Paul’s Ministry at Rome

17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, lthough I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet mI was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, nwhen they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the 4Jews spoke against it, oI was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because pfor the hope of Israel I am bound with qthis chain.”

21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that rit is spoken against everywhere.”

23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, sto whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus tfrom both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And usome were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to 5our fathers, 26 saying,

v‘Go to this people and say:

“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;

And seeing you will see, and not perceive;

27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing,

And their eyes they have closed,

Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,

Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,

So that I should heal them.” ’

28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent wto the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 29 6And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 xpreaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.