Three Taverns(taverns)
Summary
A station on the Appian Way about 33 Roman miles from Rome where Roman Christians met the apostle Paul as he journeyed to the capital.
☩Paul's Arrival
After landing at Puteoli, Paul traveled along the Appian Road toward Rome. Roman Christians, probably informed of his approach by messengers from Puteoli, came out to meet him—one party stopping at the Three Taverns while another continued to Appii Forum, ten miles further from Rome. When Paul saw this unequivocal token of respect and zeal, 'he thanked God, and took courage.'
☩Location and Character
The Three Taverns was located 33 Roman miles from Rome according to the Antonine Itinerary, approximately 10 miles closer to the capital than Appii Forum. The site was near the modern town of Cisterna, at the northern end of the Pontine Marshes. At this point, a road from Antium on the coast joined the Appian Way, making it a natural meeting place for travelers.
☩Etymology
The name is a Graecized form of the Latin Tres Tabernae. The word taberna originally meant a house made of boards or planks, but came to designate shops and especially eating-houses or inns. The village likely derived its name from three large inns or victualling houses that served travelers passing to and from Rome. By the 4th century, the settlement had grown sufficiently important to have its own bishop, Felix.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Three Taverns," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Three Taverns," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Three Taverns," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Three Taverns," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).