Acts 28:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Where {G3757} we found {G2147} brethren {G80}, and were desired {G3870} to tarry {G1961} with {G1909} them {G846} seven {G2033} days {G2250}: and {G2532} so {G3779} we went {G2064} toward {G1519} Rome {G4516}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There we found brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we went on toward Rome.

Berean Standard Bible

There we found some brothers who invited us to spend the week with them. And so we came to Rome.

American Standard Version

where we found brethren, and were entreated to tarry with them seven days: and so we came to Rome.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:14 records a pivotal, yet brief, interlude in the Apostle Paul's arduous journey to Rome, marking his arrival at Puteoli, a significant port city. Having survived a harrowing shipwreck and a three-month stay on Malta, Paul and his companions unexpectedly encountered fellow believers in this bustling pagan city. This discovery led to an invitation for a week-long stay, providing much-needed rest and spiritual refreshment before they continued their divinely orchestrated progression toward the imperial capital, highlighting God's providential care and the widespread reach of the early Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's departure from Malta, where he had spent three months after his shipwreck. The preceding verses ([Acts 28:11-13](/acts/28-11-13 "Acts 28:11-13 - Paul's Journey from Malta to Puteoli")) detail his voyage on an Alexandrian ship, stopping first at Syracuse for three days, then Rhegium, and finally arriving at Puteoli. Acts 28:14 acts as a bridge, transitioning from the perils of the sea journey to the final leg of the overland journey to Rome. The narrative subtly shifts from external dangers and miraculous interventions to the internal strength and support found within the Christian community, setting the stage for Paul's eventual arrival in Rome and his ministry there, as described in [Acts 28:15-31](/acts/28-15-31 "Acts 28:15-31 - Paul's Arrival and Ministry in Rome").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli) was a major commercial port on the Bay of Naples, serving as Rome's primary maritime gateway for trade with the East. It was a bustling, cosmopolitan city, making the presence of a Christian community there unsurprising, given the constant flow of people and ideas. The Roman Empire, at this time, was a vast network of roads and sea lanes, facilitating both trade and the spread of new philosophies and religions, including Christianity. Paul, though a prisoner, was traveling under Roman escort, which afforded him a certain degree of protection and, paradoxically, access. The practice of hospitality was deeply ingrained in ancient Mediterranean culture, especially among fellow believers, who often relied on one another for lodging and support while traveling. The "seven days" stay would have allowed for Sabbath observance and extended fellowship, a common practice in the early church.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God meticulously guides Paul's journey despite imprisonment and hardship, ensuring his safe arrival and providing timely refreshment. Secondly, it highlights the **Pervasiveness of the Gospel**, showcasing how the Christian faith had already taken root in strategic locations like Puteoli, even before Paul's direct evangelistic efforts in Italy. This suggests the organic growth of the church, perhaps through early converts from Pentecost ([Acts 2:10](/acts/2-10 "Acts 2:10 - Roman Visitors at Pentecost")) or other travelers. Lastly, and most prominently, it emphasizes the vital theme of **Christian Fellowship and Hospitality**. The spontaneous welcome and invitation to "tarry" for seven days exemplify the strong bonds of mutual support and love that characterized the early church, where believers were truly "brethren" to one another, offering solace and encouragement on their shared spiritual journey, echoing the call for hospitality found in passages like [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Greek, _heurískō_):** This verb (G2147) means "to find (literally or figuratively); to get, obtain, perceive, see." In this context, it conveys the sense of an unexpected discovery. Paul and his companions did not necessarily set out to find Christians in Puteoli; rather, they "found" them, suggesting a providential encounter. This highlights the widespread, organic growth of the early church, where communities of believers existed even in places Paul had not directly evangelized.
* **desired (Greek, _parakaléō_):** This word (G3870) is rich in meaning, encompassing "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation); to beseech, call for, comfort, desire, exhort, intreat, pray." Here, it signifies a strong, earnest invitation. The "brethren" did not merely permit Paul to stay; they actively "desired" him to, indicating a deep longing for fellowship, spiritual encouragement, and perhaps an opportunity to learn from such a renowned apostle, even in his imprisoned state.
* **tarry (Greek, _epiménō_):** Derived from _epí_ (upon) and _ménō_ (to remain), this verb (G1961) means "to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere)." The invitation to "tarry" for seven days suggests a significant period of rest and extended fellowship, not just a brief overnight stop. It implies a deliberate and sustained period of shared life, worship, and mutual encouragement, allowing Paul and his companions to recover fully from their arduous journey and the Puteoli believers to benefit from their presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Where we found brethren,"**: This clause immediately establishes the unexpected and providential nature of the encounter. The "brethren" refers to fellow Christians, indicating that a community of believers was already established in Puteoli, a major Roman port. This discovery underscores the remarkable spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, often through unsung individuals or early converts returning home.
* **"and were desired to tarry with them seven days:"**: This phrase reveals the warmth and depth of the hospitality extended. The Greek verb "desired" (parakaléō) implies an earnest invitation, not just a casual offer. The duration of "seven days" is significant, allowing for a full week of rest, fellowship, and perhaps even participation in their Sabbath worship and other gatherings, providing spiritual refreshment after the perils of the journey.
* **"and so we went toward Rome."**: This concluding clause succinctly states the continuation of the journey, emphasizing that despite the pleasant interlude, the ultimate destination and divine purpose remained clear. The "so" (hoútō) indicates a logical progression, implying that after this period of rest and fellowship, they were renewed and ready to complete the final leg of their journey to the imperial capital, fulfilling the divine mandate for Paul to bear witness in Rome.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Understatement** and **Juxtaposition** by presenting a calm, hospitable encounter immediately following the dramatic and life-threatening shipwreck. This contrast highlights the secure and comforting reality of Christian fellowship amidst the unpredictable dangers of the world. The phrase "found brethren" also functions as **Synecdoche**, where "brethren" (a part) stands for the entire Christian community in Puteoli, emphasizing their spiritual kinship. Furthermore, the verse serves as a crucial point of **Narrative Progression**, marking the transition from Paul's sea voyage to his overland journey, steadily advancing the plot towards his ultimate arrival in Rome, which has been the underlying goal since [Acts 19:21](/acts/19-21 "Acts 19:21 - Paul's Resolve to Go to Rome") and divinely affirmed in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Promise to Paul in Jerusalem").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:14 beautifully illustrates the pervasive reality of Christian community and divine providence in the early church. Despite Paul's status as a prisoner and the dangers he faced, God orchestrated a moment of profound spiritual and physical refreshment through the unexpected encounter with fellow believers. This highlights the New Testament emphasis on mutual care, hospitality, and the spiritual unity that transcends geographical and social barriers. The "brethren" in Puteoli, though likely unknown to Paul previously, immediately recognized a bond of faith, demonstrating the universal nature of the body of Christ and the spontaneous outpouring of love and support that characterized early Christian life. This encounter served not only as a physical respite but also as a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness in guiding His servants and providing for their needs, even in the most challenging circumstances, ensuring the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.")
* [1 Peter 4:9](/1_peter/4-9 "1 Peter 4:9 - Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:14 serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring power and necessity of Christian community in our lives. In a world that often fosters isolation and weariness, the church is called to be a vibrant hub of welcome, rest, and mutual encouragement. Just as Paul, a weary traveler and prisoner, found unexpected solace and strength in the fellowship of believers in Puteoli, so too can we find spiritual and emotional refreshment within the body of Christ today. This verse challenges us to actively seek out and cultivate such relationships, to open our homes and our hearts to fellow believers, especially those who are on difficult journeys or in need of support. It also encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that even in our trials, He often provides unexpected oases of grace and connection, guiding us toward His ultimate purposes. Our journey of faith is not meant to be traveled alone, but in the comforting and strengthening presence of our spiritual family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the spontaneous hospitality shown to Paul in Puteoli challenge our own practice of welcoming others, especially those we might consider "strangers" or those in need?**
* **In what ways can our local church community become a "seven-day tarrying place" for weary souls, offering genuine rest and spiritual refreshment?**
* **How can we better recognize and appreciate the "brethren" God places in our path, understanding that they are often instruments of His providence and comfort?**
* **Reflect on a time when you experienced unexpected fellowship or hospitality that significantly impacted your journey. What lessons did you learn from that experience?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "brethren" Paul found in Puteoli?**

Answer: The "brethren" were fellow Christians, members of the early church community in Puteoli. While the Bible doesn't specify how this community was established, it's highly probable that Christianity had spread to this major port city through early converts who traveled for trade or other reasons, perhaps even some who had been present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, where visitors from Rome were among those who heard Peter's sermon and were converted ([Acts 2:10](/acts/2-10 "Acts 2:10 - Roman Visitors at Pentecost")). Their presence demonstrates the organic and rapid expansion of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, even in places Paul had not yet visited.

**Why did Paul and his companions stay for "seven days"?**

Answer: The "seven days" stay was likely a period of significant rest and extended fellowship. It would have allowed Paul and his companions to fully recover from their arduous sea journey and the recent shipwreck. Culturally, a week-long stay would have provided ample time for shared meals, worship, and mutual encouragement. For the Puteoli believers, it was an opportunity to host and learn from the renowned Apostle Paul, even though he was a prisoner. This extended period highlights the depth of the hospitality and the genuine desire for spiritual communion within the early Christian community.

**What was the significance of Puteoli as a stop on Paul's journey?**

Answer: Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli) was Rome's primary port on the Bay of Naples, making it a crucial strategic location. Its bustling commercial activity meant a constant flow of people and goods, making it a natural hub for the spread of new ideas, including Christianity. For Paul, it was the final port of call before the overland journey to Rome. The discovery of a thriving Christian community there not only provided him with much-needed rest and spiritual refreshment but also served as a powerful testament to the Gospel's reach, confirming that the seeds of faith had already taken root even in the heartland of the Roman Empire, preparing the way for his ministry in Rome itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 28:14, though a seemingly simple logistical detail in Paul's journey, resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The unexpected discovery of "brethren" and the warm invitation to "tarry" for seven days foreshadow the ultimate hospitality offered by Christ Himself. Just as Paul found a community of believers ready to welcome him, so too does Christ, through His atoning work, welcome all who believe into His eternal family. He is the ultimate Host, preparing a place for us in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")). The fellowship experienced in Puteoli points to the deeper reality of the Church as the body of Christ, a spiritual family where believers are united by the Holy Spirit and called to offer mutual support and love, reflecting the very nature of God as a relational Trinity. Moreover, Paul's journey "toward Rome" mirrors Christ's purposeful journey toward the cross and resurrection, a divinely ordained path to accomplish salvation. Every step of Paul's journey, even the unexpected detours and periods of rest, was under God's sovereign hand, just as Christ's entire earthly life was a perfect fulfillment of divine purpose, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice to gather His "brethren" from every nation ([Hebrews 2:11-12](/hebrews/2-11-12 "Hebrews 2:11-12 - Jesus is Not Ashamed to Call Them Brothers")). Thus, this brief interlude in Acts is a beautiful microcosm of God's providential care, Christ's welcoming embrace, and the enduring power of His Church to provide spiritual sanctuary in a weary world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 19:1

¶ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

Genesis 8:10

And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;

Genesis 8:12

And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.

Acts 21:4

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:7

And when we had finished [our] course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

Acts 21:8

¶ And the next [day] we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was [one] of the seven; and abode with him.

Acts 20:6

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.