Acts 28:16

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

And {G1161} when {G3753} we came {G2064} to {G1519} Rome {G4516}, the centurion {G1543} delivered {G3860} the prisoners {G1198} to the captain of the guard {G4759}: but {G1161} Paul {G3972} was suffered {G2010} to dwell {G3306} by {G2596} himself {G1438} with {G4862} a soldier {G4757} that kept {G5442} him {G846}.

And when we arrived at Rome, the officer allowed Sha’ul to stay by himself, though guarded by a soldier.

When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

And when we entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him.

Acts 28:16 KJV Commentary

Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the book of Acts: the apostle Paul's long-awaited arrival in Rome. After years of missionary journeys, arrests, trials, and a perilous sea voyage, Paul finally reaches the heart of the Roman Empire as a prisoner. His journey, documented from Acts chapter 27, was fraught with danger, yet divine providence ensured his safe passage. Paul had previously expressed a strong desire to preach the Gospel in Rome (Romans 1:15), and though he arrives in chains, this verse shows God opening a unique door for his ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: Despite being a prisoner, Paul's arrival in Rome and his relatively lenient house arrest demonstrate God's sovereign hand guiding his steps and fulfilling His purposes. Even imprisonment cannot thwart God's plan for the spread of the Gospel.
  • The Gospel's Advance: Paul's presence in Rome, the epicenter of the Roman Empire, signifies the Gospel's unstoppable advance. His unique living arrangement allowed him to receive visitors and continue his ministry, as seen in subsequent verses.
  • Paul's Enduring Witness: This verse highlights Paul's resilience and commitment to his mission, even under duress. His willingness to suffer for Christ is a testament to his faith and serves as an example for believers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "captain of the guard" refers to the Praetorian Prefect (often the Praefectus Praetorio), a high-ranking Roman official responsible for the emperor's personal guard and, significantly, for judicial matters concerning prisoners sent to Rome. Paul being "suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him" indicates a form of house arrest rather than common prison confinement. The Greek word for "kept" (τηροῦντι - tērounti) implies a continuous guarding or watching, but without the harshness of a typical prison cell.

Practical Application

Acts 28:16 reminds us that God can use any circumstance, even difficult ones like imprisonment or restriction, to further His kingdom. Paul's house arrest in Rome became an opportunity for the Gospel to reach influential people and for him to write several epistles, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. For believers today, this verse offers encouragement that our limitations or adversities can be transformed into opportunities for God's glory and for us to be a witness, just as Paul's chains served to advance the Gospel (Philippians 1:12).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 27:3

    And the next [day] we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave [him] liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

  • Acts 24:23

    And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let [him] have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

  • Romans 1:7

    To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Romans 1:15

    So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

  • Acts 28:30

    ¶ And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

  • Acts 28:31

    Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

  • Genesis 39:21

    But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back