English Standard Version

Acts 28:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

1. After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.

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.

3. 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.

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.”

5. He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.