16 When we entered Rome , Paul was allowed to stay by himself , with the soldier who was guarding him.
17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews , and when they came together , he began saying to them, " Brethren e , though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers , yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans . 18 "And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death . 19 "But when the Jews objected , I was forced to appeal to Caesar , not that I had any accusation against my nation . 20 "For this reason , therefore , I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel ." 21 They said to him, "We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 "But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect , it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere ."
23 When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers ; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus , from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets , from morning until evening . 24 Some were being persuaded by the things spoken , but others would not believe . 25 And when they did not agree with one another , they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word , "The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers , 26 saying , ' GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY , " YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING , BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND ; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING , BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE ; 27 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL , AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR , AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES ; OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES , AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS , AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN , AND I WOULD HEAL THEM."' 28 "Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles ; they will also listen ." 29 [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed , having a great dispute among themselves .]
30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness , unhindered .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 28:16-31
Commentary on Acts 28:11-16
(Read Acts 28:11-16)
The common events of travelling are seldom worthy of being told; but the comfort of communion with the saints, and kindness shown by friends, deserve particular mention. The Christians at Rome were so far from being ashamed of Paul, or afraid of owning him, because he was a prisoner, that they were the more careful to show him respect. He had great comfort in this. And if our friends are kind to us, God puts it into their hearts, and we must give him the glory. When we see those even in strange places, who bear Christ's name, fear God, and serve him, we should lift up our hearts to heaven in thanksgiving. How many great men have made their entry into Rome, crowned and in triumph, who really were plagues to the world! But here a good man makes his entry into Rome, chained as a poor captive, who was a greater blessing to the world than any other merely a man. Is not this enough to put us for ever out of conceit with worldly favour? This may encourage God's prisoners, that he can give them favour in the eyes of those that carry them captives. When God does not soon deliver his people out of bondage, yet makes it easy to them, or them easy under it, they have reason to be thankful.
Commentary on Acts 28:17-22
(Read Acts 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 Christianity settles what is of common concern to all mankind, and is not built upon narrow opinions and private interests. It aims at no worldly benefit or advantage, but all its gains are spiritual and eternal. It is, and always has been, the lot of Christ's holy religion, to be every where spoken against. Look through every town and village where Christ is exalted as the only Saviour of mankind, and where the people are called to follow him in newness of life, and we see those who give themselves up to Christ, still called a sect, a party, and reproached. And this is the treatment they are sure to receive, so long as there shall continue an ungodly man upon earth.
Commentary on Acts 28:23-31
(Read Acts 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 parted with them, observing that the Holy Ghost had well described their state. Let all that hear the gospel, and do not heed it, tremble at their doom; for who shall heal them, if God does not? The Jews had afterwards much reasoning among themselves. Many have great reasoning, who do not reason aright. They find fault with one another's opinions, yet will not yield to truth. Nor will men's reasoning among themselves convince them, without the grace of God to open their understandings. While we mourn on account of such despisers, we should rejoice that the salvation of God is sent to others, who will receive it; and if we are of that number, we should be thankful to Him who hath made us to differ. The apostle kept to his principle, to know and preach nothing but Christ and him crucified. Christians, when tempted from their main business, should bring themselves back with this question, What does this concern the Lord Jesus? What tendency has it to bring us to him, and to keep us walking in him? The apostle preached not himself, but Christ, and he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Though Paul was placed in a very narrow opportunity for being useful, he was not disturbed in it. Though it was not a wide door that was opened to him, yet no man was suffered to shut it; and to many it was an effectual door, so that there were saints even in Nero's household, Philippians 1:13, how God overruled Paul's imprisonment for the furtherance of the gospel. And not the residents at Rome only, but all the church of Christ, to the present day, and in the most remote corner of the globe, have abundant reason to bless God, that during the most mature period of his Christian life and experience, he was detained a prisoner. It was from his prison, probably chained hand to hand to the soldier who kept him, that the apostle wrote the epistles to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Hebrews; epistles showing, perhaps more than any others, the Christian love with which his heart overflowed, and the Christian experience with which his soul was filled. The believer of the present time may have less of triumph, and less of heavenly joy, than the apostle, but every follower of the same Saviour, is equally sure of safety and peace at the last. Let us seek to live more and more in the love of the Saviour; to labour to glorify Him by every action of our lives; and we shall assuredly, by his strength, be among the number of those who now overcome our enemies; and by his free grace and mercy, be hereafter among the blessed company who shall sit with Him upon his throne, even as He also has overcome, and is sitting on his Father's throne, at God's right hand for evermore.