Acts 28:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἤλθομεν
we came
G2064
ἤλθομεν
we came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 24
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατοπεδάρχῃ·
to the captain of the guard
G4759
στρατοπεδάρχῃ·
to the captain of the guard
Strong's:
G4759
Word #:
12 of 24
a ruler of an army, i.e., (specially), a praetorian praefect
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
15 of 24
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
μένειν
to dwell
G3306
μένειν
to dwell
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
17 of 24
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
καθ'
by
G2596
καθ'
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
18 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
19 of 24
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
20 of 24
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυλάσσοντι
that kept
G5442
φυλάσσοντι
that kept
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
22 of 24
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
Cross References
Acts 27:3And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.Acts 24:23And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
Historical Context
Paul arrived in Rome circa AD 60-61 after a perilous Mediterranean journey. House arrest lasted 'two whole years' (Acts 28:30), during which Paul evangelized freely. Roman citizens of means could arrange private lodging with military guard rather than imprisonment.
Questions for Reflection
- How did God use Paul's restricted circumstances to advance the gospel in unexpected ways?
- What ministry opportunities exist in your current limitations or confinements?
Analysis & Commentary
When we came to Rome—The climax of Acts' geographic progression from Jerusalem to 'the uttermost part of the earth' (1:8). Luke's 'we' indicates his presence with Paul. Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier (μένειν καθ' ἑαυτὸν σὺν τῷ φυλάσσοντι αὐτὸν στρατιώτῃ) describes 'custodia libera' (free custody), a privileged form of house arrest for Roman citizens awaiting trial. This arrangement, less restrictive than prison, allowed Paul to receive visitors and conduct ministry. God's providence secured conditions enabling Paul's final epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon) and continued gospel witness.