Hope of Israel

16When we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.

17It happened that after three days he called together the leading men of the Jews. And when they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.”

18who, after examining me, wanted to release me because there was no basis for the death penalty in my case.

19But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—not because I had anything to accuse my nation of.

20For this reason, therefore, I asked to see you and to speak with you, for it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.

21But they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, nor has any of the brothers who came reported or spoken anything evil about you.”

22But we consider it proper to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.