ACTS 28:16 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.”
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.
Church Fathers on Acts 28:16
And when we came to Rome, Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. Acts 28:16 Leave was given him to dwell by himself. No slight proof this also of his being held in much admiration: it is clear they did not number him among the rest. And it came to pass, that after three days he called together them that were the chief of the Jews. After three days he called the chief of the Jews, that their ears might not be preoccupied. And what had he in common…
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