¹⁷ After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, ¹⁸ who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me. ¹⁹ But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. ²⁰ For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

²¹ They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you. ²² But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”

²³ When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. ²⁴ Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. ²⁵ When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, ²⁶ saying,

²⁸ “Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”

²⁹ When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.^[a]