Acts 28:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὶ
when the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
when the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
6 of 26
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἀππίου
Appii
G675
Ἀππίου
Appii
Strong's:
G675
Word #:
13 of 26
(in the genitive, i.e., possessive case) of appius, the name of a roman
Φόρου
forum
G5410
Φόρου
forum
Strong's:
G5410
Word #:
14 of 26
a forum or market-place; only in comparative with g0675; a station on the appian road
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὓς
whom
G3739
οὓς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἰδὼν
saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
19 of 26
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
when Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
when Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
21 of 26
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
εὐχαριστήσας
he thanked
G2168
εὐχαριστήσας
he thanked
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
22 of 26
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
24 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Historical Context
Appii Forum (43 miles from Rome) and Three Taverns (33 miles out) were stations on the Via Appia. The delegation's organization suggests Roman Christians had excellent communication networks. Paul approached Rome not as conquering evangelist but as grateful prisoner, encouraged by love shown.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you proactively encourage those facing trials or entering new, intimidating situations?
- What does Paul's need for encouragement teach about vulnerability and interdependence in Christian leadership?
Analysis & Commentary
When the brethren heard of us—News of Paul's arrival spread rapidly through Italy's Christian network. Believers traveled 40 miles south to Appii forum and 33 miles to The three taverns to meet Paul's company. This sacrificial journey demonstrated the Roman church's love for an apostle they'd never met but knew through his epistle (written 3-4 years earlier).
Whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage (ἔλαβεν θάρσος, elaben tharsos)—Even apostles needed encouragement. The Greek θάρσος (tharsos) means confidence or boldness restored. Their presence confirmed that Paul's ministry in Rome wouldn't be isolated—a believing community awaited. God uses His people to strengthen His servants for coming trials.