15 The brothers from there heard about us and came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul gave thanks to God and took courage.
16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.
18 After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.
19 But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.
20 This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.”
21 They answered him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, nor has any of the brothers arrived with a damaging report or rumor about you.