King James Version

What Does Acts 28:30 Mean?

Acts 28:30 in the King James Version says “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, — study this verse from Acts chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 28:30 · KJV


Context

28

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

29

And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30

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

31

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house—The summary of Paul's Roman imprisonment: διετίαν ὅλην (dietian holēn, 'two whole years')—approximately AD 60-62. His own hired house (ἰδίῳ μισθώματι, idiō misthōmati, 'his own rented dwelling') indicates Paul paid for lodging, likely through support from churches (Philippians 4:14-18) or his tentmaking. Though under guard (28:16), he had relative freedom—not a dungeon but house arrest.

And received all that came in unto him—The phrase ἀπεδέχετο πάντας τοὺς εἰσπορευομένους πρὸς αὐτόν (apedecheto pantas tous eisporeuomenous pros auton, 'he was welcoming all who came to him') shows unlimited access. Paul's 'prison' became a ministry hub—visitors, churches, inquirers, skeptics all came. During these two years, Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (the 'Prison Epistles'), which would shape Christian theology for millennia. Chains didn't stop the gospel; they amplified it (Philippians 1:12-14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman house arrest (custodia libera) was for citizens awaiting trial who weren't flight risks. Paul was chained to a rotating guard (28:20, Ephesians 6:20), but could receive visitors, correspond, and minister. The two-year period likely ended with Paul's release (tradition holds he made a fourth missionary journey to Spain before his final arrest and martyrdom c. AD 67-68). Acts' abrupt ending—no verdict, no martyrdom account—suggests Luke wrote before trial concluded. The open ending is fitting: Paul's ministry continues, the gospel spreads, the story isn't finished—it's still being written through the church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's rented house ministry demonstrate that God can turn any circumstance—even imprisonment—into gospel opportunity?
  2. What does Paul's two-year house arrest teach about patience in waiting for God's timing while remaining faithful in present opportunities?
  3. In what ways might your current limitations or waiting periods actually be strategic positions God has placed you for kingdom purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἔμεινεν1 of 16

dwelt

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

δὲ2 of 16

And

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος4 of 16

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

διετίαν5 of 16

two

G1333

a space of two years (biennium)

ὅλην6 of 16

whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

ἐν7 of 16

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἰδίῳ8 of 16

his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

μισθώματι9 of 16

hired house

G3410

a rented building

καὶ10 of 16

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπεδέχετο11 of 16

received

G588

to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)

πάντας12 of 16

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς13 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰσπορευομένους14 of 16

that came in

G1531

to enter (literally or figuratively)

πρὸς15 of 16

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτόν16 of 16

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 28:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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