After three months on Malta, their journey continued, finally reaching Rome. To their surprise, some brothers and sisters—fellow Christians—were there to meet them, having traveled long distances to welcome Paul. After such trials, seeing these people led Paul to thank God and be greatly encouraged. Paul was such a great apostle, but he too needed the encouragement of Christian fellowship and hospitality. Let us take such opportunities to bless and encourage others, as well as to receive such hospitality.

The Roman authorities seemed to be thankful for Paul, as they did not put him into prison but instead allowed him to live on his own, just with a guard. Paul immediately reached out to the local Jewish leaders, to share his reason for being arrested. But more importantly, he wanted to share with them the hope of Israel that he found in the gospel of Jesus. They had not heard anything about Paul yet, so it was the right time to engage them. Jesus had told Paul clearly what his plan for him was in Rome (23:11), and Paul wasted no time in testifying.
Application: Father, thank you the encouragement of Christian fellowship and hospitality. Help me to be one quick to encourage others, and grateful to receive love. Help me to act on opportunities you present to me daily.
One Word: Give and receive encouragement