“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. Our first stop was Syracuse, where we stayed three days. 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. There we found some believers, who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 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. When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.”
Acts of the Apostles 28:11-16 NLT After spending three months on the island of Malta (Melita-KJV), they boarded a ship which was characterized by the Greek mythological twins Castor and Pollux. It was common in the time to build ships with characters of the culture on the bow (front). Apparently, it didn't bother Paul that he, and the others, were boarding a ship with pagan mascots. He knew who the One true God was and he trusted Him with all of his circumstances. Their first stop was in Syracuse. Syracuse was located on a body of land that extends out from the tip of the boot of Italy. After spending three days there, they departed and came to Rhegium which was located at the tip of the boot of Italy. Following this stop, they sailed to Puteoli. Here they met some fellow believers and tarried seven days. As they travelled on to Rome, several brethren of the faith came from various nearby areas and joined in fellowship with Paul and the other believers who were traveling with him. They met them at Appii Forum and The Three Taverns (both were towns along the route to Rome). After reaching their destination, Rome, the prisoners were released from the care of the Roman centurion,who had kept their guard until they arrived, into the care of the Roman captain of the guard. However, Paul had gained such respect that he was allowed to stay by himself with a Roman soldier at guard. God, most certainly, did what he had told Paul He would do. He brought him safely to Rome. Along the way there were great challenges, but, God never failed His servant. Even in the most adverse circumstances, God proclaimed the gospel through the life of Paul. Will you let God speak through you? Regardless of your circumstances, He wants to use them to proclaim His gospel. Let Him!!
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![]() Rev. Curtis Norris Archives
March 2020
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