Three Taverns: Roman Christians Meet Paul In
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Three Taverns is a location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts. It is noted as a significant meeting place where the Apostle Paul encountered a group of Roman Christians as he made his way to Rome. This event is recorded in Acts 28:15, which states: "The brothers there had heard about us and traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God" (Berean Standard Bible).

Historical and Geographical Context

Three Taverns was a well-known stopping point along the Appian Way, one of the most important and ancient Roman roads that connected Rome to the southern regions of Italy. The name "Three Taverns" suggests that it was a place where travelers could find rest and refreshment, likely consisting of inns or waystations. Located approximately 33 miles south of Rome, it served as a convenient meeting place for those traveling to and from the capital.

Biblical Significance

The meeting at Three Taverns holds considerable significance in the narrative of Paul's journey to Rome. After being arrested in Jerusalem and appealing to Caesar, Paul was transported to Rome to stand trial. The journey was arduous, involving shipwreck and various trials, but it was also marked by divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promise that Paul would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11).

The arrival of Roman Christians at Three Taverns to meet Paul highlights the early Christian community's support and encouragement for one another. Their journey to meet Paul demonstrates the strong bonds of fellowship and the respect they had for him as an apostle and leader in the early Church. This encounter provided Paul with much-needed encouragement after his long and challenging journey. The text notes that upon seeing them, Paul "gave thanks to God," indicating the spiritual uplift and gratitude he felt from their presence.

Theological Implications

The meeting at Three Taverns underscores the theme of Christian fellowship and mutual support that is prevalent throughout the New Testament. It reflects the early Church's commitment to unity and the importance of community in the life of believers. This event also serves as a testament to the spread of Christianity into the heart of the Roman Empire, illustrating how the Gospel was reaching diverse groups and regions.

Furthermore, the encouragement Paul received from the Roman Christians can be seen as a fulfillment of the principle found in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." The presence of fellow believers provided Paul with strength and reassurance, enabling him to continue his mission with renewed vigor.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Three Taverns, its mention in Acts 28:15 offers a glimpse into the life and travels of the Apostle Paul, as well as the supportive network of early Christians. This meeting place serves as a symbol of the enduring power of Christian fellowship and the encouragement that believers can offer one another in times of trial and transition.
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Acts 28:15
And from there, when the brothers 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.
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Library

After the Wreck
... scarcely delay his march to please the Christians at Puteoli ... far as Appii Forum,
about forty Roman miles from ... the other as far as 'The Three Taverns,' some ten ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/after the wreck.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... journey completed to Rome, going by way of Syracuse, Rhegium, Puteoli, Apii Forum
and Three Taverns. Paul at Rome. The Roman Christians came out to meet him at ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World
... the Market of Appius and the Three Taverns, we find a ... of Philippi, were friendly
to the Christians, or actually ... his references to matters of Roman history, and ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 3 lukes attitude towards.htm

Christianity in Rome.
... Appii Forum and Tres Tabernae (The Three Taverns), he was ... The great majority of the
Christians in Rome, even ... The Christian spirit and the old Roman spirit were ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 36 christianity in rome.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... as far as Appii Forum, and the Three Taverns, two cities ... the Jews, whom Paul had
called together three days after ... had been declared by the Roman governors of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... not a few, even among the Christians of Palestine ... excellence; and, in those times
of Roman conquest, slaves ... At the Three Taverns, ten miles nearer to the city ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

Against vigilantius.
... Comminges), which was a station on the Roman road from ... Spain has produced Geryon,
with his three bodies. ... rather order them to be read in your taverns, the more ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against vigilantius.htm

The Seven Ecumenical Councils
... it to be handed down as a rule of the Roman Church? ... that in the mouth of two or three
witnesses ... Greek xliii.) Concerning the non-frequenting of taverns by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Galerius in his persecution of the Christians, seems likewise to ... thou thyself shalt
choose, together with three servants, who ... The Roman custom as to the day of ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... or at least made over to two or three orders. ... Now the Roman See has interfered of
its own perversity ... church wakes, since they are nothing but taverns, fairs and ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Resources
What is the meaning of “where two or three are gathered” in Matthew 18:20? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of Jesus being dead for three days? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the Three Nephites in Mormonism? | GotQuestions.org

Three: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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