Skip to content

Commentaries
English
Acts
  
4. Continuing the Journey to Rome in Spring (Acts 28:11-14)
11After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.12And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.13From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli,14where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome.


What a great miracle! God did not allow the ship to break apart during the tempest in the angry sea, nor did he direct her to an unknown, dangerous shore. He lead the wayward ship to the famous island of Malta, where many vessels spent the winter. By the middle of February vessels began again to sail around the world. Paul was not afraid of going on board a vessel having as her figurehead the sons of Zeus, designating the two twin brothers, who were regarded as the patron deities of sailors. The apostle knew that all gods and idols were but vanities and dust. The Lord alone is the Great One. So they traveled to Syracuse, the capital of the island of Sicily, and from there they reached the toe of Italy. From there they continued on, passing by Stromboli, until they arrived at Vesuvius. Thereafter, they came to Puteoli, a seaport near Naples.
There were Christians living as brothers in the faith there. When the apostle came to them, they welcomed him and his many companions, and entertained them one whole week. From this reception we see that Paul was not unknown in Italy. He was known as the ambassador of Christ wherever he went. In this fellowship near Naples it appears that Julius, the centurion, may have become a Christian, for the apostle´s faith, peace of mind, patient love for people, and spiritual power had impressed this officer greatly, such that he was ready to follow the prisoner, and not vice versa. What a great triumph of Christ!
The great company walked from there down the wide road leading to Rome. Luke and Aristarchus did not leave the apostle, but remained faithful to him in the communion of sufferings. With these three believers Christ’s triumphal procession arrived in the then capital of world culture.

Prayer
We worship You, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the gates of Hades shall not prevail against You. We thank You for keeping Paul and his company, and for Your blessings on all those who were on the ship with them. Keep us in Your name; so that we may become a blessing to many.