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 what he had anticipated! How was he, fettered and stigmatized as a criminal, to proclaim the gospel? His hopes of winning many souls to the truth at Rome, seemed destined to be disappointed. {LP 272.3}

Ottendedagen efter ankomsten, blev høvedsmanden og hans fanger sendt til Rom. Julius tilstod villigt apostlen alle gaver som det var i hans magt at give; men han kunne ikke ændre hans status som en fange, eller løslade ham fra de lænker der bandt ham til hans vagtsoldat. Det var med tungt hjerte at Paulus gik ud på hans længeforventede besøg til verdens metropol. Hvor anderledes var det ikke fra det han havde regnet med. Hvordan skulle han, lænket og brændemærket som en kriminel, forkynde evangeliet? Hans håb for at vinde mange sjæle til sandheden i Rom, lod til at være skuffende.