The Pyramid of Caius Cestius, erected in 43 B.C., is located in the Aurelian wall near the Gate of St. Paul in Rome.
Pyramid of Caius Cestius and the Gate of St. Paul. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Caius Cestius was an insignificant first century B.C. magistrate, but it is possible that Paul saw his Pyramid.
Posted in Bible Study, New Testament, Travel
Tagged Ancient Rome, Apostle Paul, Italy
Numerous news sources have reported the discovery of a revolving dining room from the time of the Emperor Nero in the Roman Forum.
The AP report, as found at CBS News, says,
Archaeologists say they have unveiled what they believe to be remains of the “dining room” of the Roman emperor Nero, part of his palatial residence built in the first century.
Lead archaeologist Francoise Villedieu says her team discovered part of a circular room, which experts believe rotated day and night to imitate the Earth’s movement and impress guests.
Villedieu told journalists Tuesday that the room on the ancient Palatine Hill was supported by a pillar with a diameter of 4 meters (more than 13 feet). She says only the foundation of the room was recovered during the four-month excavation.
The Golden Palace, also known by its Latin name Domus Aurea, rose over the ruins of a fire that destroyed much of Rome in 64 A.D. and was completed in 68 A.D.
I was rather surprised to see several places in the Forum, and on the Palatine Hill, where excavations are in progress. I don’t know exactly where this new discovery was made, but I thought you might get some indication of the massive amount of work going on by noting the scaffolding in this photo.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Note scaffolding on the hill. Photo by F. Jenkins.
The London Daily Mail online has a much longer article with good photos, diagrams, and a video here.
Biblical and historical information indicates that both Paul and Peter were put to death during the reign of Nero.
Posted in Archaeology, New Testament, Travel
Tagged Ancient Rome, Apostle Paul, Apostle Peter, Italy
Paul had come to Rome as a prisoner. While at Caesarea he exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11; 28:19).
If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar. (Act 25:11 ESV)
Only the large platform of the Basilica Julia remains in the Roman Forum. The building was not completed when it was dedicated by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. The building burned and was reconstructed by Augustus in A.D. 12. Amanda Claridge, Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide, describes the Basilica Julia in the following words:
The basilica was the seat of the Court of the Hundred (the centumviri), a special civil court which generally dealt with matters of inheritance and actually numbered 180 judges when they all sat together at an important trial. Pliny the Younger describes the scene at one where he pleaded on behalf of a senatorial lady suing her 80-year-old father, who had disinherited her ten days after he took a new wife. In addition to the judges the place was packed with onlookers. Both parties had brought in large numbers of seats for their supporters, behind which were rows of people standing as far as the outer walls, and the crowd spilled upwards in the galleries, hanging over the rails in their efforts to hear the proceedings. (89-90)
Some scholars suggest that this is where Paul’s appeal before Caesar would have been heard (Wycliffe Historical Geography 545).
The steps leading to the Basilica Julia in Roman Forum. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
The information above describing the crowds that came to the court might provide some understanding of Paul’s statement to Timothy.
Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:9-18 ESV)
Posted in Bible Places, Bible Study, New Testament, Travel
Tagged Ancient Rome, Apostle Paul, Italy
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.
Posted in Bible Places, Bible Study, New Testament, Photography, Travel
Tagged Ancient Rome, Apostle Paul, Italy
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.
Posted in Bible Places, Bible Study, New Testament, Photography, Travel
Tagged Ancient Rome, Apostle Paul, Italy
Yesterday I mentioned crossing the Strait of Messina by hydrofoil. Here is a rather unusual photo that I made from the stern of the hydrofoil as we left Messina, Sicily, toward Reggio di Calabria in Italy.
Crossing the Strait of Messina by hydrofoil. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Once we arrived in Reggio we walked a few meters to our 3-star hotel. This little hotel, the Continental, has been recently refurbished. The elevator was new, and everything in the room, including the bathroom, was also new. The biggest disadvantage is that they did not have any Internet connection. I think this is the first hotel on this entire trip that did not provide some kind of access to the Internet. Eventually I paid 5 Euro (about $7.50) for one hour on the Internet at another hotel. But that is a good price compared to the hotel I am in tonight in Rome. The charge for one hour is 10 Euro (about $15.00).
We walked into town to visit the Archaeological museum and find something to eat. The museum, like the one in Syracuse, had nice displays of small items. I did not see anything of great helpfulness.
Reggio is situated along the strait and up the slope of a mountain. Only the main street and the promenade is level. Local advertising says that the area has been described as “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy.” From my limited experience in Italy, I would agree.
According to Luke, the Alexandrian ship Paul was on stayed only one day in Rhegium before a south wind allowed them to sail north through the Strait of Messina. It must have been a good wind. The next stop was Puteoli which is located in the Naples area.
We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. From there we cast off and arrived at Rhegium, and after one day a south wind sprang up and on the second day we came to Puteoli. (Acts 28:12-13 NET)
The modern port at Reggio is an artificial one. I tried to get some photos to illustrate where the natural port might have been. Elizabeth made this photo, look north along the Italian coast.
Looking north along the Italian coast at Reggio. Photo by Elizabeth Jenkins.
This morning we got up early and took the 6:46 a.m. Eurostar train from Reggio to Rome. The trip took a little over 5 and one half hours. We had about 6 brief stops between Reggio and Naples. From there it was non-stop to Rome. Mount Vesuvius was visible from the window of the train. Obviously I wished that time would permit a stop in Naples to visit Puteoli, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius.
Elizabeth and I enjoyed the Eurostar trip. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
This afternoon we were able to visit several sites in Rome with good sunshine and clouds. Maybe tomorrow we will be able to share some of those photos.
Thanks for following along with us on this journey.
Posted in Bible Places, Bible Study, New Testament, Photography, Travel
Tagged Apostle Paul, Italy, Sicily
In Syracuse we visited the Archaeological Park. Here is a photo of the Greek theater which dates back to the 3rd century B.C. We know that it is something that was in existence at the time Paul stopped in the city. It doesn’t seem likely that a prisoner would be allowed to go sightseeing in the city.
The 3rd Century Greek theater at Syracuse. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
This morning before leaving I tried to catch a few minutes of sunshine to get some photos at the Grand Harbor. This is a natural harbor that was likely in use at the time of Paul.
The Grand Harbor at Syracuse. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Here is another shot that I thought conveyed the idea of this being the harbor of the city.
A large anchor at the Grand Harbor of Syracuse. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Incidentally, the sun did not shine until we were in the taxi headed from the hotel to the train station. Life is fun.
Crossing the Strait of Messina. Today we left Syracuse by train intending to go as far as Villa San Giovani in Italy. Then we would take a train to Reggio di Calabria (Rhegium of the New Testament). Instead, we left the train at Messina and took the hydrafoil direct to Reggio. This was a real thrill to me to be able to actually cross this body of water at this point. It is sort of like being on the Sea of Galilee. You know it happened somewhere nearby. “It” being either something Jesus did, or something Paul did.
We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. From there we cast off and arrived at Rhegium, and after one day a south wind sprang up and on the second day we came to Puteoli. (Acts 28:12-13 NET).
Tonight we are in Reggio. Early tomorrow morning we take the train to Rome. Puteoli is near Naples. I wish we had time to stop there and photograph the Colosseum, but time does not allow that on this trip. I was at Puteoli some years back, but would like to get better photographs.
We took the ferry from Malta to Sicily yesterday morning. It was a nice 90 minute ride on the Mediterranean. The ferry was very nice, having been put into service in 2006. At Pozzalo, Sicily, we located a taxi driver who offered to take us to Syracuse along with 3 other passengers who wanted to travel north. One was a retired school teacher from Ohio who was traveling without any reservations. We enjoyed visiting with him.
In Syracuse we checked into our hotel and then went to the archaeological park to see Greek and Roman remains. It rained on us some, but I got a few good photos. Hopefully we will be able to make a few more this morning before leaving by train for Italy. We are here studying the places Paul visited on his voyage to Rome. He stayed in Syracuse three days (Acts 28.12). It is dark around this keyboard and I can not locate the colon on the keyboard.
The hotel is either new or newly refurbished. The rooms are great, but the Internet connection for wireless is not yet ready. I am using the computer in the hotel lobby, but do not have the ability to upload any photos.
Just wanted those who are following our journey to know that we are doing well.
More later.
Yesterday we arranged for a car and driver to take us to the places we wanted to go on Malta. It is possible to rent cars, but the driving is after the British style (one the left side of the road), and few roads are straight. Many are not marked. I know we got to a few places were would not have found on our own. Our driver was an older gentleman who was a native of the area. Except for St. Thomas Bay, he seemed to be well aquainted with the area and the good places to stop for photos.
We visited a spot near St. Paul’s Islands for photos. This is the traditional spot of the shipwreck involving Paul and Luke. Poor Luke gets no attention here, but there are churches dedicated to Paul in many places. Then we had a nice view from a high spot to see Mellieha Bay. This is the most northern of the bays and is thought by some to satisfy Luke’s description of the shipwreck being at the place where two seas meet (Acts 27:41). We also vsited St. Thomas Bay and Salina Bay.
Our driver took us to a few places we would not have gone had we been on our own, but we really enjoyed the short time we had at each one. We could have used more time, of course. The photo below is of Mdina. The Lonely Planet guide for Malta says,
The citadel of Mdina was fortified from as long ago as 1000 BC when the Phoenicians built a protective wall here and called their settlement Malet, meaning ‘place of shelter’. The Romans built a large town here and called it Melita. It was given its present name when the Arabs arrived in the 9th century – medina is Arabic for ‘walled city’. They built strong walls and dug a deep moat between Mdina and its suburbs (known as rabat in Arabic).
Mdina, Malta. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
I think most of the current building in Mdina date from the 18th century. St. Paul’s Cathedral is said to have been built on land belonging to Publius.
Now in the region around that place were fields belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably as guests for three days. (Acts 28:7 NET)
This photo shows the beautiful marker in the Maltese language and in English.
St. Publius Square in Mdina. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
I also made a quick stop at the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, on the south side of the Grand Harbor at Valleta, to see the Roman anchors that have been found in Maltese waters.
Because they were afraid that we would run aground on the rocky coast, they threw out four anchors from the stern and wished for day to appear.(Acts 27:29 NET)
Roman Anchors found in Maltese Waters. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
We said goodbye to our group early this morning at the Rome airportas they prepared to depart for the USA. Elizabeth and I went to another terminal to wait for our noon flight to Malta.This was my first time to fly Air Malta. The planes bear the distinctive Maltese Cross on the tail.Malta is renowned for its association with the 12th century Knights of Malta (also know as the Knghts of Rhodes, and the Knights of St. John). They were also called the Hospitalers. I think they built the first hospital in Jerusalem at a site now near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Air Malta planes display the Maltese Cross. Photo by Ferrell Jenkin in Malta.
Malta is a popular resort and is still in the high season. We are staying at a hotel on the southern side of St. Paul’s Bay. My purpose in coming here is to photograph possible sites associated with Paul’s shipwreck.
After we had safely reached shore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The local inhabitants showed us extraordinary kindness, for they built a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain and was cold. (Acts 28:1-2).
This is one of the first photos I made from our hotel balcony.
View of St. Paul's Bay. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
The next photo was made at sunset and shows a portion of the rocky coast even in an area now filled with shops and seaside restaurants.
The rugged coast of St. Paul's Bay at Sunset. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Posted in Bible Places, Church History, New Testament, Photography, Travel
Tagged Apostle Paul, Malta
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