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Paul and Jewish Leaders in Rome

17 Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers,[a] though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.(A) 18 When they had examined me, the Romans[b] wanted to release me because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.(B) 19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even though I had no charge to bring against my people.(C) 20 For this reason therefore I asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”(D) 21 They replied, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you.(E) 22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”(F)

Paul Preaches in Rome

23 After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. 25 So they disagreed with each other, and as they were leaving Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah,

26 ‘Go to this people and say,
You will indeed listen but never understand,
    and you will indeed look but never perceive.
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
    and their ears are hard of hearing,
        and they have shut their eyes;
        otherwise they might look with their eyes
    and listen with their ears
and understand with their heart and turn—
    and I would heal them.’

28 “Let it be known to you, then, that this salvation of God has been sent to the gentiles; they will listen.”[c]

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Footnotes

  1. 28.17 Gk Men, brothers
  2. 28.18 Gk they
  3. 28.28 Other ancient authorities add 28.29, And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, arguing vigorously among themselves

17 After three days [a]Paul called together those who were (A)the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “(B)Brothers, (C)though I had done nothing against our people or (D)the customs of our [b]fathers, yet I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 And when they had (E)examined me, they (F)were willing to release me because there were (G)no grounds [c]for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews [d]objected, I was forced to (H)appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I [e]requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing (I)this chain for (J)the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor has any of (K)the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what [f]your views are; for regarding this (L)sect, it is known to us that (M)it is spoken against everywhere.”

23 When they had set a day for [g]Paul, people came to him at (N)his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly (O)testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, (P)from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 (Q)Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,

(R)Go to this people and say,
[h](S)You will keep on hearing, and will not understand;
And [i]you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;
27 (T)For the hearts of this people have become [j]insensitive,
And with their ears they [k]hardly hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.”’

28 Therefore, let it be known to you that (U)this salvation of God has been sent (V)to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”[l]

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 28:17 Lit he
  2. Acts 28:17 Or forefathers
  3. Acts 28:18 Lit of death in me
  4. Acts 28:19 Lit spoke against
  5. Acts 28:20 Or invited you to see me and speak with me
  6. Acts 28:22 Lit you think
  7. Acts 28:23 Lit him
  8. Acts 28:26 Lit with a hearing you will hear
  9. Acts 28:26 Lit seeing you will see
  10. Acts 28:27 Lit dull
  11. Acts 28:27 Or are hard of hearing
  12. Acts 28:28 Late mss add as v 29: When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.