Final Journey to Rome (Acts 28:11-15)

Scripture: Acts 28:11-15

Today’s Word

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 and stayed there three days. From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters 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 people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. (Acts 28:11-15, NIV)

Background

Key Terms Made Simple

• Alexandrian ship: A large merchant vessel from Alexandria, Egypt, primarily used for transporting grain. Rome depended heavily on grain imports from Egypt to feed its population.
• Twin gods: Refers to Castor and Pollux from Greek mythology, considered protectors of sailors. Their images were carved on the ship’s bow as figureheads.
• Forum of Appius: A marketplace and rest area about 65 km south of Rome, an important stop along the Appian Way.
• Three Taverns: An inn located about 50 km from Rome where travelers on the Appian Way would rest.

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “After three months”
2. “The next day the south wind came up”
3. “We found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them”
4. “At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged”

Main Points of the Text

1. God’s promise being fulfilled: Though Paul experienced storms and shipwreck, he was heading to Rome just as the angel promised. The process was difficult, but the outcome followed God’s word exactly.
2. Favorable winds and smooth journey: In contrast to the earlier storm, this time the south wind blew favorably for smooth sailing. God sometimes permits storms and sometimes sends favorable winds.
3. Meeting the faith community: During the journey, Paul met believers at Puteoli, and when he arrived in Rome, brothers came out to meet him. God provides comfort and strength through fellow believers amid difficult journeys.
4. Courage through love: Welcomed by Roman Christians, Paul was encouraged and thanked God. True Christian love has the power to give courage to one another.

Applying to My Life

1. Believing God’s promises to the end: Like Paul’s journey, our lives have both storms and favorable winds. But what God has promised will surely be fulfilled. Whatever situation you’re in now, hold onto God’s promises and keep moving forward.
2. Remembering that favorable winds are also God’s grace: We tend to seek God and give thanks only during hardships. However, we must also remember and give thanks that when things go smoothly, that too is God’s grace.
3. Cherishing the faith community: Paul also gained courage from meeting his brothers and sisters. We too must build relationships within the church community where we encourage and strengthen one another. Especially when there are brothers or sisters going through difficult times, we should seek them out to comfort and encourage them, like the Roman Christians who ran out to the Forum of Appius.

Think About It

1. Looking back at the storms, shipwreck, and viper incident Paul experienced before reaching Rome, what was God’s purpose in protecting him? What is God’s purpose in protecting me in my life?
2. The Roman Christians came out to meet prisoner Paul despite the risk. What risks or inconveniences am I willing to endure for brothers and sisters in difficulty?
3. “At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” When I read this sentence, who gives me courage? And to whom am I a source of encouragement?