Paul’s First Interview with Roman Jews

¹⁷ After three days he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them: “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.^{(A) 18} After they examined me, they wanted to release me, since I had not committed a capital offense.^{(B) 19} Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar;^(C) it was not as though I had any accusation against my nation. ²⁰ For this reason I’ve asked to see you and speak to you. In fact, it is for the hope of Israel that I’m wearing this chain.”^(D)

²¹ Then they said to him, “We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea. None of the brothers has come and reported or spoken anything evil about you. ²² But we would like to hear from you what you think. For concerning this sect, we are aware that it is spoken against everywhere.”^(E)

The Response to Paul’s Message

²³ After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he expounded and witnessed about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.^{(F) 24} Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.^(G)

²⁵ Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement: “The Holy Spirit correctly spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your^[a] ancestors ²⁶ when He said,

²⁸ Therefore, let it be known to you that this saving work of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen!”^(I) [²⁹ After he said these things, the Jews departed, while engaging in a prolonged debate among themselves.]^[c]