Acts 28:17-29

17After three days 1Paul called together those who were 2the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “3Brethren, 4though I had done nothing against our people or 5the customs of our 6fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18And when they had 7examined me, they 8were willing to release me because there was 9no ground 10for putting me to death. 19But when the Jews 11objected, I was forced to 12appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I 13requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing 14this chain for 15the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of 16the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what 17your views are; for concerning this 18sect, it is known to us that 19it is spoken against everywhere.”

23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at 20his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly 21testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, 22from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 2423Some 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, ‘24Go to this people and say, “2526You will keep on hearing, 27but will not understand; And 28you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;2729For 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 30this salvation of God has been sent 31to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29[32When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]