Acts 28:13-15 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

From thence we fetched a compass Coasted round the eastern shore of Sicily; and came to Rhegium A town on the Italian shore, opposite to Messina in Sicily; and after one day Having a favourable gale, we pursued our voyage; and came to Puteoli A great seaport town of Campania, not far from Naples. Here finding Christian brethren To whom Paul was known, at least by his fame; we were desired to stay with them seven days That they might have an opportunity of hearing Paul and conversing with him. And Julius was so good as to grant their request. After which he set out with the prisoners and soldiers for Rome, by land. And now the brethren in that city, to whom Paul was well known by his letter lately written to the Romans, hearing that he was on the road, came out to meet him Not being ashamed of his bonds; and some of them came as far as the town of Appii Forum Which was fifty-one miles from the city, and others to the Three Taverns, a town at the distance of thirty miles. This unlooked-for testimony of respect from the brethren at Rome, making a strong impression upon the apostle's mind, he thanked God for it, and took courage Finding Christ was at Rome also, and being greatly refreshed by the company and conversation of such affectionate friends. After which they all went forward to the city, where, it is supposed, they arrived in the February of A.D. 63. It is remarkable that there is no certain account by whom Christianity was planted at Rome. Probably some inhabitants of that city were at Jerusalem on the day of pentecost, (Acts 2:10,) and being then converted themselves, carried the gospel thither at their return.