20. And so, because of this, I requested to see you and to speak to you. For it is because of the hope of Israel that I am encircled with this chain."
21. But they said to him: "We have not received letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the other new arrivals among the brothers reported or spoken anything evil against you.
22. But we are asking to hear your opinions from you, for concerning this sect, we know that it is being spoken against everywhere."
23. And when they had appointed a day for him, very many persons went to him at his guest quarters. And he discoursed, testifying to the kingdom of God, and persuading them about Jesus, using the law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning until evening.
24. And some believed the things that he was saying, yet others did not believe.
25. And when they could not agree among themselves, they departed, while Paul was speaking this one word: "How well did the Holy Spirit speak to our fathers through the prophet Isaiah,
26. saying: 'Go to this people and say to them: Hearing, you shall hear and not understand, and seeing, you shall see and not perceive.
27. For the heart of this people has grown dull, and they have listened with reluctant ears, and they have closed their eyes tightly, lest perhaps they might see with the eyes, and hear with the ears, and understand with the heart, and so be converted, and I would heal them.'
28. Therefore, let it be known to you, that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they shall listen to it."
29. And when he had said these things, the Jews went away from him, though they still had many questions among themselves.
30. Then he remained for two whole years in his own rented lodgings. And he received all who went in to him,
31. preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which are from the Lord Jesus Christ, with all faithfulness, without prohibition.