Acts 28:11-31
English Standard Version
Paul Arrives at Rome
11 After three months we set sail in (A)a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods[a] as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found (B)brothers[b] and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And (C)the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, (D)Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, (E)Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
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, (F)though I had done nothing against our people or (G)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 (H)wished to set me at liberty, (I)because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled (J)to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against (K)my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is (L)because of (M)the hope of Israel that I am wearing (N)this (O)chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of (P)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 (Q)sect we know that everywhere (R)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 (S)he expounded to them, testifying to (T)the kingdom of God and (U)trying to convince them about Jesus (V)both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And (W)some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: (X)“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 (Y)“‘Go to this people, and say,
(Z)“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 (AA)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 (AB)turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that (AC)this (AD)salvation of God (AE)has been sent to the Gentiles; (AF)they will listen.”[c]
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense,[d] and (AG)welcomed all who came to him, 31 (AH)proclaiming (AI)the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ (AJ)with all boldness and (AK)without hindrance.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Acts 28:11 That is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux
- Acts 28:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21
- Acts 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves
- Acts 28:30 Or in his own hired dwelling
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.