¹⁶ When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.^(A)

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

¹⁷ Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders.^(B) When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers,^(C) although I have done nothing against our people^(D) or against the customs of our ancestors,^(E) I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. ¹⁸ They examined me^(F) and wanted to release me,^(G) because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.^{(H) 19} The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar.^(I) 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^(J) that I am bound with this chain.”^(K)

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^(A) and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness^(B) and without hindrance!

²⁰ Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved^(A) was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)^{(B) 21} When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

²² Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return,^(C) what is that to you? You must follow me.”^{(D) 23} Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers^(E) that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies to these things^(F) and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.^(G)

²⁵ Jesus did many other things as well.^(H) If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.