Text: Psalm 136; Acts 28

It had been quite a few months for the Apostle Paul: shipwrecked, snake-bit, and miraculous signs, all while a prisoner headed to Rome. Yet even while walking in the super natural and fulfilling his call, the importance of fellowship is seen.

Warren Wiersbe writes,

“When the word got to Rome that Paul had arrived (Puteoli was the principal port of Rome), the believers arranged to meet him. Since Paul remained at Puteoli a week, there was ample time to carry messages between the churches. How wonderful it is to be a part of the fellowship of the Gospel and find ‘brothers and sisters’ in Christ wherever we go! ‘Appii forum’ is literally ‘the Market of Appius’ and refers to a town about forty miles from Rome on the famous Appian Way. Here Paul met one deputation of believers; then, ten miles further, he met another group at Three Taverns. (This Latin word translated ‘tavern’ does not mean what the English word commonly means today. A Roman ‘tavern’ was any kind of shop.) Seeing these believers, to whom he had written his Roman epistle some three years before, brought Paul courage.”

Begin by thanking God for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray encouragement over those in your local church; speak against discouragement and depression in the body of Christ. Seek to “bring courage” to someone today.