Paul Under House Arrest in Rome

When the group entered Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with a soldier who guarded him (Acts 28:16). After three days, Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. He explained to them that though he had committed nothing against the people or customs of the fathers, he was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. He stated that the Romans found no cause for death in him and would have let him go, but when the Jews spoke against it, he was compelled to appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:17-19). He told the local leaders he was bound with a chain for the hope of Israel.

The Jewish leaders responded that they had not received letters from Judaea concerning him, nor had any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of him. They desired to hear his thoughts because they knew that the sect he belonged to was spoken against everywhere (Acts 28:21-22). On a set day, many people came to his lodging. Paul expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from the Law of Moses and the prophets from morning until evening (Acts 28:23). Some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

After the group disagreed among themselves, they departed once Paul spoke one word regarding the Holy Ghost speaking through Esaias the prophet. Paul cited the prophecy concerning people hearing but not understanding and seeing but not perceiving (Acts 28:25-27). He declared that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles and that they would hear it. The text does not say what specific legal verdict Caesar reached. Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house and received all that came in unto him (Acts 28:30). During this time, he preached the kingdom of God and taught those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, and no man forbade him (Acts 28:31).