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Paul in Rome

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, (A)though I had done nothing against our people or (B)the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they (C)wished to set me at liberty, (D)because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled (E)to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against (F)my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is (G)because of (H)the hope of Israel that I am wearing (I)this (J)chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of (K)the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this (L)sect we know that everywhere (M)it is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening (N)he expounded to them, testifying to (O)the kingdom of God and (P)trying to convince them about Jesus (Q)both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And (R)some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: (S)“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 (T)“‘Go to this people, and say,
(U)You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.
27 (V)For this people's heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and (W)turn, and I would heal them.’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that (X)this (Y)salvation of God (Z)has been sent to the Gentiles; (AA)they will listen.”[a]

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense,[b] and (AB)welcomed all who came to him, 31 (AC)proclaiming (AD)the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ (AE)with all boldness and (AF)without hindrance.

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves
  2. Acts 28:30 Or in his own hired dwelling

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders.(A) When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers,(B) although I have done nothing against our people(C) or against the customs of our ancestors,(D) I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me(E) and wanted to release me,(F) because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.(G) 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar.(H) I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel(I) that I am bound with this chain.”(J)

21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people(K) who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”(L)

23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God,(M) and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets(N) he tried to persuade them about Jesus.(O) 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.(P) 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said(Q) through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;(R)
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’[a](S)

28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation(T) has been sent to the Gentiles,(U) and they will listen!” [29] [b]

30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God(V) and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness(W) and without hindrance!

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 28:27 Isaiah 6:9,10 (see Septuagint)
  2. Acts 28:29 Some manuscripts include here After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.