Acts 28:30

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

And ^{G1161} Paul ^{G3972} dwelt ^{G3306} two ^{G1333} whole ^{G3650} years ^{G1333} in ^{G1722} his own ^{G2398} hired house ^{G3410}, and ^{G2532} received ^{G588} all ^{G3956} that came in ^{G1531} unto ^{G4314} him ^{G846},

Sha’ul remained two whole years in a place he rented for himself; and he continued receiving all who came to see him,

Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him.

And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him,

Acts 28:30 marks a significant point in the narrative of the Apostle Paul and the book of Acts, serving as a summary of his initial period of imprisonment in Rome.

Historical and Cultural Context

After a long and perilous journey, including shipwrecks and trials, Paul finally arrived in Rome as a prisoner, appealing to Caesar (as detailed in Acts 25:11). However, he was not held in a common dungeon. This verse describes him dwelling "in his own hired house." This unique arrangement, known as custodia libera or "free custody," allowed him a degree of liberty while still being under guard. It was a common practice for Roman citizens awaiting trial, especially those of Paul's standing and with his connections. This relative freedom enabled him to continue his vital ministry, even while awaiting his hearing before the Emperor Nero.

Key Themes and Messages

Unwavering Ministry Despite Chains: The most striking theme is Paul's persistent dedication to his mission. Despite being under house arrest, he actively "received all that came in unto him." This demonstrates that God's work is not hindered by human limitations or imprisonment.
Accessibility and Openness: Paul's willingness to receive "all"—both Jews and Gentiles—underscores his commitment to the universal reach of the gospel. His home became a hub for evangelism and teaching, reflecting the open invitation of Christianity.
God's Sovereignty and Providence: Even in what might seem like a setback, God orchestrated circumstances for Paul to preach the gospel in the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling Paul's long-held desire to visit Rome (Romans 1:15). This period is traditionally when Paul wrote his "Prison Epistles" (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), further extending his influence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hired house" comes from the Greek word misthoma (μίσθωμα), which literally means "rented dwelling." This highlights Paul's financial independence or the support he received, enabling him to secure a private residence rather than being confined to barracks. The phrase "received all that came in unto him" uses the Greek verb apodechomai (ἀποδέχομαι), meaning "to welcome, to receive gladly." This emphasizes Paul's eager and hospitable disposition towards visitors, reinforcing his commitment to sharing the message.

Practical Application

Acts 28:30 offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our circumstances, no matter how restrictive, do not limit God's ability to use us. Like Paul, we are called to be accessible and open to sharing the hope we have, regardless of personal challenges. This verse encourages perseverance in faith and ministry, demonstrating that even from a place of confinement, the word of God is not bound (2 Timothy 2:9). We can find ways to serve and witness, even when our freedom or resources seem limited, trusting in God's overarching plan to advance His kingdom.

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.

No cross-references found for this verse.