Meetings with the Jewish Leaders.

       On his arrival in Rome, Paul was allowed to  live by himself, with a soldier guarding him. Three days later, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brethren, although I have done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. After they had examined me, the Romans wanted to release me because they had found nothing against me that deserved the death penalty. But the Jews objected, and I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. This is the reason I have asked to see you and speak with you, for it is because of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains."

       They replied, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, nor have any of the brethren who arrived here reported or spoken anything evil about you. But we would like to hear from you what you think, for all we know about this sect is that it is denounced everywhere."

       And so they agreed on a day to meet with him, and they came to his lodgings in great numbers. From early morning until evening, he presented his case to them, testifying to the kingdom of GOD and attempting to convince them about JESUS as he argued from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some were persuaded by what he had said, but others refused to believe.

       Having failed to reach an agreement among themselves, they began to leave. Then Paul made his final statement, "How right THE HOLY SPIRIT was when HE spoke to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, saying,

       'Go to the people and say

       You will indeed listen but never understand,

          and you will indeed look but never perceive.

       For this people's heart has become dull,

          their ears have been stopped up,

          and they have shut their eyes,

       lest their eyes might see,

          their ears might hear,

          and their hearts might understand.

       Then they would be converted,

          and I would heal them.'

       "Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation offered by GOD has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen." [And when he had said this, the Jews departed, arguing vigorously among themselves.]

ACTS: CHAPTER 28, VERSES 16 - 29