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, ^(A)though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet ^(B)I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, ¹⁸ who, ^(C)when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. ¹⁹ But when the ^[a]Jews spoke against it, ^(D)I 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 ^(E)for the hope of Israel I am bound with ^(F)this 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 ^(G)it is spoken against everywhere.”

²³ So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, ^(H)to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus ^(I)from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. ²⁴ And ^(J)some 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 ^[b]our fathers, ²⁶ saying,

²⁸ “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent ^(L)to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” ^29 [c]And 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 (M)preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.