Acts 28:17-31 - Paul And The Jewish Community In Rome

17 And after three days Paul called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were come together, he said unto them, Brethren, though I have done nothing against the people of the Jews, or the customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans: 18 who when they had examined me, would have set me at liberty, because there was no crime worthy of death found in me: 19 but the Jews opposing it, I was obliged to appeal to Cesar; though not as having any thing to accuse my nation of. 20 For this reason therefore I desired to see and to speak to you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

21 And they said to him, We have neither received letters concerning thee from Judea, nor has any of the brethren, that is come hither, related or spoken any ill of thee. 22 But we would willingly hear from thee what thou thinkest: for as to this sect, we know that it is every where spoken against.

23 And having appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging; to whom he discoursed and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them of the things concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses, and from the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some regarded the things that were spoken, but others did not believe.

25 And so disagreeing one with another they separated, when Paul had said one word, to wit, that the holy Spirit spake rightly by Esaias the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying, Go to this people and say, Ye shall hear by the hearing of the ear, and not understand; and in seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: for the heart of this people is stupified, 27 and they hear heavily with their ears, and have closed their eyes; least they should see at all with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it. 29 And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, having much debate among themselves.

30 And Paul abode two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him: 31 preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom, none forbidding him.