Acts 28:11-31

11At the end of three months we set sail on 1an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had 2the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 143There we found some 4brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15And the 5brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the 6Market of Appius and 7Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16When we entered Rome, Paul was 8allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17After three days 9Paul called together those who were 10the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “11Brethren, 12though I had done nothing against our people or 13the customs of our 14fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18And when they had 15examined me, they 16were willing to release me because there was 17no ground 18for putting me to death. 19But when the Jews 19objected, I was forced to 20appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I 21requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing 22this chain for 23the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of 24the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what 25your views are; for concerning this 26sect, it is known to us that 27it is spoken against everywhere.”

23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at 28his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly 29testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, 30from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 2431Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. 25And 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, 26saying, ‘32Go to this people and say, “3334You will keep on hearing, 35but will not understand; And 36you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;2737For 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.”’ 28Therefore let it be known to you that 38this salvation of God has been sent 39to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29[40When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

30And he stayed two full years 41in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 314243preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ 44with all openness, unhindered.