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.
18
They examined me and were ready to release me, because I had done nothing to justify a death sentence.
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.
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."
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.
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."