Acts 28:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:30 provides a concise yet profound summary of Paul's initial two-year period of imprisonment in Rome. Despite being under house arrest, he maintained a remarkable degree of freedom, dwelling in a rented house where he consistently and hospitably welcomed all who came to him, continuing his vital ministry of proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ without hindrance. This verse marks a pivotal moment, showcasing the unstoppable advance of the gospel even in restrictive circumstances, serving as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and Paul's unwavering commitment to his divine mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 28:30 serves as a crucial transition point and a summary statement within the book of Acts. It immediately follows Paul's final recorded interaction with the Jewish leaders in Rome, where he quotes [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The People's Hardened Hearts") to explain their rejection of the gospel, concluding with the declaration that God's salvation has now been sent to the Gentiles (Acts 28:28). This verse then sets the stage for the book's concluding statement in [Acts 28:31](/acts/28-31 "Acts 28:31 - Paul's Unhindered Preaching"), which emphasizes the unhindered preaching of the Kingdom of God. Together, these verses encapsulate the overarching narrative arc of Acts: the gospel's journey from Jerusalem to Rome, from Jew to Gentile, demonstrating its unstoppable momentum despite opposition and imprisonment. The preceding chapters detail Paul's arduous journey to Rome, including shipwrecks and trials, culminating in his arrival as a prisoner who, remarkably, is granted significant liberty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's situation in Rome, described as dwelling "in his own hired house," points to a specific form of Roman custody known as *custodia libera* or "free custody." This arrangement was typically granted to Roman citizens of some standing who were awaiting trial, especially if they were not deemed a flight risk or a danger to the public. Instead of being confined to a common prison, the accused could rent a private dwelling, albeit under the supervision of a Roman guard (implied by Paul's chains elsewhere, e.g., [Acts 28:20](/acts/28-20 "Acts 28:20 - Paul's Chains for the Hope of Israel")). This practice allowed Paul a unique opportunity to continue his ministry. Rome at this time was the heart of the empire, a melting pot of cultures and religions, making it a strategic location for the spread of the gospel. The emperor Nero, known for his later persecution of Christians, was in power, though the full extent of his hostility had not yet manifested. Paul's ability to receive visitors and preach openly for two years underscores the relative religious tolerance of the early Roman Empire towards new cults, provided they did not disrupt public order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes that run throughout the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **unhindered advance of the gospel**, demonstrating that God's mission is not constrained by human limitations or imprisonment. Paul, though a prisoner, becomes a strategic outpost for the Kingdom. Secondly, it underscores **Paul's unwavering commitment to his apostolic calling** to preach the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, as seen in his receiving "all that came in unto him." This openness reflects the universal scope of God's salvation, a theme central to Acts, particularly after the decisive moment in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius"). Thirdly, the passage subtly reveals **God's sovereign providence**, orchestrating circumstances to bring Paul to Rome, fulfilling his long-held desire to preach the gospel in the imperial capital (cf. [Romans 1:15](/romans/1-15 "Romans 1:15 - Paul's Desire to Preach in Rome")). This period is traditionally believed to be when Paul penned his "Prison Epistles" ([Ephesians](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians - Paul's Letter to the Ephesians"), [Philippians](/philippians/1 "Philippians - Paul's Letter to the Philippians"), [Colossians](/colossians/1 "Colossians - Paul's Letter to the Colossians"), and [Philemon](/philemon/1 "Philemon - Paul's Letter to Philemon")), further extending his theological and pastoral influence far beyond the walls of his rented house.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwelt (Greek, _ménō'_):** From G3306, a primary verb meaning "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)." Here, it denotes Paul's fixed residence for a significant period. It implies not just physical presence but a settled, continuous state, highlighting the duration and stability of his stay despite his prisoner status. This "dwelling" was not a temporary stop but a sustained period of residence and ministry.
* **hired house (Greek, _místhōma'_):** From G3410, meaning "a rented building." This specific term clarifies Paul's living arrangement. It was not a prison cell provided by the authorities, nor was it his own property. The fact that it was "hired" suggests either Paul had personal funds, or more likely, he was supported by fellow believers or patrons, enabling him to secure a private residence. This detail is crucial for understanding the nature of his "free custody" and his ability to host visitors.
* **received (Greek, _apodéchomai'_):** From G588, meaning "to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things); accept, receive (gladly)." This verb emphasizes Paul's active and hospitable posture. He didn't merely tolerate visitors; he "gladly received" them. This indicates his eagerness to engage with people, reflecting his commitment to sharing the gospel and providing spiritual instruction to all who sought him out, irrespective of their background.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house":** This clause establishes the duration and nature of Paul's initial Roman imprisonment. The "two whole years" (G1333, _dietía_) signify a substantial period, indicating a delay in his trial before Caesar. The phrase "in his own hired house" (G3410, _místhōma_ with G2398, _ídios_) highlights his unique status of *custodia libera*, allowing him a degree of autonomy and privacy not afforded to ordinary prisoners. This arrangement was likely due to his Roman citizenship and possibly the lack of immediate pressing charges or evidence against him.
* **"and received all that came in unto him":** This second clause describes Paul's continued ministry activity during his house arrest. The verb "received" (G588, _apodéchomai_) implies a welcoming and hospitable attitude. The phrase "all that came in unto him" (G3956, _pâs_ with G1531, _eisporeúomai_) signifies an open-door policy, emphasizing his accessibility to everyone—Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, learned or unlearned. This demonstrates his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the gospel and teaching, even while awaiting trial, turning his confinement into a center for evangelism and discipleship.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 28:30 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, contrasting Paul's status as a prisoner ("dwelt... in his own hired house") with his active, unhindered ministry ("received all that came in unto him"). This highlights the paradoxical nature of God's work, which often flourishes in seemingly restrictive circumstances. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: Paul, brought to Rome in chains, becomes an even more effective evangelist from his "prison," reaching people who might otherwise have been inaccessible. His "hired house" functions as a **Symbol** of the uncontainable nature of the gospel; it is a physical boundary that paradoxically becomes a gateway for spiritual liberation. Furthermore, the verse serves as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating a significant period of Paul's life and ministry, providing a concise overview of his activities before the narrative of Acts concludes. This summary also subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the continued, unhindered proclamation of the gospel described in the very next verse ([Acts 28:31](/acts/28-31 "Acts 28:31 - Paul's Unhindered Preaching")), thus reinforcing the overarching theme of the Spirit's unstoppable mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:30 powerfully illustrates the theological truth that God's word is not bound, even when its messengers are. Paul's "hired house" becomes a strategic outpost for the Kingdom, demonstrating that physical limitations cannot hinder the spiritual advance of the gospel. This period of house arrest, far from being a setback, was providentially used by God to establish a Christian presence at the very heart of the Roman Empire and to enable Paul to write some of his most profound theological letters. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, where God orchestrates circumstances, even adverse ones, for the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, turning what might appear to be an impediment into an opportunity for wider gospel dissemination.

* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Gospel Advancement Despite Chains"): Paul himself testifies that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the gospel, making his chains known in the whole praetorian guard and encouraging other believers to speak the word with greater boldness.
* [2 Timothy 2:9](/2_timothy/2-9 "2 Timothy 2:9 - God's Word Unbound"): Paul declares that while he may be "bound with chains," the "word of God is not bound," echoing the reality of his ministry in Acts 28:30.
* [Romans 1:15](/romans/1-15 "Romans 1:15 - Paul's Desire to Preach in Rome"): This verse reveals Paul's long-standing desire to preach the gospel in Rome, a desire that was fulfilled, albeit unexpectedly, through his imprisonment, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His servant's righteous desires.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:30 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to re-evaluate our understanding of ministry, limitations, and God's providence. Paul's example teaches us that our effectiveness for God is not dependent on external circumstances or perfect freedom, but on our faithfulness and availability. Even in what might seem like a personal setback or confinement, God can transform our "hired houses" into centers of influence, ministry, and spiritual growth. We are called to cultivate a spirit of hospitality and openness, eagerly "receiving all that came in unto" us, recognizing every interaction as a potential opportunity to share the hope of the gospel. This verse encourages us to persevere in our faith and witness, trusting that God's overarching plan for His Kingdom will advance, often in surprising ways, even when our own resources or freedom seem limited. It reminds us that true impact is measured not by the size of our platform, but by the faithfulness with which we steward the opportunities God provides, no matter how humble or constrained they may appear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to view personal limitations or restrictive circumstances in my life? Do I see them as hindrances or potential opportunities for God's work?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more open and hospitable spirit, like Paul, to "receive all that came in unto me" in my own sphere of influence?**
* **What "hired house" or confined space in my life (physical, emotional, professional) might God be calling me to transform into a center for His Kingdom?**
* **How does Paul's unwavering commitment to ministry despite chains inspire me to persevere in sharing my faith, even when it feels challenging or inconvenient?**

### FAQ

**What was the nature of Paul's imprisonment in Acts 28:30?**

Answer: Paul's imprisonment was a form of "house arrest" or *custodia libera* (free custody), a common practice in the Roman legal system for citizens awaiting trial. Instead of being held in a common prison, Paul was allowed to rent his own dwelling ("hired house") in Rome. While he was still technically a prisoner and likely under guard (as indicated by his chains mentioned in [Acts 28:20](/acts/28-20 "Acts 28:20 - Paul's Chains")), this arrangement granted him significant freedom to receive visitors and continue his ministry. This was a privilege often extended to those of higher status or those whose cases were not considered immediate threats to public order.

**What did Paul do during these "two whole years" in Rome?**

Answer: During his two years under house arrest, Paul was incredibly active in ministry. Acts 28:30 states he "received all that came in unto him," and the following verse, [Acts 28:31](/acts/28-31 "Acts 28:31 - Paul's Unhindered Preaching"), specifies that he was "preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." This period was a hub of evangelism and discipleship. Traditionally, it is also believed that Paul wrote his "Prison Epistles" during this time: [Ephesians](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians - Paul's Letter to the Ephesians"), [Philippians](/philippians/1 "Philippians - Paul's Letter to the Philippians"), [Colossians](/colossians/1 "Colossians - Paul's Letter to the Colossians"), and [Philemon](/philemon/1 "Philemon - Paul's Letter to Philemon"). These letters demonstrate his continued theological work and pastoral care, extending his influence far beyond the walls of his rented house.

**Does Acts 28:30 mark the end of Paul's story in the Bible?**

Answer: Acts 28:30, along with [Acts 28:31](/acts/28-31 "Acts 28:31 - Paul's Unhindered Preaching"), concludes the narrative of the book of Acts. While the Bible does not explicitly detail Paul's release or subsequent activities after these two years, early church tradition strongly suggests that Paul was acquitted after this first Roman imprisonment. He then engaged in further missionary journeys (possibly to Spain, as he had planned in [Romans 15:24](/romans/15-24 "Romans 15:24 - Paul's Plan to Visit Spain")), before being rearrested and ultimately martyred under Emperor Nero, likely around 67 AD. Letters like [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "1 Timothy - Paul's First Letter to Timothy") and [Titus](/titus/1 "Titus - Paul's Letter to Titus") are often dated to this period between his first and second Roman imprisonments, and [2 Timothy](/2_timothy/1 "2 Timothy - Paul's Second Letter to Timothy") is believed to have been written during his final imprisonment, shortly before his death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 28:30, while focusing on Paul's ministry, profoundly points to the ongoing, unstoppable reign of Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom. Paul's ability to "dwell two whole years in his own hired house" and "receive all that came in unto him" is not merely a testament to his resilience, but a direct consequence of Christ's promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). Paul's unhindered preaching of the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ ([Acts 28:31](/acts/28-31 "Acts 28:31 - Paul's Unhindered Preaching")) is the fulfillment of the Great Commission given by the resurrected Christ ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Jesus, as the ultimate Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who conquered sin and death, empowers His followers to continue His redemptive work, even from places of apparent confinement. Paul's "hired house" in Rome symbolically represents the universal reach of Christ's dominion; it is from this seemingly humble and restricted location that the message of the King, Jesus Christ, continued to radiate outward, demonstrating that no earthly power, no imprisonment, and no human opposition can ultimately thwart the divine plan of God to gather His people and establish His eternal Kingdom through the cross and resurrection of His Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Paul's ministry in Rome, therefore, is a powerful echo of Christ's own mission to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), demonstrating that the gospel, centered on Christ, is truly "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")).

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.