Scripture reveals that the gospel traveled to Italian cities—Rome, Puteoli, and others—where believers gathered, suffered, and spread Christ's name across the empire.
Scripture on Italy
Acts 28:11-14
New Testament
"After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. From there we took a circling course and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. Here we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome."
Romans 1:7
New Testament
"To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Timothy 4:21
New Testament
"Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters."
1 Peter 5:13
New Testament
"She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings. And so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ."
The Bottom Line
Italy wasn't just geography; it was ground where God's kingdom advanced through ordinary Christians living faithfully in the capital of the world's greatest power.
Try Today
Read one chapter from Romans today and remember that Paul wrote those words to a church in Italy that he hadn't even visited yet—trusting God's gospel to work through distance and opposition.
Prayer
Jesus taught us to pray for those in power and for the advance of His kingdom across all nations, as He modeled in John 17.
Father, You are sovereign over every nation and city, including Italy. You sent Your apostles across seas and through opposition to plant the gospel in Rome itself. Thank You for showing us that no empire, no power, no distance can stop Your work. Help me see my own city and nation not as beyond Your reach, but as ground where You're still calling people to Yourself. Give me courage to speak of Jesus where I am, trusting that His kingdom advances not by human might but by the work of Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Acts 28 to see Paul's final journey to Rome, and the book of Romans to encounter the letter he wrote to Italian believers.
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