What does Acts 28:29 mean?

Acts 28:29 is not found in the most reliable manuscripts. This verse may not be original, but it does not add anything significant to the passage and certainly does not challenge any theological truth found in the rest of the Bible. It copies the exact sentiment recorded in Acts 28:25.

Paul has wanted to go to Rome for years. Rome has had a thriving church at least since Priscilla and Aquila returned from their exile (Acts 18:2; Romans 16:3–4). Although Priscilla and Aquila are Jewish, it seems many in the Roman church are Gentiles (Romans 1:13). Shortly after Paul wrote his letter to the Romans he traveled to Jerusalem (Romans 15:25–26) where he was arrested and kept in custody in Caesarea Maritima for two years (Acts 21:33–34; 24:27). He finally appealed his case to Caesar (Acts 25:10–12) but had to survive a harrowing sea voyage before arriving (Acts 27).

When Paul reaches Rome, he is again placed under house arrest, this time in a private apartment. Some of the church members have seen him, but Luke focuses on his meeting with the Jewish leaders three days after Paul's arrival. The leaders have heard of this Jesus-worship, nothing good, and agree to meet with Paul to learn more. Despite Paul's thorough explanation of how Jesus fits with the Jewish Scriptures, only some of the Jews agree. Paul dismisses those who reject Jesus and vows to concentrate on reaching the Gentiles (Acts 28:15–28).