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where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome.
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And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
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Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
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And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
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who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death.
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But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation.
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For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
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Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you.
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But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere."
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So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
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And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.