14. There we found some [Christian] brethren and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.
15. And the [Christian] brethren there, having had news of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and received new courage.
16. When we arrived at Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was permitted to live by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
17. Three days after [our arrival], he called together the leading local Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, Brethren, though I have done nothing against the people or against the customs of our forefathers, yet I was turned over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18. After they had examined me, they were ready to release me because I was innocent of any offense deserving the death penalty.
19. But when the Jews protested, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, though it was not because I had any charge to make against my nation.
20. This is the reason therefore why I have begged to see you and to talk with you, since it is because of the Hope of Israel (the Messiah) that I am bound with this chain.