Why did Paul call the Jewish leaders rather than the Christian leaders when he arrived in Rome?
Paul called the chief Jews together because he still carried a heart for Israel. He wanted to explain that he had done nothing against Israel or the fathers' customs, had appealed to Caesar only for protection, and was bound for the hope of Israel, not to accuse his nation.
Les explains that when Paul arrived in Rome, he was under house arrest with Roman soldiers at his side. After three days, Paul called the chief of the Jews together, not the heads of the Christian community, who were probably already down in the catacombs. Instead, Paul still had a heart for Israel. He told them he had committed nothing against the people of Israel or the customs of the fathers, yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into Roman hands. The Romans examined him and would have let him go, but the Jews spoke against him, so he was constrained to appeal unto Caesar for the protection of the Roman government. He made clear he had nothing to accuse his nation of. He called them to see and speak with him because for the hope of Israel he was bound with that chain.
And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.