The Appian Way
“And so we came to Rome”
(Acts 28:14)
The Appian Way (Via Appia in Latin and Italian), is the route which Paul’s captors used when he was brought to Rome. It is the most important ancient Roman road. It is designated after Appius Claudius.
The main part of the road was begun and finished in 312 B.C. Tight and interlocking stones provided a flat surface. Some of the stones were said to fit so well that a knife could not slide between the stones. The via Appia is the first Roman road believed to have featured the use of lime cement.
The Germans in WWII counterattacked the Allies down the via Appia from the Alban Hills. And, perhaps the most pitiful scene is that of the crucifixion of Sparticus and his 6000 along the Via Appia. But, for Paul, the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth and the gospel message of the kingdom of God was the reason for his famed walk down the via Appia.
Acts 28:24 records two responses to Paul’s arrival and message-“some were convinced…but others disbelieved” . These two responses are as relevant today as when Paul came to Rome on the via Appia. These responses serve to remind us that Challenge & Response is the nature of the call of the gospel; Some will, but most will not (Matt. 7:21-23). What is your response to the gospel?
-Robert M. Housby