Acts 28:21 – “They replied, ‘We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Paul has just explained his situation to the Jewish leaders in Rome. He told them that he was imprisoned not because he had committed a crime but because of his belief in the “hope of Israel” (Acts 28:20). Now, the Jewish leaders respond by saying that they have not received any official accusations against him from Judea, nor have they heard anything bad about him from other Jews who traveled to Rome.
This response is somewhat surprising. Considering how aggressively the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem had opposed Paul, one might have expected them to send formal accusations ahead of him. But for whatever reason—perhaps due to their failed attempts to convict him earlier or their lack of influence in Rome—no charges had been made against him in the Jewish community there.
Their response opens the door for Paul to share the gospel with them, as they seem willing to hear more before forming an opinion. This moment is a key opportunity for Paul to present the truth about Jesus to Jewish leaders in the heart of the Roman Empire.
Historical Context
Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem on false charges. The Jewish leaders there accused him of stirring up rebellion and desecrating the temple (Acts 21:27-28). When Paul stood trial before the Roman authorities—first Felix, then Festus, and finally King Agrippa—it became clear that he had done nothing deserving death or imprisonment (Acts 26:31-32).
Because the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were determined to see him punished, Paul used his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11). This is why he was brought to Rome under house arrest.
By the time he arrived, no official accusations had preceded him. This could mean that the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem had either given up on their case or simply did not have the means to pursue it in Rome.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s sovereignty. Paul had faced relentless opposition in Jerusalem, but when he arrived in Rome—the very place where he could have faced the strongest opposition—he found an open door instead.
It also shows that God often removes obstacles for the sake of the gospel. The absence of official accusations against Paul meant that the Jewish leaders in Rome were open to hearing what he had to say. This gave Paul an opportunity to present the truth of Jesus Christ to an influential group of Jewish leaders in the empire’s capital.
Additionally, this verse teaches that opposition does not always come in the way we expect. Paul had every reason to believe that he would face immediate resistance in Rome, but instead, he found curiosity. This is a reminder that God’s plans often unfold in ways that we do not anticipate.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is significant because it contrasts with the intense opposition Paul had faced earlier. The phrase “We have not received any letters” emphasizes that no formal charges had been brought against Paul.
The phrase “none of our people… has reported or said anything bad about you” suggests that the Jewish leaders in Rome were approaching the situation with an open mind. This sets up the next verses, where they express a willingness to hear Paul out (Acts 28:22).
This moment serves as a transition in the narrative of Acts. Up until now, Paul’s journey has been full of resistance from Jewish leaders. But here, there is an opportunity for dialogue rather than outright opposition.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 21:27-28 – The false accusations that led to Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem.
- Acts 25:11 – Paul appeals to Caesar after facing unfair treatment in Judea.
- Acts 26:31-32 – Roman authorities agree that Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
- Proverbs 16:7 – “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” This verse reflects what happened when Paul arrived in Rome.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers that God is in control of every situation. Paul expected opposition but instead found an open door. In the same way, Christians today may fear resistance when sharing their faith, but they may find people more open than they anticipated.
It also teaches that God sometimes removes obstacles to provide new opportunities for ministry. Even when things seem uncertain, God is always at work behind the scenes, opening doors that no one can shut (Revelation 3:8).
Additionally, this verse encourages believers to trust in God’s timing. Paul had faced great resistance before, but in Rome, he was given a fresh opportunity to share the gospel. In the same way, Christians should be patient and trust that God will provide the right moments to speak about Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. Paul had suffered much for the gospel, but when he arrived in Rome, he found that God had already cleared the way for him to share his message.
This verse also reflects God’s kindness in giving people opportunities to hear the truth. Instead of immediate rejection, the Jewish leaders in Rome had the chance to listen and consider what Paul had to say. This is a picture of God’s patience and desire for all people to know Him (2 Peter 3:9).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Paul’s experience here mirrors Jesus’ own ministry. When Jesus preached, some rejected Him outright, while others were curious and wanted to hear more (John 7:46-47). Similarly, in Rome, Paul encountered Jewish leaders who were open to listening before forming a judgment.
More importantly, Paul’s journey to Rome was part of God’s bigger plan—just as Jesus’ journey to the cross was. Both faced opposition, but both were ultimately fulfilling God’s purpose to bring salvation to the world.
Jesus had told His disciples that the gospel would be preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14). Paul’s arrival in Rome, the heart of the empire, was a fulfillment of that mission.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever feared opposition but found that people were more open than you expected?
- What does this verse teach about trusting in God’s plans, even when the future seems uncertain?
- How can you look for opportunities to share the gospel, even in unexpected situations?
- In what ways have you seen God remove obstacles in your life for His purposes?
- How does this passage encourage you to be bold in your faith, even when you don’t know how people will respond?
This verse is a great reminder that God is always working behind the scenes. Even when we expect resistance, He may be preparing open doors for the gospel to be shared. Like Paul, believers today are called to step forward in faith, trusting that God will lead the way.