First ReadingActs 28:16-20, 30-31
From the Acts of the Apostles
16When we entered into Rome,the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard,but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
17After three days Paul called together thosewho were the leaders of the Jews.When they had come together,he said to them, “I,brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers,still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,18who, when they had examined me,desired to set me free,because there was no cause of death in me.19But when the Jews spoke against it,I was constrained to appeal to Caesar,not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.20For this cause therefore I asked to see youand to speak with you.For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
verses 21–28 are not read30Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented houseand received all who were coming to him,31preaching God’s Kingdomand teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness,without hindrance.