17

Then after three days he sent for the chief men of the Jews: and when they had come together, he said to them, My brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the ways of our fathers, I was given, a prisoner from Jerusalem, into the hands of the Romans.

18

Who, when they had put questions to me, were ready to let me go free, because there was no cause of death in me.

19

But when the Jews made protest against it, I had to put my cause into Caesar's hands not because I have anything to say against my nation.

20

But for this reason I sent for you, to see and have talk with you: for because of the hope of Israel I am in these chains.

21

And they said to him, We have not had letters from Judaea about you, and no one of the brothers has come to us here to give an account or say any evil about you.

22

But we have a desire to give hearing to your opinion: for as to this form of religion, we have knowledge that in all places it is attacked.

23

And when a day had been fixed, they came to his house in great numbers and he gave them teaching, giving witness to the kingdom of God, and having discussions with them about Jesus, from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.

24

And some were in agreement with what he said, but some had doubts.

25

And they went away, for there was a division among them after Paul had said this one thing: Well did the Holy Spirit say by the prophet Isaiah to your fathers,

26

Go to this people and say, Though you give ear, you will not get knowledge and seeing, you will see, but the sense will not be clear to you:

27

For the heart of this people has become fat and their ears are slow in hearing and their eyes are shut for fear that they might see with their eyes and give hearing with their ears and become wise in their hearts and be turned again to me, so that I might make them well.

28

Be certain, then, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will give hearing.

29

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30

And for the space of two years, Paul was living in the house of which he had the use, and had talk with all those who went in to see him,

31

Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ without fear, and no orders were given that he was not to do so.