Scripture: After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
Acts 28:11-16 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, Luke tells us the natives brought the crew to safety, showing them extraordinary kindness—welcoming them with a warm fire to alleviate the frigid, rainy weather. As Paul gathered sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper latched onto his hand. Unconcerned, Paul shook off the snake into the fire. Seeing all that unfolded, the locals supposed Paul to be a murderer in whom Justice had prevailed. But when Paul remained unharmed, they flipped to supposing Paul to be a god. Hearing the news, Publius, the island’s governor, extended hospitality to Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus in his home for three days. During their stay, Publius’ father developed a fever and dysentery, so Paul prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him. Consequently, the news spread quickly, and all those inflicted with diseases sought Paul for their healing. Lastly, grateful for all the blessings flowing through Paul, they honored the three and gifted them with whatever supplies they needed for their journey to Italy.
Today’s reading summarizes the remainder of Paul’s travels leading to his arrival in Rome. We learn that Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus remained in Malta for three months until the worst winter weather was over. According to “Pliny the Elder,” suitable easterly winds for Mediterranean sailing started to blow on the 8th of February (Natural History 2.122), while Vegetius estimated the 10th of March (De Re Militari 4.39). Either way, Paul’s journey from Caesarea to Rome totaled about four months.
Luke presents four fascinating details reviewed in the below Takeaway section. The first regards the figurehead of the twin gods of Castor and Pollux (mounted at the tip of the bow). The second insight chronicles two occasions where Paul connected with fellow Christians (“brothers”). The first time is in Puteoli, where Paul met and stayed with fellow brothers for seven days. The second instance is en route to Rome, when the brothers who hear about Paul’s arrival (perhaps from those who hosted Paul in Puteoli) travel from two of the Via Appia’s halting stations: the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. The third detail pertains to Luke emphasizing, “we came to Rome” (appearing in verses 14 and 16). Lastly, the fourth regards Paul settling in Rome: he remained under house arrest in private quarters guarded by a single soldier.
Of note: Located every ten to fifteen miles along Roman roads, halting stations served as checkpoints, of which two were the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns.
Takeaway: Following the order of Luke’s four details noted above, Castor and Pollux were heavenly twins of Greek and Roman mythology and patrons of navigation. Their constellation, Gemini, was a sign of good fortune in a storm. Thus, they were a popular figurehead on sailing vessels. But why did Luke deem this a noteworthy detail? We can only speculate, but one feasible hypothesis pertains to their destination: They were heading to Rome, the capital of a Gentile culture that embraced mythological gods. Perhaps Luke saw this figurehead as no coincidence but a sign of the mission in front of Paul and the assurance that he would arrive safely without delay (i.e., no more storms). Indeed, good weather permitted speedy sailing to Puteoli.
Regarding Luke citing two instances where the brothers connected with Paul, he clues his readers to the brethren’s anticipation and excitement of meeting Paul, hearing his testimony, and deepening their faith. Indeed, this was no short trip, for Paul’s journey over the Via Appa stretched 133 miles to the Three Taverns and 33 miles further to Rome. Moreover, the Via Appa was no ordinary Roman highway. The oldest and grandest of all the Roman roads, it took its name from Appius Claudius, who started its construction in 312 BCE.
The third detail builds on the second. Luke mentioning twice “we came to Rome” (vv.14 and 16) demonstrates how excited he felt in reaching the climax of his second volume—mainly since the first mention is out of sequence with verse 15 (which reports the brethren met Paul on the way). Speaking of the way, any informed reader would know the significance of Paul’s royal route that connects Puteoli to the Forum of Appius, the Three Taverns, and Rome. Thus, providing these details to Luke’s reader reveals the magnitude of Paul’s arrival (the culmination of his adult-long mission to the Gentiles) and the triumphal entry of Christ’s Gospel to the capital of a worldwide empire.
Lastly, regarding Paul settling in Rome in a private quarter under the watch of a single soldier, we again see God clearing the way for Paul to run his race well to the finish line. While he encountered much resistance and persecution in previous years of his mission, this last journey from Caesarea to Rome (while met with a harrowing fortnight storm and shipwreck) was marked mainly by those in authority supporting and caring for Paul and even granting him leave privileges to meet with and be encouraged by brethren (including the weeklong stay at Puteoli).
Our takeaway? All four of these details point to the magnitude of our Gospel and its triumphal entry onto the doorsteps of places and positions of influence through the ages. And it begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15) just five days before he faced and defeated Satan (John 19:28-30). So we see how our gracious Lord cares for his own to ensure we can complete the good work his Father has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). Lastly, this story shows the importance of leaning on fellow believers as we sojourn. Even when the numbers are low, we can count on God directing people who do not know him to come alongside us. And as our glorious Gospel emanates through us, those like the centurion Julius and the Maltese who have good hearts might come to faith in the One who poured out his heart for us.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, who triumphantly entered the capital city of the Hebrew world to proclaim and complete the work of his Gospel to save us. And we thank you for the example of Paul, who, following in his Master’s footsteps, triumphantly entered the capital city of the Gentile empire to bring the Good News to the seat of a lost world. And we thank you for those saints who have continued the mission through the centuries, for we stand on their shoulders. So please help us trust in your care and lean on those your Holy Spirit brings alongside us so we can continue the mission to bring your triumphant Gospel to the doorsteps of the least, the last, and the lost. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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