15
The believers from there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.
16
When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
17
Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.
18
When they had examined me, the Romans wanted to release me, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
19
But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
20
For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."
21
They replied, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you.
22
But we would like to hear from you what you think, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against."
23
After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets.
24
Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe.
25
So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah,