And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
These Roman Jews point out that while they haven't received any official letters about Paul, neither has any fellow Jew who's arrived from Judea spoken any ill of him. This suggests that Paul's reputation amongst his own people, at least by word-of-mouth, was not universally tarnished.
And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Paul appeals to Caesar, he is sent to Rome, where he is allowed to live in his own rented house under guard. He first summons the Jewish leaders in Rome to explain his situation, emphasizing he's done nothing against their people or customs. They respond that they've heard nothing negative about him from Judea or from any visiting Jews, but express a general curiosity about this "sect" known to be spoken against.
Paul's accusers in Judea had been relentless. Yet, upon his arrival in Rome, the local Jewish leaders had heard nothing. What could explain this sudden quiet?
The 'Why' Behind the Silence
It seems strange that Paul's accusers didn't follow him all the way to Rome. Several factors likely contributed to this silence:
The Jewish leaders in Rome mention that no 'brethren' had spoken evil of Paul. Who were these 'brethren,' and what does their silence imply?
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More Than Just Fellow Jews
The term 'brethren' here refers to fellow Jews. Their lack of negative reports about Paul is significant:
The suspension of sea travel during winter and the relatively short time between Paul's appeal and his arrival in Rome meant that formal accusations from Judea likely hadn't reached Rome yet. The Roman Jewish community's statement reflects both the logistical realities and perhaps a cautious neutrality, as they await Paul's own explanation.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius issues an edict expelling Jews from Rome due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus.' This significantly disrupts the Jewish community in Rome and their connections to Judea.
c. AD 57-59
Paul Imprisoned in Caesarea
After being arrested in Jerusalem and facing accusations, Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima for over two years while his case is considered by Roman governors Felix and Festus.
c. AD 59-60
Paul Appeals to Caesar
When Governor Festus offers to send Paul back to Jerusalem for trial, Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen and appeals directly to Emperor Nero in Rome.
Late Autumn, c. AD 60
Paul's Sea Voyage to Rome
Paul, along with other prisoners and sailors, sets sail for Rome. The voyage is fraught with danger, culminating in a shipwreck on Malta.
Winter, c. AD 60-61
Shipwreck and Stay in Malta
After the shipwreck, Paul and his companions spend the winter on the island of Malta. This period delays their arrival in Rome and suspends maritime travel from Judea.
Early Spring, c. AD 61— this verse
Arrival in Rome
Paul finally arrives in Rome, where he is allowed to live under house arrest, permitted to receive visitors and continue his ministry.
c. AD 61
Meeting with Roman Jews
Paul summons the leaders of the Jewish community in Rome. He explains his situation, and they inform him that they have received no specific accusations against him from Judea.
This verse speaks of the righteous having their discourse guided by wisdom and justice, mirroring the hopeful expectation that Paul's testimony, even when facing opposition, would ultimately be sound and truthful, as suggested by the Roman Jews' lack of negative reports.
Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. This aligns with Paul's approach to the Roman Jews, aiming to present his case peacefully, and the Jews' response, which, while not fully embracing, was not immediately hostile due to a lack of negative information.
John 18:36Jesus declared His kingdom is not of this world. This highlights the spiritual nature of Paul's mission and defense, contrasting with the political and legal machinations of his accusers, and explains why the Roman Jews might have been hesitant to pursue a case rooted in religious dispute.
Philippians 1:12-13Paul writes that his circumstances have actually advanced the gospel, even his imprisonment. This passage offers a broader perspective on how Paul's legal troubles, including his appeal to Rome, were part of God's plan to spread the message, fitting the context of his arrival in Rome and the neutral stance of the local Jewish leaders.
ellicottActs 28:21: "And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee."
(21) We neither received letters out of Judsea concerning thee . . . —It seems strange at first that no tidings should have come from Jerusalem of what had passed there in connection with St. Paul’s imprisonment. There was, however, hardly likely to have been time for any letters since his appeal. He had sailed somewhat late in…
henryActs 28:17-22: "And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans."
28:17-22 It was for the honour of Paul that those who examined his case, acquitted him. In his appeal he sought not to accuse his nation, but only to clear himself. True C…
These Roman Jews point out that while they haven't received any official letters about Paul, neither has any fellow Jew who's arrived from Judea spoken any ill of him. This suggests that Paul's reputation amongst his own people, at least by word-of-mouth, was not universally tarnished.
After Paul appeals to Caesar, he is sent to Rome, where he is allowed to live in his own rented house under guard. He first summons the Jewish leaders in Rome to explain his situation, emphasizing he's done nothing against their people or customs. They respond that they've heard nothing negative about him from Judea or from any visiting Jews, but express a general curiosity about this "sect" known to be spoken against.
After Paul appeals to Caesar, he is sent to Rome, where he is allowed to live in his own rented house under guard. He first summons the Jewish leaders in Rome to explain his situation, emphasizing he's done nothing against their people or customs. They respond that they've heard nothing negative about him from Judea or from any visiting Jews, but express a general curiosity about this "sect" known to be spoken against.
"And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you." — These Roman Jews point out that while they haven't received any official letters about Paul, neither has any fellow Jew who's arrived from Judea spoken any ill of him. This suggests that Paul's rep…
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Last reviewed October 2026