18
Who when they had examined me, would have let [me] go, because there was no cause of death in me.
19
But when the Jews spoke against [it], I was constrained to appeal to Cesar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of.
20
For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see [you], and to speak with [you]: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21
And they said to him, We have neither received letters from Judea concerning thee, neither have any of the brethren that came shown or spoken any harm of thee.
22
But we desire to hear from thee, what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
23
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.
24
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after Paul had spoken one word, Well spoke the Holy Spirit by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,
26
Saying, Go to this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive.
27
For the heart of this people is become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28
Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it.