And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

And from thence {G2547}, when the brethren {G80} heard {G191} of {G4012} us {G2257}, they came {G1831} to meet {G529}{G1519} us {G2254} as far as {G891} Appii {G675} forum {G5410}, and {G2532} The three {G5140} taverns {G4999}: whom {G3739} when Paul {G3972} saw {G1492}, he thanked {G2168} God {G2316}, and took {G2983} courage {G2294}.

The brothers there had heard about us and came as far as Appian Market and Three Inns to meet us. When Sha’ul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

The brothers there had heard about us and traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God.

And from thence the brethren, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns; whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

Acts 28:15 captures a tender and significant moment in the Apostle Paul's long and challenging journey to Rome. Having endured a perilous shipwreck and numerous other trials, Paul finally nears the capital, and is met by a warm reception from fellow believers, which profoundly encourages him.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's arrival by ship at Puteoli, a port city on the west coast of Italy, after surviving a severe storm and shipwreck off the coast of Malta, as detailed in Acts 27:41. News of his arrival, likely spread by other travelers or merchants, reached the Christian community in Rome. Demonstrating remarkable dedication and love, groups of Roman believers traveled a considerable distance south along the famous Appian Way, the primary road leading to Rome. They met Paul at two well-known staging posts: "Appii forum" (Forum of Appius), approximately 43 miles from Rome, and "The three taverns" (Tres Tabernae), about 33 miles from the city. Their proactive welcome highlights the strong bonds of early Christian fellowship.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Christian Fellowship: The spontaneous journey of the Roman believers to meet Paul underscores the vital importance of community and mutual support among Christians. Their effort to extend a welcoming hand to a weary apostle, whom many had not yet met face-to-face, speaks volumes about the love and unity within the early church. This act of fellowship was a tangible expression of care and solidarity.
  • Divine Encouragement and Strength: Paul, a man of incredible spiritual fortitude, was nonetheless human and subject to weariness after his extensive trials. The sight of these believers brought him immense comfort. His immediate reaction—to "thank God, and took courage"—reveals that God often uses His people as instruments of encouragement. This renewed strength was crucial for Paul as he prepared to face the immense challenges and imprisonment awaiting him in Rome.
  • God's Faithfulness in Fulfilling His Purpose: Despite all obstacles, including plots against his life, a tumultuous sea voyage, and a shipwreck, God consistently guided Paul to Rome, fulfilling His earlier promise that Paul would bear witness in the capital (Acts 23:11). This verse serves as a testament to God's unwavering providence and His commitment to His servants, even in the midst of extreme adversity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "took courage" comes from the Greek verb tharsos lambanō (θάρσος λαμβάνω), which means "to take heart," "to gain confidence," or "to be emboldened." It signifies a significant psychological and spiritual uplift. For Paul, this was not just a passing feeling of relief but a profound renewal of inner strength, enabling him to face the future with renewed resolve and trust in God's plan.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Be a Source of Encouragement: We are called to embody the spirit of the Roman brethren, actively seeking opportunities to encourage and support fellow believers, especially those facing difficulties or transitions. A simple act of presence, a kind word, or practical help can make a profound difference in someone's spiritual and emotional well-being, just as Paul himself desired mutual encouragement, as expressed in Romans 1:12.
  • Value Christian Fellowship: Recognize the essential role of community in the Christian life. Actively participate in and draw strength from fellowship with other believers, as it provides a vital network of prayer, accountability, and shared spiritual journey.
  • Trust in God's Provision: Paul's experience reminds us that even when our strength wanes, God provides what is needed. Often, this provision comes through the unexpected kindness and support of His people, reinforcing our faith in His faithful care, no matter the circumstances.
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.
  • Hebrews 13:3

    Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
  • Romans 15:24

    Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your [company].
  • Joshua 1:9

    Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • 1 Samuel 30:6

    And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:21

    And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:22

    Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
  • Psalms 27:14

    Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

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