Acts 28:16 kjv
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.
Acts 28:16 nkjv
Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Acts 28:16 niv
When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
Acts 28:16 esv
And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Acts 28:16 nlt
When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.
Acts 28 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 19:21 | Paul purposed in the spirit... "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." | Paul's prior intent to visit Rome |
| Acts 23:11 | "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as thou hast testified... so must thou bear witness also at Rome." | Divine assurance of Paul reaching Rome |
| Rom 1:10 | "making request... that I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you." | Paul's prayer to reach Rome |
| Rom 1:15 | "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." | Paul's eagerness to preach in Rome |
| Acts 25:11-12 | "I appeal unto Caesar... Unto Caesar shalt thou go." | Paul's appeal leading to his journey to Rome |
| Acts 27:1 | "And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul... unto one named Julius, a centurion..." | Introduction of Julius, the caring centurion |
| 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." | Earlier evidence of favorable treatment |
| Acts 27:42-44 | Soldiers wanted to kill prisoners, but centurion saved them... Paul and others safely landed. | Divine preservation of Paul (and others) |
| Phil 1:12 | "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;" | Gospel advancement despite chains |
| Phil 1:13 | "So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;" | Paul's imprisonment serving the Gospel |
| Eph 6:20 | "For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." | Paul identifies as an ambassador in chains |
| Col 4:18 | "Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen." | Paul mentions his imprisonment often |
| Philem 1:9 | "...as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ." | Paul, an old man, prisoner for Christ |
| 2 Tim 1:8 | "...be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;" | Sharing in suffering for the Gospel |
| 2 Tim 2:9 | "Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evildoer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound." | God's Word remains unbound despite Paul's chains |
| Gen 39:21-23 | "But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour... And that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper." | Joseph's favor in prison due to God's presence |
| Ps 105:17-20 | He sent a man before them, even Joseph... His feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. | God's providence in Joseph's imprisonment |
| Acts 16:37 | But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? | Roman citizenship provided legal protection |
| Acts 22:25-29 | Paul asserted his Roman citizenship to avoid scourging. | Paul used his Roman citizenship for his rights |
| Lk 21:12-13 | "But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you... for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony." | Persecution serves as a testimony |
| Jer 37:16, 21 | Jeremiah put in dungeon of a house. But King Zedekiah commanded to give him daily bread in the court of the prison. | Prophet enduring lenient imprisonment |
Acts 28 verses
Acts 28 16 Meaning
Upon reaching Rome, Paul, though a prisoner, received privileged treatment. Unlike other captives handed over to the praetorian prefect, Paul was allowed to live separately, albeit under the constant guard of a soldier. This special concession enabled him to continue his ministry, even while in chains.
Acts 28 16 Context
Acts 28:16 concludes Paul's perilous journey to Rome, foretold by God (Acts 23:11) and longed for by Paul himself (Rom 1:10). The preceding chapters detail his appeal to Caesar, the difficult sea voyage, and his shipwreck on Malta. This verse marks a pivotal point, the actual arrival in Rome, the imperial capital, a strategic location for the Gospel to radiate. Historically, this arrival took place around AD 60-62. Roman legal procedures often permitted house arrest for citizens of some standing awaiting imperial judgment, especially for cases appealed directly to the Emperor, offering more lenient conditions than a public prison. Paul's status as a Roman citizen and his pending appeal likely contributed to this special arrangement. This relative freedom sets the stage for the rest of the book, which describes his continued evangelistic efforts even under house arrest.
Acts 28 16 Word analysis
- And when we came (Greek: ἐλθόντες δὲ - elthontes de): This highlights the successful conclusion of the arduous journey. "We" signifies Luke's presence, lending eyewitness authenticity.
- to Rome (Greek: Ῥώμην - Rhōmēn): The capital of the Roman Empire, the heart of the Gentile world. Its mention here signifies the geographic expansion of the Gospel "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
- the centurion (Greek: ἑκατοντάρχης - hekatontarchēs): Referring to Julius (Acts 27:1), who had already shown Paul courtesy and protection throughout the voyage (Acts 27:3, 27:43). His continued role in the handover process shows proper Roman procedure.
- delivered (Greek: παρέδωκεν - paredōken): Literally "handed over." It indicates a formal transfer of custody, typical of prisoners reaching their destination for trial.
- the prisoners (Greek: τοὺς δεσμίους - tous desmious): "Those who are bound." This plural emphasizes that Paul was not the only prisoner, distinguishing his subsequent treatment.
- to the captain of the guard (Greek: στρατοπεδάρχῃ - stratopedarchē): This term usually refers to the Praetorian Prefect, the commander of the Praetorian Guard, a highly powerful and influential office. At this time, it was likely Afranius Burrus. The office would typically oversee important state prisoners. However, scholars debate if this exact title in Acts 28:16 means the Praetorian Prefect personally took custody of ordinary prisoners or if it refers to a lower-ranking officer in charge of military detention within the Praetorian camp. The outcome of Paul's less strict custody suggests it was perhaps a subordinate in charge of prison administration.
- but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself (Greek: τῷ δὲ Παύλῳ ἐπετράπη καθ’ ἑαυτὸν μένειν - tō de Paulō epetraphē kath' heauton menein): This phrase highlights a distinct privilege granted to Paul. "Suffered" means "was permitted" or "was allowed." "Dwell by himself" refers to a form of house arrest (custodia militaris) common for high-status Romans awaiting trial. This was far more comfortable than a common jail.
- with a soldier that kept him (Greek: στρατιώτῃ τῷ τηροῦντι αὐτόν - stratiōtē tō tērounti auton): Though allowed private lodging, Paul was still under constant military supervision, implying he was chained to a soldier. This practice served as a continuous guard and a symbol of his imprisoned status, yet afforded him freedom of movement within his lodgings and the ability to receive visitors.
Acts 28 16 Bonus section
The precise identification of the "captain of the guard" (stratopedarchē) has been a point of considerable scholarly discussion. While the Greek term commonly denotes the Praetorian Prefect, some scholars suggest that, for Paul's case, it might refer to an officer responsible for military custody and state prisoners, or possibly the commander of the Castrum Peregrinorum, the military police headquarters in Rome. The reigning Praetorian Prefect at the time, Afranius Burrus, was an exceedingly busy and powerful individual, making his personal involvement in processing a relatively common prisoner like Paul unlikely. However, a subordinate or the commander of a specific unit under his overall authority might have handled it. Luke's use of this specific title implies a recognized official in the Roman military command structure, underscoring the formality of the transfer and the official nature of Paul's custody, even if his actual experience was uniquely favorable due to his appeal and Roman citizenship. This exceptional arrangement highlights how God often opens doors even amidst seemingly impossible circumstances.
Acts 28 16 Commentary
Acts 28:16 is a concise verse yet profoundly significant, marking the culmination of God's sovereign plan for Paul. His arrival in Rome under house arrest, rather than harsh imprisonment, demonstrates divine providence at work through various means: Paul's Roman citizenship, his appeal to Caesar, and perhaps the goodwill cultivated with the centurion Julius. This leniency, likely arranged by an official under the stratopedarchē, allowed Paul crucial access to visitors, which facilitated the ongoing spread of the Gospel within the very heart of the Roman Empire, including eventually the emperor's household (Phil 4:22). It subtly contrasts divine power with imperial authority; though Rome held Paul physically, it could not bind the Word of God (2 Tim 2:9), allowing his bonds to become widely known and to embolden others to preach (Phil 1:13-14). This verse underscores that God uses even adverse circumstances to advance His Kingdom purposes.
Examples:
- God used a powerful Roman centurion and the justice system to secure Paul's journey to Rome, showing divine oversight.
- Paul's house arrest facilitated gospel ministry to many, demonstrating that perceived limitations can become platforms for greater impact.
- Even when personally restricted, the Word of God could not be confined, leading to further evangelization in Caesar's household and beyond.