14 There we found some brothers and sisters, and we were invited to stay with them for seven days. And in this way we came to Rome.
15 Now the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he gave thanks to God and took courage.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to remain in his own quarters, with a soldier guarding him.
17 It happened that after three days, Paul called together those who were the prominent Jewish leaders. When they had gathered he said to them, “Brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 When they examined me, they wanted to release me because there was no basis for the death penalty.
19 But when the Judean leaders protested, I was forced to appeal to Caesar—not that I had any charge to bring against my own nation.
20 For this reason, therefore, I have requested to see you and to speak with you—since it is for the hope of Israel that I am bearing this chain.”