1

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

2

And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid [them] on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

4

And when the barbarians saw the [venomous] beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

5

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

6

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

8

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

10

Who also honoured us with many honours and when we departed, they laded [us] with such things as were necessary.