18. After they had examined me, they were ready to release me because I was innocent of any offense deserving the death penalty.
19. But when the Jews protested, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, though it was not because I had any charge to make against my nation.
20. This is the reason therefore why I have begged to see you and to talk with you, since it is because of the Hope of Israel (the Messiah) that I am bound with this chain.
21. And they answered him, We have not received any letters about you from Judea, and none of the [Jewish] brethren coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you.