Paul Addresses the Jewish Community in Rome

28:17 After three days50 Paul51 called the local Jewish leaders52 together. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers,53 although I had done54 nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors,55 from Jerusalem56 I was handed over as a prisoner to the Romans.57 28:18 When58 they had heard my case,59 they wanted to release me,60 because there was no basis for a death sentence61 against me. 28:19 But when the Jews objected,62 I was forced to appeal to Caesar63—not that I had some charge to bring64 against my own people.65 28:20 So for this reason I have asked to see you and speak with you, for I am bound with this chain because of the hope of Israel.”66 28:21 They replied,67 “We have received no letters from Judea about you, nor have any of the brothers come from there68 and reported or said anything bad about you. 28:22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for regarding this sect we know69 that people70 everywhere speak against71 it.”

28:23 They set72 a day to meet with him,73 and they came to him where he was staying74 in even greater numbers.75 From morning until evening he explained things76 to them,77 testifying78 about the kingdom of God79 and trying to convince80 them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets. 28:24 Some were convinced81 by what he said,82 but others refused83 to believe. 28:25 So they began to leave,84 unable to agree among themselves, after Paul made one last statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly to your ancestors85 through the prophet Isaiah 28:26 when he said,

‘Go to this people and say,

“You will keep on hearing,86 but will never understand,

and you will keep on looking,87 but will never perceive.

28:27 For the heart of this people has become dull,88

and their ears are hard of hearing,89

and they have closed their eyes,

so that they would not see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

and turn,90 and I would heal them.” ’91

28:28 “Therefore be advised92 that this salvation from God93 has been sent to the Gentiles;94 they95 will listen!”96

28:30 Paul97 lived98 there two whole years in his own rented quarters99 and welcomed100 all who came to him, 28:31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ101 with complete boldness102 and without restriction.103