First Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

¹⁶ And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
¹⁷ After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
¹⁸ When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
¹⁹ But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar — though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
²⁰ For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
³⁰ And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
³¹ preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered.