Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 28:30

"And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him," — Acts 28:30 (ASV)

Paul dwelt two whole years. Undoubtedly, he was in the custody of the soldiers. Why he was not prosecuted before the emperor during this time is not known. It is evident, however, from Acts 28:21, that the Jews were not inclined to take the case before Nero, and the matter, during this time, was left undisturbed.

There is a great probability that the Jews dared not prosecute him before the emperor. It is clear that they had never been in favor of the appeal to Rome and had no hope of gaining their cause. They might have remembered the Roman emperor's former treatment of their people (see Barnes on Acts 18:2). They might also have remembered that they were despised at the Roman capital and therefore did not choose to encounter the scorn and indignation of the Roman court. As there was no prosecution, Paul was allowed to live in quietness and safety.

Lardner, however, supposes (vol. v. pp. 528, 529, Edit. 8vo. Lond. 1829) that Paul's case was soon brought before Nero and decided, and that the method of confinement was ordered by the emperor himself. Lightfoot also supposes that Paul's "accusers, who had come from Judea to lay their charge against him, would be urgent to get their business dispatched, that they might be returning to their own home again, and so would bring him to trial as soon as they could." But nothing certain is known on the subject. It is evident, indeed, from 2 Timothy 4:16, that he was at some time arraigned before the emperor; but when this occurred, what the decision was, or why he was at last set at liberty, are all involved in impenetrable obscurity.

In his own hired house. He was in a house that he was permitted to hire and occupy as his own. Probably, in this, he was assisted by the kindness of his Roman friends.

And received all, etc. He received hospitably and kindly all who came to him to show him kindness or to listen to his instructions. It is evident from this that he was still a prisoner and was not permitted to move about freely.