12 [28:11]And after three months we sailed away in an Alexandrian vessel, that had wintered in the island, with the sign of Castor and Pollux. [28:12]And coming to Syracuse we remained there three days; [28:13]and proceeding thence we came to Rhegium, and after one day, a south wind blowing, we came the second day to Puteoli, [28:14]where finding brothers we were invited to remain with them seven days; and thus we came to Rome. [28:15]And thence, the brothers hearing of us came out to meet us even to the Forum of Appius, and the Three Taverns [fifty-one miles]; and when Paul saw them, thanking God he took courage. CHAPTER XXV. PAUL AT ROME.--A.D. 62, 64. 1 [28:16]AND when we came to Rome the centurion committed the prisoners to the prefect of the camp, and Paul was allowed to remain by himself, with a soldier to guard him. [28:17]And after three days he called the chief men of the Jews together; and when they had convened, said to them, Men and brothers, having done nothing contrary to the people or to the customs of the fathers, I was delivered up from Jerusalem a prisoner into the hands of the Romans, [28:18]who on trial wished to release me, because they found no cause of death in me; [28:19]but the Jews opposing it I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; not that I have any thing of which to accuse my nation. [28:20]For this reason, therefore, I have called you to see and converse with you, because I am loaded with this chain on account of the hope of Israel. 2 [28:21]And they said to him, We have neither received letters concerning you from Judea, nor has any one of the brothers come and reported or told any evil of you. [28:22]But we would like to hear from you what you think, for it is known to us concerning this sect, that it is everywhere spoken against. 3 [28:23]And appointing him a day they came in great numbers to his lodging, to whom he set forth and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus both from the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening. [28:24]And some believed the things which were spoken, and others believed not; [28:25]and disagreeing among themselves they were dismissed by Paul, saying one word; Well did the Holy Spirit speak by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, [28:26]saying, Go to this people and say, Hearing you shall hear and not understand, and seeing you shall see and not perceive; [28:27]for the heart of this people has become hard, and they hear imperfectly with their ears, and they have shut their eyes, lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I should cure them. [28:28]Be it known to you, therefore, that the salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they will hear it.