After three months in Malta, with clear sailing from there to Syracuse (Sicily), then on to Italy’s big toe Rhegium, and from Rhegium a straight course sailed to Puteoli in just two days, about 152 miles short of the Imperial City, Paul was finally on Roman soil.
Luke then writes, “There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome.” Acts 28:14
The rest of the way was on foot via the Appian Way, the straightest and oldest of all Roman roads. Like a conquering hero, believers from Rome came as far as the Forum at Appius (43 miles away) and Three Taverns (33 miles away) to meet him for his victorious entrance into the city.
When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Acts 28:15
Obviously, Christianity had taken root in Rome, and Paul’s letter to the believers there, written from Corinth and hand delivered by deaconess Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2), had done its work. Their excitement at the thought he would soon be in their midst made them even more impatient to see him. Thus the early rendezvous.
Authentic faith in Jesus is self-propagating. Wherever found there is immediate affinity and affection, even amongst “strangers.” You find this phenomenon on mission trips. Moreover, these bonds of love made on this earth testify to our blissful and collegial cohabitation in the kingdom to come.
Leave a Reply