Paul in Rome
17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers,
1though I had done nothing against our people or
2the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18
When they had examined me, they
3wished to set me at liberty,
4because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
19
But because the Jews objected, I was compelled
5to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against
6my nation.
20
For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is
7because of
8the hope of Israel that I am wearing
9this
10chain. ”
21
And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of
11the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
22
But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this
12sect we know that everywhere
13it is spoken against. ”
23
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening
14he expounded to them, testifying to
15the kingdom of God and
16trying to convince them about Jesus
17both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
24
And
18some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
25
And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement:
19“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26
20“‘Go to this people, and say,
21“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. ”
27
22For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and
23turn, and I would heal them. ’
28
Therefore let it be known to you that
24this
25salvation of God
26has been sent to the Gentiles;
27they will listen. ”
30
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and
28welcomed all who came to him,
31
29proclaiming
30the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ
31with all boldness and
32without hindrance.