Scripture
13 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. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 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. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
Reflection
There were two places where Christians from Rome came to meet Paul. The place called the Forum of Appius was about forty-three miles from Rome and sat along a canal, the second place was a little closer to Rome, about thirty-three miles. Some had traveled longer distances to meet Paul, either way the friendship, expressed in their coming to meet him, encouraged him greatly. It had been a long, difficult journey in many ways and the sight of fellow Christians brought comfort and refreshed him as it should for us today (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray and give thanks for:
…the truth of these words, “God with us”
…the impact of the birth of Jesus,
…the reality that God is with us, now.
