Lexical Summary Appiou Phoron: Appius Forum Original Word: Ἀππίου Φόρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Appii. Of Latin origin; (in the genitive, i.e. Possessive case) of Appius, the name of a Roman -- Appii. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Market of Appius, the name of a city south of Rome NASB Translation Appius (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 675: ἈππιοςἈππιος, Ἀππίου, ὁ, Appius, a Roman praenomen; Ἀππίου φόρον Appii Forum (Cicero, ad Att. 2, 10; Horace sat. 1, 5, 3) (R. V. The Market of Appius), the name of a town in Italy, situated 43 Roman miles from Rome on the Appian way — (this road was paved with square ((?) polygonal) stone by the censor Appius Claudius Caecus, Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Ἀππίου (Appiou) designates the “Forum of Appius,” a market-town on the famed Via Appia in Latium, Italy. It was named after Appius Claudius Caecus, the builder of the road (circa 312 BC). Biblical Occurrence Acts 28:15 records the single New Testament appearance: “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.” Historical Background The Forum of Appius lay roughly 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Rome, serving as the first major stopping place for travelers entering the Pontine Marshes. Situated on a canal as well as the road, it was notorious in classical literature for its rough innkeepers and boatmen, yet it became a strategic meeting point between the apostle Paul and Roman believers. Geographical Setting Nestled in low marshland, the Forum marked the junction where travelers either continued by canal or transferred to the stone-paved highway. The surrounding region’s inhospitable terrain magnified the effort and devotion of the believers who journeyed from Rome to greet Paul. Paul’s Ministry Context Acts 27–28 trace Paul’s voyage as a prisoner to Rome. Following shipwreck and wintering on Malta, he landed at Puteoli and traveled northward along the Via Appia. The encounter at Appii Forum occurred during the final stage of a years-long desire to preach in Rome (Romans 1:10-15). God’s providence turned an imperial custody march into missionary advance. Christian Fellowship and Encouragement The Roman Christians covered two days’ walking distance to meet Paul—an expression of unity in Christ that transcended social and political boundaries. Luke notes the immediate spiritual effect: “Paul was encouraged and gave thanks to God.” The incident highlights New Testament motifs of mutual edification (Hebrews 10:24-25) and answer to prayer (compare Romans 15:30-32, where Paul had asked the churches to pray for a safe arrival and joyful fellowship). The Via Appia in Roman and Christian History The Appian Way linked Rome to the southern ports and, by extension, to the wider Mediterranean. As Roman roads facilitated trade and military control, they also served gospel advance (Galatians 4:4–5). The intersection of imperial infrastructure and apostolic mission illustrates how divine sovereignty employs human systems for redemptive purposes. Theological Implications 1. Providence: Paul’s arrival at Rome—even in chains—fulfilled Christ’s earlier promise, “You must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). Lessons for the Church Today • Hospitality and presence strengthen weary servants. Related Scriptures Romans 1:11-12; Romans 15:22-29; 2 Corinthians 7:5-7; Philippians 1:12-14; Hebrews 13:3. Forms and Transliterations Αππιου Ἀππίου Appiou AppíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |