Chapter 43—In Rome
This chapter is based on
Acts 28:11-31
and the
Epistle to Philemon
.
With the opening of navigation, the centurion and his prisoners
set out on their journey to Rome. An Alexandrian ship, the “Castor
and Pollux,” had wintered at Melita on her way westward, and in this
the travelers embarked. Though somewhat delayed by contrary winds,
the voyage was safely accomplished, and the ship cast anchor in the
beautiful harbor of Puteoli, on the coast of Italy.
In this place there were a few Christians, and they entreated the
apostle to remain with them for seven days, a privilege kindly granted
by the centurion. Since receiving Paul’s epistle to the Romans, the
Christians of Italy had eagerly looked forward to a visit from the
apostle. They had not thought to see him come as a prisoner, but his
sufferings only endeared him to them the more. The distance from
Puteoli to Rome being but a hundred and forty miles, and the seaport
being in constant communication with the metropolis, the Roman
Christians were informed of Paul’s approach, and some of them started
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to meet and welcome him.
On the eighth day after landing, the centurion and his prisoners set
out for Rome. Julius willingly granted the apostle every favor which
it was in his power to bestow; but he could not change his condition
as a prisoner, or release him from the chain that bound him to his
soldier guard. It was with a heavy heart that Paul went forward to
his long-expected visit to the world’s metropolis. How different the
circumstances from those he had anticipated! How was he, fettered
and stigmatized, to proclaim the gospel? His hopes of winning many
souls to the truth in Rome, seemed destined to disappointment.
At last the travelers reach Appii Forum, forty miles from Rome.
As they make their way through the crowds that throng the great thor-
oughfare, the gray-haired old man, chained with a group of hardened-
looking criminals, receives many a glance of scorn and is made the
subject of many a rude, mocking jest.
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