Study Desk

When we entered Rome, Paul was ^(o)allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

After three days ^[m]Paul called together those who were ^(p)the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, "^(q)Brethren, ^(r)though I had done nothing against our people or ^(s)the customs of our ^[n]fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

And when they had ^(t)examined me, they ^(u)were willing to release me because there was ^(v)no ground ^[o]for putting me to death.

But when the Jews ^[p]objected, I was forced to ^(w)appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation.

For this reason, therefore, I ^[q]requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing ^(x)this chain for ^(y)the sake of the hope of Israel."

They said to him, "We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of ^(z)the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you.

But we desire to hear from you what ^[r]your views are; for concerning this ^(aa)sect, it is known to us that ^(ab)it is spoken against everywhere."

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at ^(ac)his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly ^(ad)testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, ^(ae)from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.

^(af)Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.

And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, "The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,

saying, ‘^(ag) Go to this people and say , "^[s](ah) You will keep on hearing , ^[t] but will not understand ; And ^[u] you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive ;

^(ai) For the heart of this people has become dull , And with their ears they scarcely hear , And they have closed their eyes ; Otherwise they might see with their eyes , And hear with their ears , And understand with their heart and return , And I would heal them ."'

Therefore let it be known to you that ^(aj)this salvation of God has been sent ^(ak)to the Gentiles; they will also listen."

[^[v]When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

And he stayed two full years ^[w]in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him,

^[x](al)preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ ^(am)with all openness, unhindered.