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safely pass through and not be smashed on the rocks or drowned by the whirlpool formed by
the currents. They continue on to Puteoli, a resort city in the Bay of Naples. At this time, it is a
very wealthy city, the home of many millionaires.

Act 28:14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we
went toward Rome.

Where we found brethren (believers), and were desired (asked permission) to tarry with them
seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

Paul’s influence on the ship is now so great he is granted permission to stay a week with the
believers in Puteoli.

Act 28:15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as
Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

Appii forum is ninety miles up the coast from Puteoli. Word has spread of Paul’s presence and
believers come to the docks to meet him. Three Taverns is the next city, famous for its taverns.
Many travelers stop there. Two groups of believers travel from Rome to see Paul. One group
goes forty miles and meet him at Appii forum. The others travel thirty miles and meet him at
the Three Taverns. Paul takes courage at their presence. He has probably become discouraged
about his mission to Rome and thinks he will be the only believer in the city. He now finds
others who probably tell him of the many churches praying for him and for his visit. Paul is
overjoyed and encouraged to find the gospel has been spread throughout Italy despite his own
disobedience.

We may be stopped, but the gospel can never be stopped.

Act 28:16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of
the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Paul has so impressed the centurion that he is put in a private cell with a private guard. Paul
stays here for two years before taking his fourth missionary journey. The remainder of this
chapter deals with Paul’s stay in prison.

PAUL’S FIRST MEETING WITH THE ROMAN JEWS (17-32)

Paul is permitted to address the Roman Jews, preaching that the Messiah has already come.
The hearts of the Jews in Rome are open to hearing the gospel. Paul remains in this place for
two years, preaching the kingdom of God.

Act 28:17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews
together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have
done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner
from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,