Paul Preaches at Rome

(Isaiah 6:1–13)

16 When we arrived in Rome, the centurion delivered up the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but[fn] Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

17 After three days, Paul[fn] 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. 18 [They] examined me [and] wanted to release [me], because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. 19 But [when] the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, [even though] I have no [charge] to bring against my nation. 20 So 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.”

21 [The 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. 22 But we consider your views {worth} hearing, because we know that [people] everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

23 So 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.

24 Some [of them] were convinced by what he said, but [others] refused to believe. 25 They disagreed among [themselves] [and] began to leave [after] Paul had made [this final] statement “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to our[fn] fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing [but] never understanding; you will be ever seeing [but] never perceiving.”

27 For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with [their] ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with [their] eyes, hear with [their] ears, understand with [their] hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’[fn]

28 Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

29 And when he had said these things, the Jews went away, disputing sharply among themselves.[fn]

30 [Paul] stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to [visit] him. 31 Boldly [and] freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.