Acts 28:17-28
English Standard Version
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]
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- Acts 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves
Acts 28:17-28
Common English Bible
Paul meets Jewish leaders in Rome
17 Three days later, Paul called the Jewish leaders together. When they gathered, he said, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I’m a prisoner from Jerusalem. They handed me over to the Romans, 18 who intended to release me after they examined me, because they couldn’t find any reason for putting me to death. 19 When the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar. Don’t think I appealed to Caesar because I had any reason to bring charges against my nation. 20 This is why I asked to see you and speak with you: it’s because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
21 They responded, “We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of our brothers come and reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we think it’s important to hear what you think, for we know that people everywhere are speaking against this faction.”
23 On the day scheduled for this purpose, many people came to the place where he was staying. From morning until evening, he explained and testified concerning God’s kingdom and tried to convince them about Jesus through appealing to the Law from Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others refused to believe. 25 They disagreed with each other and were starting to leave when Paul made one more statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke correctly when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,
26 Go to this people and say:
You will hear, to be sure, but never understand;
and you will certainly see but never recognize what you are seeing.
27 This people’s senses have become calloused,
and they’ve become hard of hearing,
and they’ve shut their eyes
so that they won’t see with their eyes
or hear with their ears
or understand with their minds,
and change their hearts and lives that I may heal them.[a]
28 “Therefore, be certain of this: God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen!”[b]
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- Acts 28:27 Isa 6:9-10
- Acts 28:28 Critical editions of the Gk New Testament do not include 28:29 After he said this, the Jews left, debating among themselves.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible