The Complete Jewish Bible CJB
New International Version NIV
17 After three days Sha'ul called a meeting of the local Jewish leaders. When they had gathered, he said to them: "Brothers, although I have done nothing against either our people or the traditions of our fathers, I was made a prisoner in Yerushalayim and handed over to the Romans.
17
Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.
18 They examined me and were ready to release me, because I had done nothing to justify a death sentence.
18
They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.
19 But when the Judeans objected, I was forced to appeal to the Emperor - not that I had any charge to make against my own people.
19
The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people.
20 This is why I have asked to see you and speak with you, for it is because of the hope of Isra'el that I have this chain around me."
20
For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
21 They said to him, "We have not received any letters about you from Y'hudah, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.
21
They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.
22 But we do think it would be appropriate to hear your views from you, yourself; for all we know about this sect is that people everywhere speak against it."
22
But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.