Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-21
PAUL IN ROME.
Acts. xxxv.l-l2: xxviii.l6-3I.
Golden text can do all
things in Him that Strengtheneth
me. "-Philipians, iv.13.

washington has welcomed during the
past week Foreign Minister Dino
Grandi Of Italy. When Paul expressed
his desire to visit Rome that city
held the position which Washington
holds today, as the worlds capital
Paul's passion to reach Rome was due
to the fact that there he believed he
could influence the Roman Empire to
accept the gospel, which has slowly
but surely been changing the character
of men and the destiny of nations
throughout the centuries. II they had
accepted and adopted the principles
of Paul the world would have been
saved the trials Of recent and other
years, because they have not given
Christianity a complete chance to guide
the affairs of men and nations.
Paul never planned to reach Rome
at the expense of the empire, as a
prisoner, but following the plot of his
foes to murder the apostle he had
been sent to Caesarea to insure his
safety. His enemies had tried in vain
to persuade the Roman officials to turn
his case over to them while he was
held a prisoner in that city. Although
he probably enjoyed a great deal of
liberty and was permitted to meet his
friends, we know Of nothing being ac-
compliShed by Paul for about two years,
except that he faced illegal trials that
would have resulted in his freedom, If
he had not used his right as Roman
citizen to appeal to Caesar. His ap-
pearance before the kings and court
while in Caesarea gave him an OPP
portunity to reveal his courage and
passion to win souls for Christ Jesus
During his journey to Rome Paul was
extended every possible courtesy by the
Roman officials who had charge of the
prisoners, so that he enjoyed the privi-
lege of meeting the disciples at a num-
Der of places en- route. The story Of
his journey is one of the most thrill
ing portions OF Acts and of Paul's life.
Luke's narrative of that voyage has
been tried by every test known to mod
ern historians and its accuracy has
been clearly established.
Reaching Rome.
Pauls personality and power was fire.
quently demonstrated during that thrill
irs voyage ard the months they waited
for transportation upon the Island of
Melita, that has been identified as
Malta. This explains the attitude of
Julius, who allowed Paul to spend
week with the Christians, who well
coined the apostle when he arrived
at Puteoli, the principal port of
OouCHeIH 4JHiy. his gave Lnenn an OPP
portunity to notify the church in Rome
Of Paul's coming, for they sent dele
cation to welcome the apostle at the
market Of Appius, which was 40 miles
away from Rome. Another delegation
met Paul at the Three Taverns, which
was 10 miles nearer. These disciples
were not his converts. although they
knew of his work and worth. Their
words filled the apostle with gratitude
so that he thanked God and took
courage. He marched along the APP
plan Way and entered Rome more like
a conqueror than a prisoner. The
members of the church in Rome, made
up largely of gentiles, were more con-
siderate of his needs than the leaders
in Jerusalem had BEEN
Entering the worlds capital of his
day, the apostle was permitted to hire
a house. where he was kept a prisoner
while waiting for his trial. This home
was probably located near the prae-
torian barracks, which was located ION
the east of the city, near the Viminal
Gate" SO that the soldiers who were
chained to the apostle could be relieved
about every four hours. Paul used this
handicap as an avenue to preach the
gospel. and so great was his success
that he wrote to the Philippians that
his imprisonment had turned out to
the furtherance Of the goods news"
Paul arranged at the earliest possible