1. And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Malta.
2. And the native people showed 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 natives saw the creature hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice allows not to live.
5. And he shook off the creature into the fire, and felt no harm.
6. However 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 place were lands of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.