Acts 28:14

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

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}.

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

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

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

Acts 28:14 marks a significant, yet brief, pause in the Apostle Paul's long and arduous journey to Rome. Having survived a shipwreck on Malta (Acts 27:41) and spent three months there, he resumed his voyage, landing first at Syracuse and then Rhegium, before arriving at Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli), a major port city near Naples.

Context

Paul was traveling as a prisoner under Roman guard, yet his mission to reach Rome, prophesied by Christ himself (Acts 23:11), was steadily progressing. Upon arrival at Puteoli, the narrative shifts from the perils of the sea to the warmth of human connection. The discovery of "brethren" (fellow Christians) in this bustling pagan port underscores the remarkable early spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, even before Paul's direct evangelistic efforts in Italy.

Key Themes

  • Christian Fellowship and Hospitality: The immediate welcome Paul and his companions received from the believers in Puteoli highlights the strong bond and mutual support characteristic of the early church. They were "desired to tarry with them seven days," indicating a deep desire for fellowship and an opportunity for rest and spiritual encouragement after a perilous journey. This act of hospitality reflects the New Testament emphasis on welcoming fellow believers (Romans 12:13).
  • Divine Providence: Despite being a prisoner, Paul's journey was clearly guided by God. This unexpected stop provided not only physical rest but also spiritual refreshment, demonstrating how God orchestrates circumstances for the good of His servants and the advancement of His kingdom.
  • The Pervasiveness of the Gospel: Finding a community of believers in Puteoli, a strategic Roman city, illustrates how the Christian faith had taken root in various parts of the world, often through the efforts of unknown evangelists or early converts from Pentecost (Acts 2:10).

Linguistic Insights

The term "brethren" comes from the Greek word adelphoi (ἀδελφοί), which literally means "brothers" but is used broadly in the New Testament to refer to fellow believers in Christ, emphasizing their spiritual family relationship. The phrase "desired to tarry" translates the Greek epimeinai (ἐπιμεῖναι), meaning "to remain" or "to stay on," conveying a strong invitation and a genuine desire for extended fellowship.

Practical Application

Acts 28:14 reminds us of the enduring importance of Christian community and hospitality. In a world often marked by isolation, the church is called to be a place of welcome, rest, and mutual encouragement for fellow believers, especially those who are weary or on a difficult journey. It also serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in guiding His people, even through challenging circumstances, always moving them toward His ultimate purpose. Just as Paul found strength in fellowship, so too can we find refreshment and support within the body of Christ today.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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