What kind of custody did Paul have in Rome according to Acts 28:16?
Paul was placed under house arrest in Rome. He was permitted to dwell by himself in his own rented house, yet a Roman soldier or guard kept him at all times. He remained bound with a chain after appealing to Caesar, yet he could still call the Jewish leaders together.
Les explains that as Paul came to Rome at the end of Acts, he entered the city under arrest, with Roman soldiers probably chained to him. In Acts 28:16, however, the custody became what is called house arrest: Paul was allowed to live in his own rented house, but always with Roman soldiers at his side. The centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, yet Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with a soldier or guard who kept him. After three days he called the chief Jews together, still caring for Israel, and later said he was bound with this chain for the hope of Israel.
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.