaps, “two whole years at his own expense.” BDAG 654 s.v. μίσθωμα states, “the customary act. mng. ‘contract price, rent’…is not found in our lit. (Ac) and the pass. what is rented, a rented house is a mng. not found outside it (even Ammonius Gramm. [100 ad] p. 93 Valck. knows nothing of it. Hence the transl. at his own expense [NRSV] merits attention) ἐν ἰδίῳ μισθώματι in his own rented lodgings Ac 28:30 (for the idea cp. Jos., Ant. 18, 235).” 10028:30tn Or “and received.” 10128:31tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.” 10228:31tn Or “openness.” 10328:31sn Proclaiming…with complete boldness and without restriction. Once again Paul’s imprisonment is on benevolent terms. The word of God is proclaimed triumphantly and boldly in Rome. Acts ends with this note: Despite all the attempts to stop it, the message goes forth.
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