15. And from there the brothers, when they heard the news about us, came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. When he saw them, Paul gave thanks to God and took courage.
16. And when we entered into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.
17. Now it happened that after three days, he called together those who were the most prominent of the Jews. And when they had assembled, he said to them, “Men and brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, from Jerusalem I was delivered as a prisoner into the hands of the Romans,
18. who, when they had examined me, were wanting to release me, because there was no basis for an accusation worthy of death with me.
19. But because the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar (not as if I had any charge to bring against my own people).
20. Therefore for this reason I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for because of the hope of Israel I am wearing this chain!”
21. And they said to him, “We have received no letters about you from Judea, nor has any of the brothers come and reported or spoken anything evil about you.
22. But we would like to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”
23. And when they had set a day with him, many more came to him at his lodging place, to whom he was explaining from early in the morning until evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and attempting to convince them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets.
24. And some were convinced by what was said, but others refused to believe.
25. So being in disagreement with one another, they began to leave after Paul made one statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through the prophet Isaiah to your fathers,
26. saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will keep on hearing and will never understand, and you will keep on seeing and will never perceive.
27. For the heart of this people has become dull, and with their ears they hear with difficulty, and they have shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.” ’