When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with only a soldier to guard him. - Paul's treatment is relatively lenient: he is 'allowed to live by himself' (epétrepsén, epétrepsén-'it was permitted'), not imprisoned in the Mamertine dungeon, but in 'rented lodging' (idios, idios-'his own place') with 'only a soldier to guard him' (heis stratiōtēs, heis stratiōtēs-'one soldier'). Luke emphasizes Paul's semi-freedom: he is under house arrest (desmōtērion, desmōtērion), yet able to receive visitors and preach. This leniency-greater than strict imprisonment would suggest-indicates that even Rome's authorities recognize Paul's difference from ordinary criminals. Julius's earlier kindness and Festus's judgment ('nothing worthy of death') seem to follow Paul even to the capital.

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