17Then after three days he called together the leading men of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them: "I, brothers, have done nothing hostile to the people or to the ancestral customs, yet as a prisoner from Jerusalem I was delivered into the hands of the Romans."18After investigating me they were planning to release me, because no cause of death existed in me.19But when the Jews disputed, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not because my nation had any accusation against me.20For this reason, therefore, I summoned you to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that this chain is around me.21They said to him, "We received no letters about you from Judea, nor has any of the brothers who arrived reported or spoken anything evil about you."22We consider it right to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.23They set a day with him, and many came to him at his lodging. To them he explained the matter, solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and seeking to persuade them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening.24Some were persuaded by what was said, but others disbelieved.25As they disagreed among themselves they began to leave after Paul had spoken one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers."26Saying, "Go to this people and say, 'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.'"27For the heart of this people has grown dull, and with their ears they have heard with difficulty, and they have closed their eyes, so that they might not see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, turn, and be healed.28Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.29And when he had said these things, the Jews went away, having much discussion among themselves.30He stayed two whole years in his own rented quarters and welcomed all who came to him.31He was preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.