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

Acts 28:17-20

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."

Acts 28:21-22

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."

Acts 28:25-28

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,

26 "Go to this people and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive.

27 For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.'

28 Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."