[1] And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. [2] the barbarous people shewed no little kindness: for a fire, and received 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 the heat, and fastened on his hand. [4] And when the barbarians the venomous beast hang on his hand, among themselves, No doubt this man 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, that he a god. [7] In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received 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, his hands on him, and healed him. [9] was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: [10] Who also honoured with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.