Paul’s long prophesied and long awaited arrival is finally here (vv.11-14, cf. 23.11, 27.23-25). He is met like a returning emperor in a beautiful and prophetically significant manner:
“The brothers…came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. When he saw them, Paul thanked God and took courage. When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.”
(Acts 28.15-16, NET)
Paul is met outside the city limits and escorted in by those who love him in the same way an emperor of the day was, in the same way Jesus will be met by those who love Him on His second coming (1 Thessalonians 4.13-18).
The Bible is just laden with threads and pictures of the Lord Jesus and His birth, life, death, resurrection, and second coming (John 5.39). In the seemingly mundane and ordinary there are pictures and previews and pieces of the Divine.
Today, read the piece below on 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18 or listen to the podcast and then about Paul’s entrance to Rome again. Marvel at the way the Lord orders time, seasons, and events to teach us about Himself!
James Travis 