This is the conclusion of the so-called “we” sections in the book of Acts, in which the author identifies himself as participating in the narrative.

Paul was not placed in prison, but he was allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him. From the context it is obvious that this permission was granted him by the Roman government. The passive expression was allowed may be rendered as “the Roman authorities permitted Paul to live by himself” or “… in a separate house.” The final phrase with a soldier guarding him may be translated as “only there was a soldier who guarded him” or, as in some languages, “only there was a soldier that kept watching in order that he would not escape.” It is important, in this particular context, to indicate that the soldier was to prevent Paul’s escape rather than to guard Paul from the attacks of other persons.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .