He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul’s two years of house arrest weren't a passive waiting period, but an incredibly strategic, open-door ministry. Though physically confined, he freely welcomed everyone, turning his "hired lodging" into a hub where the gospel advanced more effectively than it might have through public preaching.
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a lengthy journey and shipwreck, Paul finally reaches Rome. Though under house arrest and awaiting trial, he is permitted to live in a rented dwelling, where he spends two full years engaging with anyone who visits him. This period allows him to continue his ministry, teaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God to all who seek him out, turning his confinement into an unexpected opportunity for evangelism.
Paul was a prisoner in Rome, a far cry from the bustling ministry he'd known. Yet, the text says he lived in 'his own hired house.' What does this mean for his ministry and freedom?
Paul's imprisonment wasn't an open-air crusade, but it wasn't a silent cell either. He was allowed to rent his own lodging, a space that became his base of operations. While guarded, this space offered a degree of personal freedom and privacy that was crucial.
A Ministry of Access
This rented space, while a symbol of his confinement, paradoxically became a hub. Unlike public ministry which could be shut down by opposition, this private setting allowed those who chose to seek him out to find him. It was a ministry of 'whosoever comes,' open to anyone willing to make the effort.
An Unhindered Message
Though his physical movement was restricted, the message was not. The commentary highlights that 'no man did let him' preach from this location. This means the authorities, for whatever reason, did not interfere with him sharing the gospel within his rented walls. It was a testament to God's sovereignty, turning a potential setback into a powerful platform.
Paul wasn't just stuck in a room; he was actively 'welcoming all who came.' What does this posture tell us about his heart and the nature of the gospel?
The phrase "welcomed all who came to him" speaks volumes about Paul's unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, even in chains.
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Unrestricted Welcome
This wasn't a selective invitation. Whether Jew or Gentile, curious inquirer or determined opponent, Paul opened his door (figuratively and literally). This reflects the gospel's own design: it is a message for 'all nations,' not limited by background or prior belief.
A Determined Heart
Despite facing hostility from some Jewish leaders (as seen in earlier chapters of Acts), Paul didn't become bitter or withdrawn. His willingness to welcome everyone demonstrates a heart consumed by the love of Christ, prioritizing people's eternal destinity over his personal comfort or safety. He was determined to share God's salvation with anyone willing to listen.
Paul's two years in Rome, though under house arrest, became a powerful platform for the gospel. What appeared to be a setback was ultimately used by God for 'the furtherance of the gospel,' showing that even confinement can't bind God's Word.
c. AD 59
Paul's Appeal to Caesar
After being arrested in Jerusalem and facing accusations from Jewish leaders, Paul appeals his case to Caesar, as was his right as a Roman citizen. This triggers his journey to Rome.
c. AD 59-60
Shipwreck and Malta Sojourn
Paul's voyage to Rome is perilous, culminating in a shipwreck. He and his companions are stranded on the island of Malta for about three months, where Paul experiences a miraculous encounter with poisonous snakes.
c. AD 60— this verse
Arrival in Rome
Paul finally reaches Rome, where he is placed under house arrest, permitted to live in his own rented lodging but guarded by a soldier. This marks the beginning of his two-year stay.
c. AD 60-62
Ministry from House Arrest
Despite his restricted circumstances, Paul actively preaches and teaches about the Kingdom of God to all who visit him, including Jews and Gentiles. This period is incredibly fruitful, leading to the writing of several epistles.
c. AD 62
End of Two-Year Imprisonment
After two years of house arrest, the outcome of Paul's appeal to Caesar remains unclear in the biblical record. Some scholars believe he was released, while others suggest he may have faced trial and execution.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Acts 28:30, explaining how Paul's imprisonment, which led to his two-year confinement and receiving visitors, 'turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,' showing how God uses difficult circumstances for His purposes.
2 Timothy 4:16This verse reveals Paul's experience of facing accusation and persecution, yet notes that 'at my first defense, no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me.' This provides a poignant contrast to the welcoming reception described in Acts 28:30, highlighting the significant support Paul received during his Roman house arrest, even from fellow believers who might not have been present during his official defense.
Ephesians 6:19-20Paul's prayer request for boldness in proclaiming the mystery of the gospel, 'though I am in chains,' directly relates to his situation in Acts 28:30. This shows that despite his confinement, his primary concern remained the unhindered spread of God's message, which he actively pursued by welcoming all who came to him.
Romans 10:14-15This passage speaks about the necessity of someone being sent to preach the gospel. Paul, in his 'hired house,' embodies this by 'welcoming all who came to him,' actively engaging with those who sought him out and fulfilling the divine mandate to spread the message of salvation.
ellicottActs 28:30: "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,"
(30) And Paul dwelt two whole years . . . —On the probable incidents of this period, see Excursus on the Later Years of St. Paul’s Life. The word translated “hired house” (the exact equivalent for the Latin meritorium, or conductum ) means rather a lodging (as in Acts 28:23 ) or apartment, and does not imply that he occupied a whole house. The words that follow exactly describe his posit…
henryActs 28:23-31: "And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening."
28:23-31 Paul persuaded the Jews concerning Jesus. Some were wrought upon by the word, and others hardened; some received the light, and others shut their eyes against it. And the same has always been the effect of the gospel. Paul…
Paul’s two years of house arrest weren't a passive waiting period, but an incredibly strategic, open-door ministry. Though physically confined, he freely welcomed everyone, turning his "hired lodging" into a hub where the gospel advanced more effectively than it might have through public preaching.
After a lengthy journey and shipwreck, Paul finally reaches Rome. Though under house arrest and awaiting trial, he is permitted to live in a rented dwelling, where he spends two full years engaging with anyone who visits him. This period allows him to continue his ministry, teaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God to all who seek him out, turning his confinement into an unexpected opportunity for evangelism.
After a lengthy journey and shipwreck, Paul finally reaches Rome. Though under house arrest and awaiting trial, he is permitted to live in a rented dwelling, where he spends two full years engaging with anyone who visits him. This period allows him to continue his ministry, teaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God to all who seek him out, turning his confinement into an unexpected opportunity for evangelism.
"He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him," — Paul’s two years of house arrest weren't a passive waiting period, but an incredibly strategic, open-door ministry. Though physically confined, he freely welcomed everyone, turning his "hired lodging…
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Last reviewed October 2026