Acts 28:17-20; Acts 28:21-22; Acts 28:25-28

Acts 28:17-20

17 After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.

19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation.

20 So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

Acts 28:21-22

21 The leaders replied, “We have not received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brothers from there reported or even mentioned anything bad about you.

22 But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

Acts 28:25-28

25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”

27 For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

28 Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”