Acts 28:16-31

16When we entered Rome, Paul was 1allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

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

23When they had set a day for 21Paul, people came to him at 22his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly 23testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, 24from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 2425Some 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, ‘26Go to this people and say, “2728You will keep on hearing, and will not understand; And 29you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;2730For the hearts of this people have become 31insensitive, And with their ears they 32hardly 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 33this salvation of God has been sent 34to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”35

30Now Paul stayed two full years 36in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 313738preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ 39with all openness, unhindered.