Paul Reaches Rome — Sharing the Good News to the Very End (Acts 28:15–31)
After a long and difficult journey full of storms, shipwrecks, and delays, the apostle Paul finally arrived in Rome. This was the moment he had been waiting for—he was going to stand trial before Caesar, the emperor of the Roman Empire.
But even though Paul was a prisoner, he didn’t stop doing what he loved most: sharing the good news about Jesus.
Let’s take a look at how Paul spent his final recorded days in the book of Acts.
A Warm Welcome
When Paul got close to Rome, some Christian believers came out to meet him. They had heard he was coming and wanted to encourage him. When Paul saw them, he was greatly encouraged and thanked God.
Even though Paul was a prisoner, he was allowed to live in a house by himself. A Roman soldier stayed with him to make sure he didn’t escape, but he wasn’t locked away in a cell.
Speaking to the Jewish Leaders
Soon after arriving, Paul invited the local Jewish leaders to come visit him. He wanted to explain why he was in Rome.
Paul told them, “I’ve done nothing against our people or the laws of Moses, but I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. I appealed to Caesar—not because I wanted to accuse my own people, but because I had no other choice.”
The Jewish leaders in Rome hadn’t heard much about Paul’s case, but they were curious. They said, “We want to hear more about your beliefs. We’ve heard some people speak against this Christian movement, but we want to hear your side.”
So they set a day to come back and hear more.
Paul Shares the Good News
On the chosen day, a large group came to Paul’s house. From morning until evening, Paul spoke to them about the Kingdom of God and about Jesus. He used the writings of Moses and the prophets to show how everything pointed to Jesus as the Messiah.
Some people believed Paul’s message. Others did not.
Paul reminded them of what the prophet Isaiah once said—how some people would hear but not understand, and see but not truly see. Then Paul said something bold:
“This message of salvation from God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”
Paul’s Final Years in Rome
The book of Acts ends by telling us that Paul lived in that rented house in Rome for two whole years. While he waited for his trial, he didn’t waste time. He welcomed everyone who came to see him and boldly preached about Jesus.
Even though he was still a prisoner, nothing could stop the message. Paul kept teaching about Jesus and God’s kingdom—with confidence and without fear.
What We Can Learn from Acts 28:15–31
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Encouragement matters
When fellow believers came to meet Paul, he felt renewed and strengthened. Never underestimate the power of showing up and being there for someone. -
God’s message can’t be stopped
Paul was under guard, but the Word of God was not chained. He kept teaching and sharing with everyone who would listen. God’s truth always finds a way to spread. -
Be faithful where you are
Paul didn’t wait until things were perfect to serve God. Even as a prisoner, he used every opportunity to love, teach, and witness to others. -
The Gospel is for everyone
Paul made it clear—God’s message isn’t just for one group of people. It’s for all who are willing to listen and believe.
Final Thought:
The book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome, still waiting for his trial. We don’t hear how that trial went in Acts, but we do know this: Paul finished strong. He stayed faithful, shared the good news, and trusted God—right to the end.
No matter where life takes you, you can do the same. Be bold. Be faithful. And remember: even in the hardest places, God can still use you to shine His light.
Acts 28:15-31 (WEB)
28:15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. 20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”21 They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one message: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying,‘Go to this people and say,in hearing, you will hear,but will in no way understand.In seeing, you will see,but will in no way perceive.27 For this people’s heart has grown callous.Their ears are dull of hearing.Their eyes they have closed.Lest they should see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heart,and would turn again,then I would heal them.’28 “Be it known therefore to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him, 31 preaching God’s Kingdom and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.