JOURNEY TO ROME
Three months have passed since the shipwreck. The winter on Malta is ending, and the journey toward Rome is ready to continue.
Paul and the company board another Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island. Ahead lie Syracuse, Rhegium, Puteoli, and finally the road toward Rome.
“After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.” — Acts 28:11, NKJV
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Acts 28:11–13
Biblical Significance: After three months on Malta, the interrupted voyage resumes. The storm and shipwreck did not prevent Paul from continuing toward Rome. Luke now records the final sea route through Syracuse and Rhegium toward Puteoli.
THREE MONTHS ON MALTA
The survivors remain on Malta for three months. During that unexpected stay, the island has become a place of hospitality, healing, and provision.
Now another ship is available, and the company can continue westward.
A NEW SHIP
“After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.”
Acts 28:11, NKJV
The first Alexandrian ship was lost in the storm. Another Alexandrian vessel now carries Paul onward.
FIRST STOP
Leaving Malta, the ship reaches Syracuse on the island of Sicily.
“And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.”
Acts 28:12, NKJV
NORTHWARD
After three days at Syracuse, the voyage continues north toward Rhegium at the southern edge of the Italian peninsula.
“From there we circled round and reached Rhegium.”
Acts 28:13, NKJV
A SOUTH WIND
The weather that once fought against the voyage now becomes favorable.
“And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli.”
Acts 28:13, NKJV
The long Mediterranean voyage is nearly over. From Puteoli, Paul will continue toward Rome by land.
MJ4-009 AT A GLANCE
The company remains on Malta through the winter.
They board an Alexandrian ship that wintered on Malta.
Luke records the ship's distinctive figurehead.
The ship lands at Syracuse and remains there three days.
The voyage continues north to Rhegium.
A favorable south wind carries them onward.
The travelers reach the Italian port of Puteoli.
The sea journey is ending; Rome is now close.
THE HEART OF THE EXHIBIT
Malta was not the planned destination, but neither storm nor shipwreck ended Paul's journey.
The route changed. The ship changed. The timetable changed. But the destination God had spoken remained ahead: Paul was still going to Rome.
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE...
At Puteoli, Paul will meet believers. Then Christians from Rome will travel out to meet him as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Inns.
The prisoner who appealed to Caesar is about to enter Rome.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY TO ROME
You have completed Exhibit MJ4-009 — Malta: Departure.
CARRY THE WORD WITH YOU
“And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli.”
Acts 28:13, NKJV