:17. 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.

28:18. Who, when they had examined me, would have released me, for that
there was no cause of death in me.

28:19. But the Jews contradicting it, I was constrained to appeal unto
Caesar: not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.

28:20. 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.

28:21. But they said to him: We neither received letters concerning thee
from Judea: neither did any of the brethren that came hither relate or
speak any evil of thee.

28:22. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as
concerning this sect, we know that it is every where contradicted.

28:23. And when they had appointed him a day, there came very many to
him unto his lodgings. To whom he expounded, testifying the kingdom of
God and persuading them concerning Jesus, out of the law of Moses and
the prophets, from morning until evening.

28:24. And some believed the things that were said: but some believed
not.

28:25. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, Paul
speaking this one word: Well did the Holy Ghost speak to our fathers by
Isaias the prophet,

28:26. Saying: Go to this people and say to them: With the ear you shall
hear and shall not understand: and seeing you shall see and shall not
perceive.

28:27. For the heart of this people is grown gross, and with their ears
have they heard heavily and their eyes they have shut, lest perhaps they
should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with
their heart and should be converted: and I should heal them.

28:28. Be it known therefore to you that this salvation of God is sent
to the Gentiles: and they will hear it.

28:29. And when he had said these things, the Jews went out from him,
having much reasoning among themselves.

28:30. And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging: and he
received all that came in to him,

28:31. Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which
concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without prohibition.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE ROMANS

St. Paul wrote this epistle at Cori