Devine Scripture

Acts 28:16

What does Acts 28:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 28:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 28:16 means

Entering Rome, Paul is permitted to reside by himself, guarded by a soldier. This is house arrest, not dungeon confinement. The arrangement provides relative freedom for visitors and conversation, crucial for gospel work. God orders even the terms of custody for the advance of His kingdom. Though chained, Paul will be far from silenced. The single soldier underscores constant oversight, yet the narrative will show that the word of God is not bound. This setting becomes the base for the final scenes of Acts, where Paul summons Jewish leaders, explains his case, and spends two years proclaiming the kingdom and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when we came into Rome, they let Paul have a house for himself and the armed man who kept watch over him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered up the prisoners to the captain of the barrack, but Paul was suffered to remain by himself, with the soldier guarding him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when we were come to Rome, Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when we came to Rome, [the centurion delivered up the prisoners to the praetorian prefect, but] Paul was allowed to remain by himself with the soldier who kept him.

Context

Encouraged by the brethren (v. 15), Paul arrives in Rome and is granted a guarded lodging (v. 16). Without delay, after three days, he calls the Jewish leaders to explain his situation (v. 17). Verses 17–20 record his summary defense and the reason for his chains—“the hope of Israel.” The leaders’ reply in verses 21–22 opens the door for a fuller hearing (v. 23), which will result in mixed responses (v. 24) and a solemn appeal to Isaiah (vv. 25–27).

v.15And from thence the brethren, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns; whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

v.16This passage

v.17And it came to pass, that after three days he called together those that were the chief of the Jews: and when they were come together, he said unto them, I, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 18:2

    And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome: and he came unto them;

  • Acts 27:43

    But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stayed them from their purpose; and commanded that they who could swim should cast themselves overboard, and get first to the land;

  • Acts 2:10

    in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

  • Acts 23:11

    And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer: for as thou hast testified concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

  • Genesis 39:21

    But Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

  • Romans 15:22

    Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you:

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