Paul’s Arrival in Rome

“After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. We put in at Syracuse (three days)…arrived at Rhegium…on the following day we reached Puteoli…there…found some brothers…spent a week with them…And so we came to Rome. The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” –Acts 28:11-16 (NIV. Read passage in its entirety).

After spending three months on Malta, the shipwrecked travelers boarded another ship for the last lap of their journey to Rome. It was a Greek ship. Luke evidently thought it important to include in his writing that on the masthead were images of the Greek twin gods, Castor and Pollux, representing mythical protection over sea-faring folks. Little did the others aboard know that they did not need pagan gods to protect them; God the Almighty rode with Paul, Luke and Aristarchus. Paul would finally realize a dream: to preach in the Roman capital. How would God bring this about, seeing as how Paul was still a prisoner? Never underestimate the power of God in the life of a dedicated minister or layperson! Paul was finally at Puteoli, the port of Rome. He was now on the threshold of the capitol of the then known world! God had brought him to this place to witness, to have time to write, to be “in his own hired (rented) house.”

They had some productive stops along the journey, especially at Puteoli where for a week they enjoyed company with a group of Christians already living there. And then, because the Christians in Rome had heard Paul was finally arriving, an entourage went out to meet him as he approached Rome on the famous Appian Way, the major highway. On that famous route was a market place forty-three miles southeast of Rome. Kings and generals were met there as they returned victoriously from battle. We can only imagine the rejoicing as Christians from Rome met Paul. But highest among those who greeted Paul was the Lord Christ who had sent him forth with “Lo, I am with you always.” Christ who never breaks His word walked on with Paul into Rome. Great things would be in store for God was directing Paul’s steps. Even in chains of circumstance, the Christian can know great freedom and rejoice in the opportunities God provides. With God, all things are possible. Praise be to God!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Monday, May 17, 2010