And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

ACTS 28:30KJV
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Acts 28:30 (KJV)

What does Acts 28:30 mean?

Acts 28:30 describes how Paul lived for two full years in a house he rented in Rome, welcoming everyone who came to visit him. This verse shows that, even though Paul was under guard, he was allowed to have his own place and freely receive guests.

At this point in the story, Paul has arrived in Rome as a prisoner awaiting trial before Caesar. Instead of being locked away, he is allowed to stay in a rented home, likely under house arrest. The verse highlights Paul's openness and the steady flow of visitors, setting the stage for his ongoing ministry and teaching during this period.

The Greek behind Acts 28:30

  • The word "dwelt" (ἔμεινεν, emeinen) is often used for staying or remaining somewhere for a period of time, suggesting Paul’s situation was stable and ongoing, not just a brief stop.
  • The phrase "his own hired house" (ἰδίῳ μισθώματι, idiō misthōmati) points out that Paul was not in a public prison but in a private residence he paid for, which was unusual for a prisoner and shows a measure of trust or privilege.
  • The word "received" (ἀπεδέχετο, apedexeto) carries the sense of welcoming or accepting people openly, emphasizing Paul’s hospitality and willingness to engage with all visitors, not just select individuals.

Why Acts 28:30 matters

  • This verse clears up the misconception that Paul was completely isolated or in harsh prison conditions during his time in Rome; instead, he had relative freedom and could continue his work.
  • Acts 28:30 highlights the openness of Paul’s ministry, showing that anyone who wanted to hear his message could come to him, which fits the book’s theme of the gospel being available to all.
  • The verse connects to the wider narrative by showing that, even at the end of Acts, the message about Jesus continues to spread without hindrance, despite Paul’s legal troubles.

Where else these words appear

“two” Greek G1333 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“received” Greek G588 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 8:40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
  • Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
  • Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

“in” Greek G1531 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

“whole” Greek G3650 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
  • Acts 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.