Acts 28:21

KJV

And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, We {G2249} neither {G3777} received {G1209} letters {G1121} out of {G575} Judaea {G2449} concerning {G4012} thee {G4675}, neither {G3777} any {G5100} of the brethren {G80} that came {G3854} shewed {G518} or {G2228} spake {G2980} any {G5100} harm {G4190} of {G4012} thee {G4675}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to him, “We have not received any letters about you from Y’hudah, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.

Berean Standard Bible

The leaders replied, “We have not received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brothers from there reported or even mentioned anything bad about you.

American Standard Version

And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judæa concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:21 records the surprising response of the Jewish leaders in Rome to Paul's summons, revealing an unexpected absence of any prior negative communication or formal accusations against him from Judea. This declaration signifies a crucial turning point, as it allowed Paul to present his case and the gospel message to the influential Jewish community in the imperial capital without the immediate prejudice of his persistent accusers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's initial address to the leading Jews of Rome, whom he had summoned three days after his arrival. Having endured a perilous journey, including a shipwreck and various trials, Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner, appealing to Caesar. In [Acts 28:17-20](/acts/28-17-20 "Paul's First Meeting with Roman Jewish Leaders"), Paul explains his situation, clarifying that he was delivered into Roman hands not for any crime against his people or their customs, but because of "the hope of Israel" ([Acts 28:20](/acts/28-20 "Paul's Explanation of His Imprisonment")), referring to the resurrection of the dead and the Messiah. The leaders' response in verse 21 directly addresses Paul's implicit concern about their prior knowledge of his case, setting the stage for his extended ministry in Rome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish community in Rome was substantial and well-established, with multiple synagogues. Communication between Jerusalem and the diaspora communities typically occurred through official letters carried by travelers or through informal reports from those who journeyed between the regions. Given the intense opposition Paul faced in Jerusalem, culminating in plots against his life and repeated legal proceedings ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "Plot Against Paul's Life"), [Acts 24:1-9](/acts/24-1-9 "Tertullus's Accusation Against Paul")), it would have been customary for his accusers to send ahead official charges or at least informal warnings to the Roman Jewish leadership. The statement in [Acts 28:21](/acts/28-21 "Jewish Leaders' Response to Paul") indicates that this expected communication had not occurred, which is highly unusual and significant for understanding Paul's subsequent ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse highlights several key themes central to the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating circumstances to protect His messenger and advance His kingdom. The unexpected silence of Paul's accusers, despite their previous zeal, points to a divine intervention that cleared a path for Paul's ministry. Secondly, it emphasizes Paul's consistent **Evangelistic Strategy**, which always began with the Jewish community, even in a new city and under house arrest. He sought to explain his situation and the gospel message to his own people first. Thirdly, it foreshadows the theme of the **Unhindered Proclamation of the Gospel**, which culminates in [Acts 28:30-31](/acts/28-30-31 "Paul's Unhindered Preaching in Rome"), where Paul is depicted preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ "with all confidence, no man forbidding him." The lack of prior prejudice provided a crucial initial opening for this unhindered ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **received (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This verb (G1209) means "to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the formal reception of official correspondence. The leaders explicitly state they had not "received" any letters, indicating a complete absence of formal charges or communications from the authorities in Judea regarding Paul's case.
* **letters (Greek, _grámma'_):** This noun (G1121) refers to "a writing, i.e. a letter, note, epistle, book, etc." Here, it specifically denotes official written communications, likely formal accusations or indictments, that would typically precede a prisoner of Paul's prominence. The absence of such "letters" is the first crucial point made by the Roman Jewish leaders.
* **harm (Greek, _ponērós'_):** This adjective (G4190) means "hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence)." It denotes something bad, grievous, or malicious. The leaders' statement that no one "spake any harm" of Paul implies that even informal, verbal slander or defamatory reports had not reached them, suggesting that Paul's reputation had not been prejudiced by casual travelers from Judea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto him":** This phrase introduces the direct response of the leading Jews of Rome to Paul's explanation of his imprisonment. It signifies the beginning of their formal reply, which is crucial for understanding their posture toward Paul.
* **"We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee":** This is the first and most striking part of their declaration. It indicates that no official written communication, such as formal charges or indictments from the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, had reached the Roman Jewish community regarding Paul. This is highly significant given the persistent and intense opposition Paul faced in Judea.
* **"neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee":** This second clause expands on the first, stating that not only were there no official letters, but also no informal, verbal reports or slander had been brought against Paul by any Jewish travelers or "brethren" arriving from Judea. This suggests that Paul's reputation among the broader Jewish diaspora in Rome was not prejudiced by prior negative gossip or personal attacks, providing him with a relatively clean slate.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Irony** and **Divine Providence** as key literary and theological devices. The **irony** lies in the stark contrast between the relentless, fervent opposition Paul faced in Jerusalem, where plots were constantly hatched against his life and numerous accusations leveled, and the complete silence from Judea that greeted him in Rome. His accusers, who had pursued him with such zeal, failed to send ahead any formal or informal communication. This unexpected lack of prejudice highlights **Divine Providence**, where God's unseen hand orchestrates circumstances for His purposes. The "silence" of Paul's enemies is not merely a coincidence but a strategic intervention, clearing a path for Paul to present the gospel without immediate, pre-existing slander. This narrative choice emphasizes God's control over human affairs, even the communication patterns of Paul's adversaries, to ensure the unhindered proclamation of the gospel in the heart of the Roman Empire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:21 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over seemingly random events and human intentions. The unexpected silence of Paul's accusers, who had previously been so vociferous, can be seen as a direct act of divine providence, clearing the way for Paul to fulfill his mission in Rome. This demonstrates that even when facing intense opposition and complex legal battles, God can orchestrate circumstances—such as delays in communication or the failure of enemies to act—to create opportunities for His truth to be proclaimed. This passage assures believers that God is at work behind the scenes, often in ways we cannot perceive, to advance His kingdom and protect His servants, ensuring that His purposes prevail over human malice.

* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Paul's Imprisonment and the Advance of the Gospel")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Psalm 76:10](/psalms/76-10 "God Restrains the Wrath of Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:21 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to trust implicitly in God's providence, recognizing that His hand is at work even in the most challenging or seemingly unfavorable circumstances. Just as God cleared a path for Paul by silencing his accusers, He can open doors and remove obstacles for us as we seek to live out our faith and share the gospel. This verse also underscores the significance of a blameless reputation. Paul's consistent integrity, even amidst false accusations, meant that when the opportunity arose, there was no pre-existing "harm" spoken against him to hinder his message. We are encouraged to live lives that honor Christ, knowing that our character can either open or close doors for the gospel. Ultimately, this passage reminds us to be prepared to seize unexpected opportunities for ministry, trusting that God will provide the means and the platform for His truth to be heard, even in the most unlikely of places.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's providence more, even when circumstances seem against you?**
* **How does maintaining a good reputation, even in the face of opposition, prepare you for future opportunities to share your faith?**
* **Can you identify instances in your life where God unexpectedly cleared a path or removed an obstacle for you to serve Him?**

### FAQ
**Why had no letters or reports concerning Paul arrived in Rome from Judea?**

Answer: The text itself does not explicitly state the reason, but several possibilities are often considered. One practical reason could be the delays inherent in ancient travel and communication, especially given Paul's shipwreck and subsequent journey. It's plausible that official letters, if dispatched, were lost or simply had not yet arrived. However, from a theological perspective, many commentators see this as an act of **divine providence**. God, in His sovereignty, may have intentionally hindered or delayed these communications to provide Paul with an unhindered opportunity to preach the gospel in Rome. This allowed Paul to present his case and the message of Christ without the immediate burden of pre-existing prejudice or formal accusations from Jerusalem, as emphasized in [Acts 28:21](/acts/28-21 "Jewish Leaders' Response to Paul").

**Was it unusual for the Roman Jewish leaders to be unaware of Paul's situation?**

Answer: Yes, it was highly unusual. Paul had been a prominent figure in the Jewish community in Jerusalem, and his trials had involved significant Jewish leadership ([Acts 23:1-10](/acts/23-1-10 "Paul Before the Sanhedrin"), [Acts 24:1-9](/acts/24-1-9 "Tertullus's Accusation Against Paul")). Given the close ties and communication networks between Jewish communities across the Roman Empire, it would have been expected that news, especially negative reports about a controversial figure like Paul, would have preceded him. The Roman leaders' statement in [Acts 28:21](/acts/28-21 "Jewish Leaders' Response to Paul") therefore highlights an extraordinary and unexpected lack of prior knowledge, which is crucial to the narrative's unfolding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 28:21, while seemingly a minor detail about communication, profoundly points to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Just as God cleared the way for Paul's unhindered proclamation of the gospel in Rome by silencing his accusers, Christ Himself cleared the ultimate way for humanity's reconciliation with God. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness and canceled the record of our debt, which stood against us ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Christ cancels our debt")). He broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity and granting all believers direct access to God the Father ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Christ Our Peace and Access to God")). Paul's ability to preach the Kingdom of God "with all confidence, no man forbidding him" ([Acts 28:31](/acts/28-31 "Paul's Unhindered Preaching in Rome")) foreshadows the unhindered access to God that all believers now enjoy through Christ. The "hope of Israel" that Paul preached—the resurrection and the Messiah—is fully realized in Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, through whom no one comes to the Father except by Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")). Thus, the divine clearing of a path for Paul's ministry serves as a microcosm of the grander, saving work of Christ, who has opened the way for eternal life and communion with God for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 41:11

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

Isaiah 50:8

[He is] near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who [is] mine adversary? let him come near to me.

Acts 22:5

As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Exodus 11:7

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.