Pute'oli, known in modern times as Pozzuoli, was an ancient Roman port city located on the Bay of Naples in Italy. It holds significant historical and biblical importance, particularly in the context of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as recorded in the New Testament.

Biblical Reference:

Pute'oli is mentioned in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 28:13-14 : "From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day a south wind came up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome."

This passage describes part of Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner. After being shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul and his companions continued their voyage, eventually reaching Pute'oli. The mention of "brothers" indicates the presence of a Christian community in the city, which welcomed Paul and his companions, providing them with hospitality for a week. This brief stay in Pute'oli highlights the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and the interconnectedness of early Christian communities.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Pute'oli was a bustling port city and a major hub of commerce and trade in the Roman Empire. Its strategic location on the Bay of Naples made it an essential point for the import and export of goods, including grain from Egypt, which was vital for feeding the population of Rome. The city's prosperity attracted a diverse population, including merchants, sailors, and travelers from various parts of the empire.

The presence of a Christian community in Pute'oli during Paul's time suggests that the message of the Gospel had reached this important urban center relatively early in the history of the Church. The hospitality extended to Paul and his companions reflects the early Christian practice of welcoming fellow believers, a theme emphasized throughout the New Testament.

Archaeological and Historical Significance:

Archaeological excavations in Pozzuoli have uncovered remnants of its ancient past, including the well-preserved ruins of the Roman amphitheater, the Temple of Serapis, and the Macellum (marketplace). These sites provide insight into the daily life and religious practices of the city's inhabitants during the Roman period.

The amphitheater, one of the largest in Italy, could accommodate thousands of spectators and was used for gladiatorial games and other public spectacles. The Temple of Serapis, dedicated to the Egyptian god Serapis, underscores the cultural and religious diversity of Pute'oli, reflecting the city's role as a melting pot of different traditions and beliefs.

Theological Implications:

The account of Paul's stay in Pute'oli serves as a testament to the early Church's mission to spread the Gospel across the Roman world. It illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus' command to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The warm reception Paul received from the believers in Pute'oli exemplifies the unity and fellowship that characterized the early Christian communities, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

Pute'oli's mention in the Book of Acts also highlights the providential care of God in guiding and sustaining His servants, even in the midst of trials and journeys. The city's role as a waypoint in Paul's journey to Rome underscores the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the spread of the Gospel, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Church in the heart of the Roman Empire.Pute'oli (1 Occurrence)

Acts 28:13
thence having gone round, we came to Rhegium, and after one day, a south wind having sprung up, the second 'day' we came to Puteoli;
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Pute'oli (1 Occurrence)
Pute'oli. Puteoli, Pute'oli. Puthites . Multi-Version Concordance
Pute'oli (1 Occurrence). Acts 28:13 thence having gone round, we ...
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Puteoli (1 Occurrence)

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Puthites (1 Occurrence)

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