The Three Taverns is a location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts. It is noted as a stopping point on the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. The reference to the Three Taverns is found in Acts 28:15, which 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." (Berean Standard Bible)

Historical and Geographical Context

The Three Taverns was a well-known way station along the Appian Way, the ancient Roman road that connected Rome to the southern parts of Italy. It was located approximately 33 miles (53 kilometers) from Rome. The name "Three Taverns" suggests that it was a place where travelers could find rest, food, and drink, likely consisting of inns or hostelries that catered to those journeying along this major thoroughfare.

In the context of the Roman Empire, the Appian Way was a critical route for commerce and communication, and the presence of such way stations was essential for the support of travelers, including merchants, soldiers, and officials. The Three Taverns, therefore, would have been a bustling hub of activity, frequented by a diverse array of people.

Biblical Significance

The mention of the Three Taverns in Acts 28:15 is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the dedication and love of the early Christian community. The believers from Rome traveled a considerable distance to meet Paul, demonstrating their eagerness to support and encourage him. This act of fellowship underscores the unity and mutual care that characterized the early Church.

Second, the meeting at the Three Taverns marks a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry. As he journeyed to Rome under Roman custody, the encouragement he received from the brethren was a source of strength and gratitude. This encounter exemplifies the providence of God in providing for His servants through the fellowship of believers, even in challenging circumstances.

Theological Reflections

The account of the Three Taverns serves as a reminder of the importance of Christian fellowship and encouragement. The early Christians' willingness to travel and meet Paul reflects the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and the call to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). It also illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus' promise that His followers would receive support and companionship from the family of God (Mark 10:29-30).

Furthermore, the Three Taverns episode is a testament to the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire. The presence of believers in Rome, eager to meet Paul, indicates the far-reaching impact of the Gospel message and the growth of the Church in the heart of the empire.

In summary, the Three Taverns is more than just a geographical location; it is a symbol of the early Church's commitment to fellowship, encouragement, and the advancement of the Gospel, even amidst the challenges of travel and persecution.the Three Taverns

[THREE TAVERNS TAVERNS]

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

After the Wreck
... 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 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/after the wreck.htm

The End of Paul's Long Journey
... The brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Market
of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the end of pauls long.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... months. (4) The journey completed to Rome, going by way of Syracuse, Rhegium,
Puteoli, Apii Forum and Three Taverns. Paul at Rome. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

Acts xxviii. 1
... 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 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liv acts xxviii 1.htm

Acts XXVIII
... (15) "And the brethren, having heard from that place concerning us, came
out to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Taverns. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxviii.htm

Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World
... The author assumes that the Market of Appius and the Three Taverns are familiar
points on the road, which Paul must traverse between Puteoli and Rome. ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 3 lukes attitude towards.htm

Eleventh Day. Sympathy.
... He reaches Appii Forum and the Three Taverns, dejected and depressed. Brethren come
from Rome, a distance of sixty miles, to offer their sympathy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/eleventh day sympathy.htm

Christianity in Rome.
... [500] Some thirty or forty miles from the city, at Appii Forum and Tres Tabernae
(The Three Taverns), he was met by Roman brethren anxious to see the writer of ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 36 christianity in rome.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... way he was met by some Christians from that city, who, having heard of his approach,
went to meet him as far as Appii Forum, and the Three Taverns, two cities ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Rom. xv. 25-27
... He found joy in the saints at Rome who came out from the city as far as Appii Forum
and the Three Taverns to welcome him (Acts 28:15); he was permitted for two ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx rom xv 25-27.htm

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