^{16 Ref} And when we entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him.

^{17 Ref} And it came to pass, that after three days he called together those that were the chief of the Jews: and when they were come together, he said unto them, I, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans:

^{18 Ref} who, when they had examined me, desired to set me at liberty, because there was no cause of death in me.

^{19 Ref} But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had aught whereof to accuse my nation.

^{20 Ref} For this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with `me': for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

^{21 Ref} And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judaea concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee.

^{22 Ref} But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.

^{23 Ref} And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded `the matter,' testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.

^{24 Ref} And some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

^{25 Ref} And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Spirit through Isaiah the prophet unto your fathers,

^{26 Ref} saying, Go thou unto this people, and say, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive:

^{27 Ref} For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest, haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them.

^{28 Ref} Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear.

²⁹ `And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much disputing among themselves.'

³⁰ And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him,

^{31 Ref} preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.