16 When we entered Rome, Paul was aallowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17 After three days 1Paul called together those who were athe leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “bBrethren, cthough I had done nothing against our people or dthe customs of our 2fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 “And when they had aexamined me, they bwere willing to release me because there was cno ground 1for putting me to death.

19 “But when the Jews 1objected, I was forced to aappeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation.

20 “For this reason, therefore, I 1requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing athis chain for bthe sake of the hope of Israel.”

21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of athe brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you.

22 “But we desire to hear from you what 1your views are; for concerning this asect, it is known to us that bit is spoken against everywhere.”

23 When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at ahis lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly btestifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, cfrom both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.

24 aSome were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.

25 And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,

26 saying,

‘aGo to this people and say,

“1bYou will keep on hearing, 2but will not understand;

And 3you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;

27 aFor the heart of this people has become dull,

And with their ears they scarcely hear,

And they have closed their eyes;

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

And hear with their ears,

And understand with their heart and return,

And I would heal them.” ’

28 “Therefore let it be known to you that athis salvation of God has been sent bto the Gentiles; they will also listen.”

29 [1When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

30 And he stayed two full years 1in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him,

31 1apreaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ bwith all openness, unhindered.