Arriving in Rome

Scripture: Acts 28:11-16

11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse, where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium. A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers, who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers and sisters in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God. 16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier. (Acts 28:11-16 NLT)

Paul and Luke spent three months on Malta until it was safe to sail again. They sailed for Italy on an Alexandrian ship that had wintered on the island. They landed at Syracuse on Sicily, then at Rhegium on the tip of Italy’s boot, then finally docked at Puteoli further up the Italian peninsula, where Paul was allowed to stay with some believers for a week. Here are some devotional thoughts:

Fellowship Sustains Us (Vs 14): Even as a prisoner under guard, Paul was allowed a whole week of rest and fellowship with believers in Puteoli. God knows when your spirit is weary and frequently places brothers and sisters along the way to offer rest, hospitality, and refreshment before the final leg of a hard journey.

A Little Encouragement Goes a Long Way (Vs. 15): The believers from Rome didn’t just wait at the finish line—they walked 30 to 40 miles down the road to meet Paul halfway. Paul was a veteran apostle, yet seeing these believers deeply encouraged him. We never outgrow the need for encouragement, and going out of your way to meet someone in their struggle can give them the  courage they need to finish well.

Purpose Overcomes Your Restrictions (Vs 16): Paul finally arrived in Rome—the center of the empire—not as a free preacher, but chained to a soldier. Yet his physical confinement didn’t stop the gospel. God often works most powerfully through our limitations, proving that his plans cannot be bound by our personal constraints.

Prayer:

Father, Help me to notice the people you place in my path and give me the humility to receive their encouragement. Grant me the courage to keep moving forward, trusting that you are using every step to accomplish your purpose in and through me. Amen.