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There we found believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.
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Now the believers from there had heard the news about us and had come to meet us as far as Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
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And when we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Paul's First Interview with Roman Jews
17 After three days he called together the leaders of the Jews. And when they had gathered he said to them: "Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our forefathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans
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who, after examining me, wanted to release me, since I had not committed a capital offense.
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Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; it was not as though I had any accusation against my nation.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.
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Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement: "The Holy Spirit correctly spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your forefathers
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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.
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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.'
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Therefore, let it be known to you that this saving work of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen!" [
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After he said these things, the Jews departed, while engaging in a prolonged debate among themselves.]
Paul's Ministry Unhindered
30 Then he stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him,
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proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance.