¹⁶ And when we came into Rome, ^(A)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, ^(B)though I had done nothing against our people or ^(C)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 ^(D)wished to set me at liberty, ^(E)because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. ¹⁹ But because the Jews objected, I was compelled ^(F)to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against ^(G)my nation. ²⁰ For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is ^(H)because of ^(I)the hope of Israel that I am wearing ^(J)this ^(K)chain.”

³⁰ He lived there two whole years at his own expense,^[a] and ^(A)welcomed all who came to him, ^31 (B)proclaiming ^(C)the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ ^(D)with all boldness and ^(E)without hindrance.