Acts 28:19-29

19 Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; it was not as though I had any accusation against my nation.

20 So, for this reason I've asked to see you and speak to you. In fact, it is for the hope of Israel that I'm wearing this chain."

21 And they said to him, "We haven't received any letters about you from Judea; none of the brothers has come and reported or spoken anything evil about you.

22 But we consider it suitable to hear from you what you think. For concerning this sect, we are aware that it is spoken against everywhere."

The Response to Paul's Message

23 After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he expounded and witnessed about the kingdom of God. He persuaded them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.

25 Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement: "The Holy Spirit correctly spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your^[a] forefathers

26 when He said, Go to this people and say: 'You will listen and listen, yet never understand; and you will look and look, yet never perceive.

27 For this people's heart has grown callous, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and be converted-and I would heal them.' ^[b]

28 Therefore, let it be known to you that this saving work of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen!" [

29 After he said these things, the Jews departed, while engaging in a prolonged debate among themselves.]^[c]