Footsteps # 392. After three months in Malta, Paul and his companions were finally able to continue their journey (Acts 28:11). They arrived in Puteoli (v13)—modern Pozzuoli, in the Bay of Naples—from where they would travel to Rome by road (vs11–16). The news of Paul’s approach quickly reached Rome, and from there a group of believers traveled several km south to welcome him. Though he had never been to Rome, the apostle had numerous friends in the city: co-workers, converts, relatives, and many others who were very dear to him (Rom.16:3–16). The meeting on the Appian Way must have been particularly moving, especially in view of the shipwreck and the fact that Paul was now a prisoner. As a result of such a unique demonstration of love and care on the part of his beloved friends, the apostle thanked God and felt deeply heartened as he was about to face trial before the emperor. In his official report, Festus certainly must have written that according to Roman law, Paul was not guilty of any significant crime (Acts 25:26,27; 26:31,32). This probably explains why he was allowed to rent a private dwelling (28:30) instead of being sent to a regular prison or military camp, though after Roman fashion he was chained to a soldier the whole time. He also lived at his own expense.  

Though Paul could not go to the synagogue, the synagogue could come to him. So, soon after his arrival, following his policy of going first to the Jews, he called together the local Jewish leaders to state his innocence and explain, as he had done before, that he had been arrested for no reason other than the hope of Israel (Acts 28:17-22). His intention was not so much to defend himself as to create an atmosphere of trust that allowed him to preach the gospel, showing how Jesus’ resurrection was the fulfillment of Israel’s ancestral hope. Surprised that they had not received any information from Jerusalem about Paul, the Jews decided to hear him. (v22.)  

On a set day, the Jews came in large numbers to hear Paul’s presentation of the gospel (Acts 28:23-31). In vs25-27 Paul quotes from Isa.6:9,10 which describes what happens when people refuse to accept the divine message. Though some Jews believed, others didn’t, and so, because of this great dispute, the apostle had no choice but once again to turn to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46,47; 18:6).  

Paul had to wait two years to be tried by the emperor. Meanwhile, though restricted to his house-prison, he was still able to share the gospel without hindrance with those who came to him. He wrote the 4 letters that we know as the letters of his first imprisonment, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians at this time. It is my opinion that he also preached the sermon that we now know as Hebrews. A sermon preached by Paul but recorded by someone else.