Journey to Rome

Acts 28:11-15

“11 Three months later we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there for three days; 13 then we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. After one day there a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 The believers from there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.”

Paul found believers in Puteoli, and in Rome who showed him hospitality, gave him fellowship, and courage to face the days ahead.  These were believers that Paul had not met, had not led to Christ, or had not baptized.  Some other, unknown disciple of Christ did that.

Most Christians labor in anonymity, working tirelessly not for an earthly reward, but for the privilege and love of serving Christ, doing the work of Christ tirelessly and silently.

Yes, Christianity owes a great deal to the Apostle Paul.  But Christianity also owes an equal amount of gratitude to those unknown disciples who taught us, preached to us, loved us, coached us, baptized us, sang with us, cried with us, and gave us courage to face the days ahead.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)