Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Appii Forum, also known as the Market of Appius, is a location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. It is noted for its connection to the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. This entry explores the historical and biblical significance of Appii Forum, drawing from scriptural references and historical context. Biblical Reference: Appii Forum is mentioned in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 28:15. The Berean Standard Bible states: "The brothers there had heard about us and traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God." Historical Context: Appii Forum was a well-known stop along the ancient Roman road, the Via Appia, which connected Rome to the southern regions of Italy. This road was a crucial artery for trade and travel in the Roman Empire. The Forum of Appius was approximately 43 miles (about 69 kilometers) southeast of Rome, serving as a bustling marketplace and rest stop for travelers. Significance in Paul's Journey: The mention of Appii Forum in Acts 28:15 highlights the support and fellowship Paul received from the early Christian community. As Paul was being taken to Rome as a prisoner, the believers from Rome traveled to meet him at Appii Forum and the nearby Three Taverns. This act of solidarity and encouragement was significant for Paul, who was facing an uncertain future in Rome. Cultural and Religious Importance: The journey of Paul to Rome, including his stop at Appii Forum, is a testament to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. The presence of a Christian community willing to travel and meet Paul underscores the unity and dedication of early Christians. It also reflects the strategic importance of Roman infrastructure, like the Via Appia, in facilitating the missionary work of the apostles. Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Appii Forum has not been definitively identified, archaeological studies of the Via Appia have provided insights into the types of structures and facilities that would have been present at such a site. These would likely have included inns, markets, and stables, catering to the needs of travelers and merchants. Conclusion: Appii Forum serves as a historical marker in the narrative of Paul's journey to Rome, illustrating the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and the role of Roman infrastructure in the spread of the Gospel. The encouragement Paul received from the believers at this location is a poignant reminder of the power of fellowship and support within the body of Christ. Easton's Bible Dictionary Appii Forum: I.e., "the Market of Appius" (Acts 28:15, R.V.), a town on the road, the "Appian Way," from Rome to Brundusium. It was 43 miles from Rome. Here Paul was met by some Roman Christians on his way to the capital. It was natural that they should halt here and wait for him, because from this place there were two ways by which travellers might journey to Rome. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia APPII FORUMap'-i-i fo'-rum, transliteration of Lat; APPIUS ap'-i-us, MARKET OF (Revised Version) (Appiou phoron): Appi Forum Cicero ad Att. 20.1; Suetonius Tib. 2: Appii Forum; Vulgate Revised Verson: Forum Appi; Horace Satires i0.5; Pliny, Nat. Hist., iii0.64; xiv0.61; CIL, X, 6824, or Market of Appius, was a town situated at the forty-third milestone on the Appian Road (39 1/2 English miles from Rome, a single day's journey for energetic travelers) according to the imperial itineraries (Ant., 108; Hierosol. 611; Geog. Rav. 4.34). Its existence probably dates from the time of Appius Claudius Caecus (Suet. Tib. 2; compare Mommsen, Rom. Forsch., I, 308), who laid out the famous highway from Rome to Capua in 312 B.C. In the 1st century it had the rank of a municipality (Pliny, iii.64). Its importance as a highway station is due chiefly to the canal which ran by the side of the road from there to within a short distance of Tarracina (at the sixty-second milestone), affording an alternative means of conveyance (Strabo v0.3.6). It was customary to cover this section of the journey, passing through the Pontine Marshes, by night in canal boats drawn by mules. Horace (Sat. i.5) offers a lively picture of the discomforts of the trip, mentioning the importunate inn-keepers and intolerable drinking water at Appii Forum, the gnats and frogs which were enemies to repose, and the exasperating procrastination of the muleteer. Greek 675. Appiou Phoron -- Market of Appius, the name of a city south ... ... Appii. Of Latin origin; (in the genitive, ie Possessive case) of Appius, the name of a Roman -- Appii. (appiou) -- 1 Occurrence. 674, 675. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/675.htm - 6k Library Acts XXVIII Acts xxviii. 1 After the Wreck Eleventh Day. Sympathy. In Rome Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The Joy of Unbroken Communion Christianity in Rome. Paul in Malta and Rome. Rom. xv. 25-27 Thesaurus Appii (1 Occurrence)... Easton's Bible Dictionary Appii Forum: Ie, "the Market of Appius" (Acts 28:15, RV), a town on the road, the "Appian Way," from Rome to Brundusium. ...APPII FORUM. ... /a/appii.htm - 9k Appii-forum (1 Occurrence) Forum (1 Occurrence) Taverns (1 Occurrence) Three (5005 Occurrences) Tabernae (1 Occurrence) Tres (1 Occurrence) Mart (2 Occurrences) Marketplace (8 Occurrences) Market (24 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Appii (1 Occurrence)Acts 28:15 Subtopics Related Terms |