I Appeal To Caesar!

The Apostle has no inkling that the events awaiting

him there will turn negative.

* * * * * Paul now understands that his deep yearning to see Rome and meet the churches there is a desire planted in his heart by God. He cannot realize what is in store for him and the church there! Paul does have certain premonitions, however; this journey to Rome is filled with problems that only God can solve, but God does want him to go to Rome, even if he does not know how to get there! How can he possibly impact Rome for the Kingdom of God once he does get there? * * * * * The Pastors’ Conference at Assos is a great, but sobering, success. The announcement that the pastors will not see Paul again impacts these dear friends with sadness, but it does stir their minds to greater dedication.

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him” (Acts 20:36, 37, NKJ).

This was just one of many sad departures on this Farewell Journey: Paul is greatly loved by the Christians of Asia Minor. * * * * * Paul’s journey was not like modern travel! The traveler of that day must not only find a ship headed in the right direction but, among other things, the wind must be blowing in the right direction! (See Endnote) Accordingly, the team sails from Assos to Mitylene, to Samos, stayed at Trogyllium, and finally the Pastors Conference in Miletus.