14
There we found
1brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.
15
And
2the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them,
3Paul thanked God and took courage.
16
And when we came into Rome,
4Paul 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,
5though I had done nothing against our people or
6the 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
7wished to set me at liberty,
8because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
19
But because the Jews objected, I was compelled
9to appeal to Caesar--though I had no charge to bring against
10my nation.
20
For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is
11because of
12the hope of Israel that I am wearing
13this
14chain."
21
And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of
15the 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
16sect we know that everywhere
17it 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
18he expounded to them, testifying to
19the kingdom of God and
20trying to convince them about Jesus
21both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
24
And
22some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
25
And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement:
23"The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26
24"'Go to this people, and say,
25You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.
27
26For 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
27turn, and I would heal them.'
28
Therefore let it be known to you that
28this
29salvation of God
30has been sent to the Gentiles;
31they will listen."
30
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and
32welcomed all who came to him,
31
33proclaiming
34the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ
35with all boldness and
36without hindrance.