Acts 28:30
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
Original Language Analysis
ἔμεινεν
dwelt
G3306
ἔμεινεν
dwelt
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
1 of 16
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 16
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ὅλην
whole
G3650
ὅλην
whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
6 of 16
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
ἰδίῳ
his own
G2398
ἰδίῳ
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
8 of 16
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπεδέχετο
received
G588
ἀπεδέχετο
received
Strong's:
G588
Word #:
11 of 16
to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Roman house arrest (custodia libera) was for citizens awaiting trial who weren't flight risks. Paul was chained to a rotating guard (28:20, Ephesians 6:20), but could receive visitors, correspond, and minister. The two-year period likely ended with Paul's release (tradition holds he made a fourth missionary journey to Spain before his final arrest and martyrdom c. AD 67-68). Acts' abrupt ending—no verdict, no martyrdom account—suggests Luke wrote before trial concluded. The open ending is fitting: Paul's ministry continues, the gospel spreads, the story isn't finished—it's still being written through the church.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's rented house ministry demonstrate that God can turn any circumstance—even imprisonment—into gospel opportunity?
- What does Paul's two-year house arrest teach about patience in waiting for God's timing while remaining faithful in present opportunities?
- In what ways might your current limitations or waiting periods actually be strategic positions God has placed you for kingdom purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house—The summary of Paul's Roman imprisonment: διετίαν ὅλην (dietian holēn, 'two whole years')—approximately AD 60-62. His own hired house (ἰδίῳ μισθώματι, idiō misthōmati, 'his own rented dwelling') indicates Paul paid for lodging, likely through support from churches (Philippians 4:14-18) or his tentmaking. Though under guard (28:16), he had relative freedom—not a dungeon but house arrest.
And received all that came in unto him—The phrase ἀπεδέχετο πάντας τοὺς εἰσπορευομένους πρὸς αὐτόν (apedecheto pantas tous eisporeuomenous pros auton, 'he was welcoming all who came to him') shows unlimited access. Paul's 'prison' became a ministry hub—visitors, churches, inquirers, skeptics all came. During these two years, Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (the 'Prison Epistles'), which would shape Christian theology for millennia. Chains didn't stop the gospel; they amplified it (Philippians 1:12-14).