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."
[b].
Or [I have asked you to see me and speak with me]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.