Paul Preaches at Rome
When they arrive in Rome, Paul is allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him, and after three days he gathers the Jewish leaders. He tells them he has done nothing against the people or the customs of the fathers, explains how the appeal to Caesar arose, and says he is wearing his chain because of the hope of Israel, while they answer that they have heard no formal report against him and are willing to hear more about the sect spoken against everywhere.
W16hen we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him. 17After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. 19But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation. 20So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 21The leaders replied, “We have not received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brothers from there reported or even mentioned anything bad about you. 22But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”
On the appointed day many come to Paul’s lodging, and from morning to evening he testifies to the kingdom of God and tries to persuade them about Jesus from Moses and the Prophets. Some are convinced and others refuse, and as they begin to leave Paul cites Isaiah’s words about hardened hearts before saying that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles and they will listen.
23So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe. 25They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26‘Go to this people and say, 27For this people’s heart has grown callous; 28Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”
For two full years Paul lives in his own rented house, welcoming all who come to him. The book ends with him proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ boldly and without hindrance.
30Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. 31Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.