And so we came to Rome.
Acts 28: 11-16
Luke writes us a short travel log of the final legs of the journey to Rome. After staying three months on Malta, the season changed and the weather with it. Julius, Paul’s centurion guard, found passage on a ship sailing from Malta to Syracuse, Rhegium and Puteoli where the entourage disembarked and met some fellow Christians who invited Paul and the others to stay with them. The stay was 7 days in Puteoli and they proceeded, on foot, to Rome. Upon arriving at Rome, Paul was met by some brothers in the faith who were from Three Taverns and the Forum in Appius. Paul thanked God for the fellowship of his brothers in Christ and the private residence Paul was granted to stay in while in Rome, at least for now, though Paul still had a guard to watch him. In this short passage, we see how detailed Luke was when writing about the travels they all took. Luke used details concerning ships and sailing the seas that most writers would not use. Sea faring men would write such descriptions as Luke did and Luke’s writings were more detailed than most secular writings and, even, the writer of the book of Jonah. God demonstrates His love of the Apostle Paul by bringing, during Paul’s travels, brothers and sisters in Christ with whom he could fellowship. Through Pauls’ missionary journeys, many people were converted to Christ and they, in turn, shared the gospel with others who were converted and, now, Paul sees the fruits of his labors in Christ. Paul was a faithful, committed Apostle to our Lord Jesus who single-handedly brought the gospel to the Gentiles, including us today. Let us praise God for His Grace, Love and, Mercy!
Source: S C Ball August 19, 2023
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