17

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

25

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

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

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

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

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