Three Taverns
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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 stopping point on the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. The reference to 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 Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God."

Historical and Geographical Context

Three Taverns was situated along the ancient Appian Way, a crucial Roman road that connected Rome to the southern parts of Italy. This road was a vital artery for trade and travel in the Roman Empire, facilitating the movement of goods, armies, and travelers. Three Taverns was approximately 33 miles (53 kilometers) from Rome, serving as a rest stop for those journeying to the capital. The name "Three Taverns" suggests the presence of inns or waystations where travelers could find food, drink, and lodging.

Biblical Significance

The mention of Three Taverns in Acts 28:15 highlights the support and fellowship Paul received from the Christian community. As Paul was being taken to Rome as a prisoner, the believers from Rome traveled to meet him, demonstrating their love and solidarity. This meeting was significant for Paul, as it provided him with encouragement and strength during a challenging time. The journey to Rome was a fulfillment of God's plan for Paul to testify about Jesus Christ in the heart of the Roman Empire, as previously revealed to him in Acts 23:11: "Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome."

Theological Implications

The encounter at Three Taverns underscores the importance of Christian fellowship and mutual support within the body of Christ. The early Christians' willingness to travel a considerable distance to meet Paul reflects the unity and love that characterized the early Church. This act of kindness and encouragement is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which binds believers together in a spiritual family.

Furthermore, the mention of Three Taverns serves as a reminder of God's providence and faithfulness. Despite the challenges and adversities Paul faced, God provided him with the encouragement he needed through the presence of fellow believers. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His servants, ensuring that they are supported and strengthened in their mission to spread the Gospel.

Archaeological Insights

While the exact location of Three Taverns has not been definitively identified, archaeological evidence and historical records provide insights into the nature of such waystations along the Appian Way. These sites typically included inns, markets, and facilities for travelers and their animals. The presence of such infrastructure highlights the strategic importance of the Appian Way in the Roman Empire and the bustling activity that would have characterized the area during Paul's time.

In summary, Three Taverns serves as a significant waypoint in the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, symbolizing the support and encouragement of the Christian community and illustrating the themes of fellowship, providence, and faithfulness within the biblical narrative.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Three Taverns

A station on the Appian Road, along which St. Paul travelled from Puteoli to Rome. (Acts 28:15) The distances, reckoning southward from Rome are given as follows in the Antonine Itinerary: "to Aricia, 16 miles; to Three Taverns, 17 miles; to Appii Forum, 10 miles;" and, comparing this with what is still observed along the line of road, we have no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that "Three Taverns" was near the modern Cisterna . Just at this point a road came in from Antium on the coast. There is no doubt that "Three Taverns" was a frequent meeting-place of travellers.

ATS Bible Dictionary
Three Taverns

A village thirty-three miles south of Rome, mentioned by Cicero, and still called Tre Tavern. See APPI FORUM.

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

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

Resources
Why does Amos keep repeating “for three sins . . . even for four” in chapters 1 2? | GotQuestions.org

Do Christians believe in three gods? | GotQuestions.org

Where was Jesus for the three days between His death and resurrection? | GotQuestions.org

Three: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Three Taverns

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