As Paul sailed to Rome for his trial, he entered the harbor at Puteoli, Italy, where he spent a week with fellow Christians.
And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.—Acts 28:13–14
As we today toured this very location (see the video below), I could only imagine how uplifting it must have been for Paul to have spiritual fellowship with other believers before he would stand trial. These Christians, in fact, may have first heard the gospel through the book of Romans which Paul had earlier penned from Corinth.
As our group, too, is approaching Rome on our tour, I’m mindful of the price Paul (and others) paid to get the gospel throughout the world. And I keep remembering Paul’s declaration in Romans 1:16:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.—Romans 1:16
May we also never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ!
(If you cannot view this video in your email or RSS reader, click here.)
This post is part of a series from our journeys of Paul tour. The earlier posts are listed below:
