Category Archives: New Testament

Stefano Corazza on the Appian Way

This morning I spoke again for La Chiesa di Christo in Rome. Stefano Corazzo translated my lesson on the subject “Can I trust my Bible?” I used PowerPoint slides with both English and Italian captions. Several of the brothers and sisters speak English at well as Italian.

Saturday and Sunday were beautiful sunny days in Rome. I tried to take advantage of the light to make some photos that would be helpful in teaching various New Testament subjects, especially pertaining to the book of Acts, the epistle to the Romans, the Prison Epistles (Ephessians, Colossians, Philemon, and Phillippians), and 2 Timothy, which seems to be the last prison epistle.

When I decided to return to the Roman Forum I did so at an entry with immediate access to the Palatine Hill. When I reached the ticket window I was told that tickets were free for Saturday and Sunday. Then I noticed that this included the Colosseum as well as the Palatine Hill and Forum. That was a saving of €12, about $18. My lucky day!

The Palatine Hill is a flat top hill of about 25 acres. Palatial residences of the emperors were built here during the Imperial period. Some of the structures date to a period after the time of Paul. Domitian (A.D. 81–96) modified the hill with new buildings. Two great complexes, called the House of Flavia and the House of Augustus grace the hill. A Stadium was used for minor games and entertainment.

The Palatine Hill in Rome. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The Roman Forum was the hub of Roman life — religious, political, economic, social. One structure of significance for the study of the life and work of Paul is the Julian Basilica — the seat of the tribunal of the centumiri, who judged civil cases. Here between the Palatine and Capitoline hills Paul probably stood trial before Caesar.

Luke records that he and Paul found some brethren at Puetoli and remained for seven days. By this time the prisoner on behalf of the Gentiles had made such a good impression that he is allowed considerable freedom. Then he says, “and thus we came to Rome” (Acts 28:14 NAU). He hastens to add that brethren from Rome came south to meet them.

And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. (Acts 28:15-16 NAU)

Under considerably different circumstances we came back to Rome yesterday after being away for five days. The brethren here invited me to speak last Sunday and again on September 27.  Yesterday and today we had wonderful sunny weather for photographs. I will share a few of the photographs that we were able to make.

Rome was founded about 753 B.C. on the banks of the Tiber River. Here is one of the many views of the Tiber that one may see in Rome.

The Tiber River in Rome. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Rome once ruled the world. In the days of Caesar Augustus something happened in far away Palestine that would really change the Roman world and more.

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. (Luke 2:1 NAU)

Statues of Roman Emperors may be seen all over the city of Rome. This one shows Emperor Augustus across from the Roman Forum.

The Emperor Augustus. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

This morning I visited with my friend and former student,  Stefano, as we had opportunity to visit the Appian Way and a few other sites in Rome. Stefano grew up in Rome. He spoke about how, as a kid, he played ball beside the ancient walls of Rome with no thought of the historical importance of the ruins. Now, of course, it is different. We thought about the Apostle Paul and the difficulties he faced in coming to Rome. And we discussed the work of the Lord in Italy and in America. I had lunch with Stefano and his parents, Sandro and Elisabetta.

Here is a view of the Appian Way south of Rome. There is every reason to believe that Paul traveled this road. I have made this photo a little larger because I know that many teachers and preachers would like to use it in teaching the book of Acts. Just click on the photo for the larger version.

Paul traveled the Ancient Appian Way to get to Rome. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.