19. The Jewish leaders disagreed, so I asked to be tried by the Emperor.But I don't have anything to say against my own nation.
20. I am bound by these chains because of what we people of Israel hope for. That's why I have called you here to talk about this hope of ours.
21. The leaders replied, “No one from Judea has written us a letter about you. And not one of them has come here to report on you or to say anything against you.
22. But we would like to hear what you have to say. We understand that people everywhere are against this new group.”