King James Version

What Does Acts 28:15 Mean?

Acts 28:15 in the King James Version says “And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

Acts 28:15 · KJV


Context

13

And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

14

Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

15

And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

16

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

17

And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the brethren heard of us—News of Paul's arrival spread rapidly through Italy's Christian network. Believers traveled 40 miles south to Appii forum and 33 miles to The three taverns to meet Paul's company. This sacrificial journey demonstrated the Roman church's love for an apostle they'd never met but knew through his epistle (written 3-4 years earlier).

Whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage (ἔλαβεν θάρσος, elaben tharsos)—Even apostles needed encouragement. The Greek θάρσος (tharsos) means confidence or boldness restored. Their presence confirmed that Paul's ministry in Rome wouldn't be isolated—a believing community awaited. God uses His people to strengthen His servants for coming trials.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Appii Forum (43 miles from Rome) and Three Taverns (33 miles out) were stations on the Via Appia. The delegation's organization suggests Roman Christians had excellent communication networks. Paul approached Rome not as conquering evangelist but as grateful prisoner, encouraged by love shown.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you proactively encourage those facing trials or entering new, intimidating situations?
  2. What does Paul's need for encouragement teach about vulnerability and interdependence in Christian leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
κἀκεῖθεν1 of 26

And from thence

G2547

likewise from that place (or time)

οἱ2 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοὶ3 of 26

when the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἀκούσαντες4 of 26

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τὰ5 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περὶ6 of 26

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἡμῶν7 of 26

us

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐξῆλθον8 of 26

they came

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἰς9 of 26
G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀπάντησιν10 of 26

to meet

G529

a (friendly) encounter

ἡμῖν11 of 26

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἄχρις12 of 26

as far as

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

Ἀππίου13 of 26

Appii

G675

(in the genitive, i.e., possessive case) of appius, the name of a roman

Φόρου14 of 26

forum

G5410

a forum or market-place; only in comparative with g0675; a station on the appian road

καὶ15 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Τριῶν16 of 26

The three

G5140

"three"

Ταβερνῶν17 of 26

taverns

G4999

huts or wooden-walled buildings; tabernae

οὓς18 of 26

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἰδὼν19 of 26

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

20 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος21 of 26

when Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

εὐχαριστήσας22 of 26

he thanked

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

τῷ23 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ24 of 26

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἔλαβεν25 of 26

and took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

θάρσος26 of 26

courage

G2294

boldness (subjectively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 28:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 28:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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