The answer is: Appii forum

Acts 28:15

On his way to Rome, Paul took the scenic route along Via Appia and stopped at a place called Appii Forum, where he encountered fellow believers who made quite an impression on him. This moment wasn’t just a casual "hello" — Paul was genuinely filled with gratitude and joy upon seeing them, a powerful reminder of the support and fellowship that believers can provide during challenging times.

Appii Forum was about 43 miles from Rome and was a popular pit stop for travelers on their journey to the great city. Its vibrant activity showcased how interconnected early Christian communities were, as news of Paul’s journey somehow spread among the believers. Just imagine the excitement that would’ve filled the air as nearly 40 men and women made that trek to welcome Paul.

Isn’t it interesting that what began as individual missions evolved into a deep network of community support and shared faith? The encouragement Paul experiences here reminds us all of the significance of our connections with one another.

The acts of hospitality seen in this event mirror many biblical themes of companionship and mutual encouragement found throughout the scriptures, bringing to mind those essential moments of togetherness cultivated in faith. So, even in a Roman prison or en route to incarceration, Paul’s faith relationship melded into noteworthy connections across the faith community. A reminder that even amidst trials, the joy of fellowship can illuminate the darkest places. How delightful is that?