Paul’s Journey to Rome

After returning from his third missionary journey and being arrested in Jerusalem, Paul completed this fourth journey as a prisoner. The voyage to Rome was not a simple one – it was marked by shipwrecks, trials, and encounters with believers along the way. This journey highlights Paul’s trust in God, purpose, and perseverance.

Paul began his journey in Caesarea, a coastal city in ancient Judea (located in modern Israel). If you visit Caesarea today on the coast between Tel Aviv and Haifa, you will see some of the most impressive, well-preserved ruins in Israel, including an ancient theater overlooking the ocean.

“Now when it was decided that he should sail for Italy, and that Paul, with the other prisoners, should be turned over to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan cohort, we went on board a ship of Adrumythium” – Acts 27:1-2.

Their ship made its first stop at Sidon, where Paul was allowed to visit friends. “The next day we reached Sidon and Julius treated Paul kindly, allowing him to go to his friends and receive attention” – Acts 27:3.

The history of Sidon goes back to 4,000 BC. Located on the Mediterranean coast of modern Lebanon, it was one of the most important Phoenician cities during the Iron Age, as you may recall from the Old Testament. Now called Saida, highlights include the Sidon Sea Castle (built by the Crusaders) and ancient markets.

Sailing along the coast of Cyprus, the ship next reached Myra, a city in Lycia, which is now part of modern-day Türkiye. At Myra, they changed ships to a larger Alexandrian vessel bound for Italy. “There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria bound for Italy and put us on board her” – Acts 27:6.

Myra, near Demre in modern-day Turkey, is famous for its acropolis, Roman style theater, Lycian rock-cut tombs, and the Church of St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus.

The ship encountered difficult winds and eventually arrived at Fair Havens, a harbor on the southern side of the island of Crete (part of modern Greece). Paul advised the crew to stay there for the winter due to dangerous sailing conditions.

Fair Havens (Kaloi Limenes) remains a quiet bay, ideal for reflecting on Paul’s writings. Nearby, visitors can see the ruins of Lasea (though little remains).

Despite Paul’s warnings, the ship set sail from Crete but was caught in a violent storm, leading to a shipwreck on the island of Malta, where all passengers were saved. “Now the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners lest any of them should swim ashore and escape, but the centurion, wishing to save Paul, put a stop to their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land, and they brought the rest in, some on planks and others on various pieces from the ship. And so, it came to pass that all got safely to land. After our escape we learned that the island was called Malta.”

After the shipwreck, Paul and the crew spent three months on Malta, where he performed miracles, including healing the father of Publius, a leading official.

Modern-day Malta celebrates Paul’s arrival with the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta and St. Paul’s Bay, where tradition says the event occurred. You can also visit the nearby catacombs and grotto associated with Paul’s time on the island.

After spending the winter in Malta, Paul sailed to Syracuse, on the island of Sicily, which is now part of Italy. They stayed there for three days.

Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has remarkable Greek and Roman ruins, including a theater, amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius.

From Syracuse, the ship continued to Rhegium, a port at the tip of Italy’s “boot” near modern Reggio Calabria. Finally, the ship reached Puteoli, in modern Pozzuoli, near Naples, Italy. Here, Paul found fellow believers and stayed with them for a week.

Pozzuoli features the well-preserved Flavian Amphitheater (the third largest Roman amphitheater in Italy) and the Solfatara Crater, part of the Campi Flegrei volcanic area.

After traveling through Appii Forum and Three Taverns, Paul arrived in Rome, where he was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.

Shortly after arriving, Paul called together the local Jewish leaders to explain his situation. He told them that he had been falsely accused by Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, leading to his appeal to Caesar. Paul then shared the message of the Gospel with them, explaining how the Law and Prophets pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. Some were convinced, but others were not.

Rome is a treasure trove of Christian heritage. Today, you can visit the Mamertine Prison, where Paul may have been held, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which honors his legacy. Of course, Rome is also home to some of the most famous ancient sites, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Baths of Caracalla, and so much more.

Paul remained under house arrest in Rome for two years, during which he continued to preach the Gospel to anyone who would listen. “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance. Amen” – Acts 28:30-31.

While Acts ends with Paul under house arrest, Paul was eventually martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero. Paul’s journey to Rome despite its challenges, ultimately allowed him to fulfill his mission of preaching the Gospel in the heart of the Roman Empire. His journey is a reminder to have faith amidst trials.

By visiting these locations where Paul journeyed today, your faith community can connect with Paul’s story and reflect on the enduring impact of his mission. Are you ready to walk in Paul’s footsteps? Let’s discuss your options.

Join our FAM trip!

Join our Footsteps of Paul Familiarization trip to Sicily and mainland Italy, Jan 26 – Feb 5, 2026! This familiarization trip guides you on a profound spiritual journey from Sicily to mainland Italy, offering a chance to reflect on Paul’s legacy and the spread of Christianity. As you explore Paul’s journey and the lasting impact of his mission as described in Acts, you’ll prepare to lead future groups on this transformative experience.

View the itinerary.