Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders.x When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers,y although I have done nothing against our peoplez or against the customs of our ancestors,a I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined meb and wanted to release me,c because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.d 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar.e I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israelf that I am bound with this chain.”g

21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our peopleh who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”i

23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God,j and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophetsk he tried to persuade them about Jesus.l 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.m