16 And when we
came to Rome, the centurion delivered the
prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul
was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier
that kept him.
He states openly to the Jews in Rome the cause of
his coming
17 And it came
to pass, that after three days Paul called the
chief of the Jews together: and when they were
come together, he said unto them, Men and
brethren, though I have committed nothing
against the people, or customs of our fathers,
yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into
the hands of the Romans.
18 Who, when
they had examined me, would have let me
go, 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 ought to
accuse my nation of.
20 For this
cause therefore have I called for you, to see
you, and to speak with you: because
that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this
chain.
21 And they
said unto him, We neither received letters out
of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the
brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of
thee.
22 But we
desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for
as concerning this sect, we know that every
where it is spoken against.