Reading I
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
And when we were come to Rome, Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him.
And after the third day, he called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said to them: Men, brethren, I, having done nothing against the people or the custom of our fathers, was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
Who, when they had examined me, would have released me, for that there was no cause of death in me.
But the Jews contradicting it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar: not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.
For this cause therefore I desired to see you and to speak to you. Because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.
And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging: and he received all that came in to him,
Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without prohibition.
