On the eighth day after landing, the centurion and his prisoners set out for Rome. Julius willingly granted the apostle every favor which it was in his power to bestow; but he could not change his condition as a prisoner, or release him from the chain that bound him to his soldier guard. It was with a heavy heart that Paul went forward to his long-expected visit to the world's metropolis. How different the circumstances from those he had anticipated! How was he, fettered and stigmatized, to proclaim the gospel? His hopes of winning many souls to the truth in Rome, seemed destined to disappointment.

Ottendedagen efter landgangen drog høvedsmanden og fangerne af sted til Rom. Julius tilstod gerne apostlen enhver gunst, som det stod i hans magt at tildele, men han kunne ikke ændre hans stilling som fange eller befri ham for den lænke, hvormed han var bundet til den vagthavende soldat. Det var med tungt hjerte, at Paulus begav sig til det længe ventede besøg i verdens hovedstad. Det var under så helt andre forhold, end han havde glædet sig til. Hvordan skulle han, lænket og brændemærket som han var, kunne forkynde evangeliet? Hans håb om at vinde mange sjæle for sandheden i Rom syntes forudbestemt til at blive en skuffelse.