Acts 28:15-29

15And from there the 1brothers and sisters, when they heard about us, came as far as the 2Market of Appius and the 3Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16When we entered Rome, Paul was 4allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17After three days 5Paul called together those who were 6the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “7Brothers, 8though I had done nothing against our people or 9the customs of our 10fathers, yet I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18And when they had 11examined me, they 12were willing to release me because there were 13no grounds 14for putting me to death. 19But when the Jews 15objected, I was forced to 16appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I 17requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing 18this chain for 19the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor has any of 20the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what 21your views are; for regarding this 22sect, it is known to us that 23it is spoken against everywhere.”

23When they had set a day for 24Paul, people came to him at 25his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly 26testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, 27from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 2428Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. 25And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26saying, ‘29Go to this people and say, “3031You will keep on hearing, and will not understand; And 32you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;2733For the hearts of this people have become 34insensitive, And with their ears they 35hardly 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 36this salvation of God has been sent 37to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”38