Paul in Rome

Acts 28

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, b though I had done nothing against our people or c the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they d wished to set me at liberty, e because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled f to appeal to Caesar - though I had no charge to bring against g my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is h because of i the hope of Israel that I am wearing j this k chain." 21 And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of l the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this m sect we know that everywhere n it is spoken against."

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening o he expounded to them, testifying to p the kingdom of God and q trying to convince them about Jesus r both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And s some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: t "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 u "'Go to this people, and say,
v You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
 27 w For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and x turn, and I would heal them.'

28 Therefore let it be known to you that y this z salvation of God a has been sent to the Gentiles; b they will listen." 1

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, 2 and c welcomed all who came to him, 31 d proclaiming e the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ f with all boldness and g without hindrance.

  1. Cross References
    Acts 25:8
    Paul argued in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.
  2. Cross References
    Acts 6:14
    For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.
    Acts 15:1
    But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.
    Acts 21:21
    And they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.
  3. Cross References
    Acts 26:31 - 32
    And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, "This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.
  4. Cross References
    Acts 23:29
    I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
  5. Cross References
    Acts 25:11
    If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.
    Acts 26:32
    And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.
  6. Cross References
    Acts 24:17
    Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
    Acts 26:4
    My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
  7. Cross References
    Acts 23:6
    Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.
  8. Cross References
    Luke 2:25
    Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
  9. Cross References
    Acts 26:29
    And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am - except for these chains.
  10. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:20
    For which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
    2 Timothy 1:16
    May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
    Acts 21:33
    Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done.
    Philippians 1:7
    It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
  11. Cross References
    Acts 22:5
    As the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 24:5
    For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
  13. Cross References
    Luke 2:34
    And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
    1 Peter 2:12
    Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
    1 Peter 3:16
    Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
    1 Peter 4:14
    If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
    1 Peter 4:16
    Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
  14. Cross References
    Acts 17:2 - 3
    And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 28:31
    Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 19:8
    And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
  17. Cross References
    Acts 8:35
    Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
    Acts 24:14
    But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.
    Acts 26:22
    To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
  18. Cross References
    Acts 14:4
    But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.
    Acts 17:4 - 5
    And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
    Acts 19:9
    But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.
    Acts 23:7
    And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
  19. Cross References
    Matthew 15:7
    You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
  20. Cross References
    Isaiah 6:9 - 10
    And he said, "Go, and say to this people: "'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 13:14 - 15
    Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.
    Mark 4:12
    So that "they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.
    Luke 8:10
    He said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
  22. Cross References
    Isaiah 6:9 - 10
    And he said, "Go, and say to this people: "'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.
  23. Cross References
    John 12:40
    "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them."
    Romans 11:8
    As it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.
  24. Cross References
    Luke 22:32
    But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.
  25. Cross References
    Acts 13:26
    Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.
  26. Cross References
    Psalms 67:2
    That your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
    Isaiah 40:5
    And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
    Luke 2:30
    For my eyes have seen your salvation
    Luke 3:6
    And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'
    Romans 11:11
    So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.
  27. Cross References
    Acts 13:46
    And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.
  28. Cross References
    John 10:16
    And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
    Acts 13:48
    And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
    Matthew 8:11
    I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
    Matthew 21:43
    Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.
  29. Cross References
    Philippians 1:13
    So that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
  30. Cross References
    Acts 8:12
    But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
    Acts 20:25
    And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 28:23
    When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
    Matthew 12:28
    But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
    Matthew 13:19
    When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.
  32. Cross References
    Acts 4:29
    And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.
  33. Cross References
    Philippians 1:12 - 13
    I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
    2 Timothy 2:9
    For which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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