Why did Paul call for the Jewish leaders in Rome to come see him?
Paul called for the Jewish leaders in Rome because he had nothing to accuse his nation of and no controversy with those who caused his arrest. He wanted to see and speak with them, explaining that for the hope of Israel he was bound in this chain, demonstrating his continued love for his kinsmen according to the flesh.
Les explains that Paul had been treated as he had treated others earlier, and they were constantly after his life, trying to kill him. The Romans took him under their wing, and he appealed to Caesar, so now he is in Rome waiting for justice. In verse 19, Paul says when the Jews spake against his message of salvation, he was constrained to appeal unto Caesar. He had nothing to accuse his nation of, and because he had no controversy with the people who had caused his arrest, he called for them to see and speak with him, because for the hope of Israel he was bound in this chain. Les points out that Paul never lost his love for his kinsmen according to the flesh, even though they were constantly trying to put him to death and upset his ministry. After these Jewish leaders came to meet with him under house arrest, they could not agree among themselves, and after Paul spoke one word, they departed. Paul told them that the Holy Spirit well spake by Isaiah, going back to the Old Testament.
For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
More Questions
Why did Paul, who was a prisoner for the Gentiles, say he was bound for the hope of Israel?
Although Paul called himself the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles in Ephesians 3:1, he still had a burden for Israel and therefore said he was bound with a chain for the hope of Israel.