After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had 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. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
Comment: I guess Paul was delighted to have the degree of freedom which had been granted to him. And not surprising at all that he reached out to the local Jewish people. They were ‘his’ people. They were on the whole a religious people and basically talked about what interested them and what was important to them, including who or what they worshipped. Australians talk about sport as their interest and religion. Talking about Government and the way people see themselves as being handled is important to many people. Obviously Paul’s reason for being ‘in chains’ and in Rome was a hot topic. So naturally the matter of Jesus and the Jerusalem Jewish response to Paul and his message soon comes to the fore! To me it is a bit surprising that the Jewish Temple Authorities in Jerusalem hadn’t sent some news of what was so horrific to them but they hadn’t and it gave Paul the opportunity to explain things from his point of view. He had a mixed hearing!
Prayer: Hearing is so much more than good ears. Help me to perceive and respond appropriately to Your speaking Lord.
As I read it! 