Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, taverns were places where travelers could find food, drink, and lodging. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about taverns, they are understood to be similar to inns or public houses where people gathered for refreshment and rest during their journeys. The concept of a tavern is closely related to hospitality, a significant cultural and religious value in the ancient Near East.Biblical References: 1. Acts 28:15 · The only direct mention of a tavern in the Bible is found in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul, on his way to Rome, encounters believers at the "Three Taverns." The Berean Standard Bible states: "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." This location, the Three Taverns, was a well-known stopping point along the Appian Way, a major Roman road. It served as a meeting place for early Christians who came to support and encourage Paul. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient world, taverns were essential for travelers, providing necessary services such as food, drink, and shelter. They were often located along major trade routes and roads, making them accessible to merchants, pilgrims, and other travelers. Taverns could vary in quality and reputation, with some being reputable establishments and others associated with less savory activities. The hospitality offered at taverns was an extension of the broader cultural expectation of welcoming strangers and providing for their needs. This practice is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition, as seen in the accounts of Abraham and Lot, who offered hospitality to angelic visitors (Genesis 18:1-8; 19:1-3). Moral and Ethical Considerations: While taverns served practical purposes, they also posed moral challenges. The consumption of alcohol and the potential for immoral behavior were concerns for the faithful. The Bible warns against drunkenness and its associated dangers. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Similarly, Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." The presence of taverns in biblical narratives highlights the tension between the necessity of such establishments for travel and the potential for moral compromise. Believers were encouraged to exercise discernment and self-control, ensuring that their conduct remained above reproach, even in environments that might tempt them to stray from their faith. Conclusion: Taverns in the biblical context were more than mere places of rest; they were intersections of culture, commerce, and community. They provided opportunities for fellowship and support among believers, as seen in Paul's encounter at the Three Taverns. At the same time, they required vigilance and adherence to biblical principles to avoid the pitfalls of excess and immorality. Easton's Bible Dictionary Taverns, The three A place on the great "Appian Way," about 11 miles from Rome, designed for the reception of travellers, as the name indicates. Here Paul, on his way to Rome, was met by a band of Roman Christians (Acts 28:15). The "Tres Tabernae was the first mansio or mutatio, that is, halting-place for relays, from Rome, or the last on the way to the city. At this point three roads run into the Via Appia, that from Tusculum, that from Alba Longa, and that from Antium; so necessarily here would be a halting-place, which took its name from the three shops there, the general store, the blacksmith's, and the refreshment-house...Tres Tabernae is translated as Three Taverns, but it more correctly means three shops" (Forbes's Footsteps of St. Paul, p.20). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TAVERNS, THREEtav'-ernz: Three Taverns (Latin Tres Tabernae, Greek transliterates treis tabernai; Cicero Ad Att. i0.13; ii.12, 13) was a station on the Appian Road at the 33rd milestone (301/3 English miles from Rome), according to the Itineraries of the Roman Empire (Itin. Ant. vii; Tab. Peut.; Geogr. Rav. iv.34), a converging point of traffic at the crossing of a road from Antium to Norba. Tripontium, 6 miles down the Appian Road in the direction of Appii Forum, was reckoned as the point where the highway entered the region of the Pontiac marshes, the most notable natural feature of this part of Italy. Greek 4999. taberne -- "hut," a tavern, spec. Treis Tabernai, "Three ... ... Treis Tabernai, "Three Taverns," a stopping place on the Appian Way. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: taberne Phonetic Spelling: (tab-er'-nahee ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4999.htm - 6k Library Concerning the Non-Frequenting of Taverns by the Clergy, Except ... Who was Nicholas? Acts XXVIII Acts xxviii. 1 After the Wreck Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles. Danger of Having to Take Part in Heathenish Rites, and Revels. To Follow Out My Plan in Regard to Places... Lix. The Preacher and his Hearers. Thesaurus Taverns (1 Occurrence)... Easton's Bible Dictionary Taverns, The three. ...TAVERNS, THREE. tav'-ernz: Three Taverns (Latin Tres Tabernae, Greek transliterates treis tabernai; Cicero Ad Att. ... /t/taverns.htm - 8k Forum (1 Occurrence) Appii (1 Occurrence) Three (5005 Occurrences) Code (6 Occurrences) Hammurabi Inns (1 Occurrence) Traveled (104 Occurrences) Tav (2 Occurrences) Thanked (6 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Taverns (1 Occurrence)Acts 28:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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