16
And when we came into Rome,
1Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
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,
2though I had done nothing against our people or
3the 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
4wished to set me at liberty,
5because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
19
But because the Jews objected, I was compelled
6to appeal to Caesar--though I had no charge to bring against
7my nation.
20
For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is
8because of
9the hope of Israel that I am wearing
10this
11chain."
21
And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of
12the 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
13sect we know that everywhere
14it 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
15he expounded to them, testifying to
16the kingdom of God and
17trying to convince them about Jesus
18both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
24
And
19some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
25
And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement:
20"The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26
21"'Go to this people, and say,
22You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.
27
23For 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
24turn, and I would heal them.'
28
Therefore let it be known to you that
25this
26salvation of God
27has been sent to the Gentiles;
28they will listen."
30
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and
29welcomed all who came to him,
31
30proclaiming
31the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ
32with all boldness and
33without hindrance.