King James Version
What Does Acts 28:14 Mean?
“Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.”
Acts 28:14 · KJV
Context
12
And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13
And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
14
Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
15
And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhere we found brethren—The gospel had already reached Puteoli, likely through Pentecost pilgrims (Acts 2:10) or Roman commerce. These believers desired (παρεκλήθημεν, pareklēthēmen, 'urged' or 'encouraged') Paul to stay seven days—remarkable given his prisoner status. Julius the centurion's permission demonstrates the respect Paul commanded even in chains.
And so we went toward Rome—After fellowship strengthening, Paul resumed his journey. This pattern recurs throughout Acts: Christian hospitality and community strengthen missionaries for trials ahead. The seven-day stay provided sabbath worship and mutual encouragement before Rome's uncertainties.
And so we went toward Rome—After fellowship strengthening, Paul resumed his journey. This pattern recurs throughout Acts: Christian hospitality and community strengthen missionaries for trials ahead. The seven-day stay provided sabbath worship and mutual encouragement before Rome's uncertainties.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Puteoli's Christian community evidences rapid gospel spread through Roman trade networks. By AD 61, congregations existed throughout Italy. Julius' accommodation suggests Paul's Roman citizenship and Julius' witness to Paul's character during the shipwreck influenced his treatment.
Reflection Questions
- How does Christian hospitality strengthen those facing uncertain or difficult circumstances?
- What does Paul's seven-day rest teach about balancing mission urgency with community fellowship?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 15 wordsπαρεκλήθημεν4 of 15
“and were desired”
G3870to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἐπ'5 of 15
“with”
G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτοῖς6 of 15
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἡμέρας8 of 15
“days”
G2250day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
καὶ10 of 15
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς12 of 15
“toward”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἤλθομεν15 of 15
“we went”
G2064to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Acts 28:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Acts 28:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge