Finally

where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. – Acts 28.14-15

Paul finally achieved his long term goal. He finally made it to Rome. It was a tough road. It was a hard road. They left their boat and met the first group of believers at Puteoli. They spent a week with them and then headed on their way. As the travellers approached Rome form the southwest they came across Appii Forum, a Roman post station about 65km away and Tree Inns, a travellers rest stop about 35km from Rome.

What a sight it must have been as the looked down the beautifully paved Roman road and saw some strangers coming toward them. As they drew closer they realised that it as a group of believers from Rome - the very people Paul had been praying for for so long! Suddenly it was all worthwhile.

This reminds me of just how wonderfully sweet Christian fellowship is. I love to travel and come across believers and fellowship with them. If we are on the road we always look for a church having a service. Zeke and I came across a small prayer meeting in Wales one time. Mary and I went to Baptist church in Leterkenny when we were away for a few days. This kind of thing happens all the time and I have yet to be sorry that I have spent time with fellow Christians.

Paul knew why he was in Rome. He knew he was a prisoner. He knew a trial, imprisonment, and possibly death was ahead.

But he was with the people he had prayed for and longed to see. And that was enough.