PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME"

Elinor Richardson
5 years ago
Views:

PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME HEART OF CATECHESIS OUR CATHOLIC CHURCH--THE MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST LESSON 16 IT WAS AN ALEXANDRIAN SHIP WITH THE DIOSCURI AS ITS FIGUREHEAD.

In Greek Mythology, Castor and Pollux: were twin brothers, together known as the Dioscuri. In Latin the twins are also known as the Gemini.

1 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME HEART OF CATECHESIS OUR CATHOLIC CHURCH--THE MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST LESSON 16 IT WAS AN ALEXANDRIAN SHIP WITH THE DIOSCURI AS ITS FIGUREHEAD. ACTS 28:11 After the perilous sea voyage, Luke thought it important to include this detail about the ship that would take them the rest of the way. In Greek Mythology, Castor and Pollux: were twin brothers, together known as the Dioscuri. In Latin the twins are also known as the Gemini. The pair was regarded as the patrons of sailors, and ships would affix a figurehead of them to bring fair sailing and the appearance of St. Elmo's Fire. St. Elmo's Fire was considered to be a sign of protection from storms. It would appear as a blue glow from the ship s masts. It is actually a weather phenomenon involving a gap in electrical charges during a thunderstorm. Sailors understood they weren't looking at actual fire, because instead of abandoning ship, they took comfort in the sudden glow atop the masts. DO NOT BE AFRAID PAUL. YOU ARE DESTINED TO STAND BEFORE CAESAR; AND BEHOLD FOR YOUR SAKE GOD HAS GRANTED SAFETY TO ALL WHO ARE SAILING WITH YOU. PARENTS & CATECHISTS READING REFLECTION & PRAYER Sacred Scripture Acts 27:1 28:31 Luke 7:1-10 The Shipwreck of St Paul Nicolo Circignani (Pomarancio), 1580 Vatican Museum (Acts 27:24) Catechism of the Catholic Church #

2 Page 2 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME JERUSALEM Sacred Scripture Grades K-1 The Illustrated Acts of the Apostles pp Grades 2-4 Bible for Young Catholics pp Grades 5-12 Acts 27:1 28:31 Luke 7:1-10 Catechism STUDENTS READING REFLECTION & PRAYER Grades K-2 First Communion Catechism pp. n/a Grades 3-6 Baltimore Catechism #1 pp Grades 7-12 Catechism of the Catholic Church # TEACHING STRATEGY & OBJECTIVES THEME: IN SPITE OF DANGERS AND SHIPWRECK, PAUL BRINGS THE GOSPEL TO THE CAPITOL CITY OF THE MOST POWERFUL EMPIRE ON EARTH. INVITATION TO COMMUNION OPENING PRAYER LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY THAT YOU SHOULD ENTER UNDER MY ROOF, BUT ONLY SAY THE WORD AND MY SOUL SHALL BE HEALED. TERMS IN THIS LESSON THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS ANOINTING OF THE SICK: FAITH: JESUS CHRIST S DEATH AND RESURRECTION ARE MADE PRESENT FOR THOSE WHO ARE GATHERED AND WE RECEIVE HIM IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST THE SACRAMENT IN WHICH A PERSON WHO IS SERIOUSLY ILL IS BLESSED WITH HOLY OIL WHICH HELPS TO STRENGHTEN AND HEAL THEM IN BODY AND SOUL. THE ABILITY TO BELIEVE IN THE MYSTERIES WHICH GOD HAS REVEALED.

Page 3 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME ACTS 27:1 28:31 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME JERUSALEM Map courtesy of Visual Bible Alive CATECHISTS TWO CHAPTERS THIS WEEK; MUCH LESS GROUND TO COVER AT LEAST IN TERMS OF

3 Page 3 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME ACTS 27:1 28:31 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME JERUSALEM Map courtesy of Visual Bible Alive CATECHISTS TWO CHAPTERS THIS WEEK; MUCH LESS GROUND TO COVER AT LEAST IN TERMS OF TEXT [IF NOT GEOGRAPHY!]. QUITE DOABLE AS LONG AS WE DON T GET BOGGED DOWN IN THE LONG ITINERARIES [WHICH CAN BE EASILY AND QUICKLY COVERED BY SIMPLY TRACING OUT THE JOURNEY ON THE MAP]. WHY IS PAUL GOING TO ROME? Well, the first and most obvious reason that Paul is going to Rome: It is the Will and Plan of Jesus Christ. Rome is the Capitol of the World and the Heart of Civilization. With the stability brought about by the Roman Peace [Pax Romana] and the system of well-maintained Roman Roads and shipping routes, the Gospel can effectively be brought to the ends of the earth by Paul and the other Apostles. This journey was certainly Paul s plan even before Jesus confirmed it by appearing to Paul in his prison cell in Jerusalem; TAKE COURAGE, FOR AS YOU HAVE TESTIFIED ABOUT ME AT JERUSALEM, SO YOU MUST BEAR WITNESS ALSO AT ROME [23:11]. Political circumstances and the threat of falling into the hands of his enemies led to Paul s invoking his right as a Roman Citizen to appeal his case to the Emperor and sentence was given by Festus, You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go. [25:12] WHO GOES WITH PAUL, AND WHEN DO THEY SET SAIL FOR ROME? Paul is in the custody of a Centurion named Julius, a fellow Christian named Aristarchus, and [judging from the First Person use of we and us ] Luke has joined up with Paul again. They probably depart on their 1,500 mile journey in early September, and their progress is slow and labored [due to prevailing northwesterly winds]. Falling far behind schedule, by the time of the fast [the Feast of Yom Kippur in late October] they have made it only to a place called Fair Havens on the southern coast of Crete. Given the ships and their limited knowledge of sailing at that time, journeys on the Mediterranean Sea were usually called to a halt for the winter months. The weather was too dangerous and unpredictable.

[27:10] They do not listen to Paul and press on. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SHIP ALONG THE WAY?

4 OUR CATHOLIC CHURCH--THE MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST Page 4 WHAT WARNING DOES PAUL GIVE HIS FELLOW PASSENGERS? While they are anchored at Fair Havens Paul warns them that continuing will result in injury and loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives. [27:10] They do not listen to Paul and press on. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SHIP ALONG THE WAY? They are swept along by a terrible storm, and they are forced to throw the cargo and the tackle of the ship overboard in hopes of staying afloat. WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT DOES PAUL GIVE HIS COMPANIONS WHEN THINGS SEEM MOST DESPERATE? Paul tells them that an angel appeared to him and told him that he would stand before Caesar and that the lives of those traveling with him would be spared. Also, judging from Luke s choice of words in his description, it would seem that Paul offers MASS aboard the ship; And when he had said this, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat [27:35]. THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: JESUS CHRIST S DEATH AND RESURRECTION ARE MADE PRESENT FOR THOSE WHO ARE GATHERED AND WE RECEIVE HIM IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST. WHAT ULTIMATELY HAPPENS TO THE SHIP? They run aground off the island of Malta and the sea smashes the ship to pieces. The men swim to shore, or float in onto the beach on pieces of wreckage. Visual Bible Alive WHAT HAPPENS TO PAUL AFTER THEY SWIM ASHORE ON THE ISLAND OF MALTA? While they are gathering wood for a fire, a poisonous viper sinks his fangs into Paul s hand. Paul merely shakes the snake off of his hand and into the fire. This incident calls to mind an unusual turn of phrase, found only in the Gospel of Mark as our Risen Lord speaks of the future to the Apostles THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY THOSE WHO BELIEVE: IN MY NAME THEY WILL CAST OUT DEMONS; THEY WILL SPEAK IN NEW TONGUES; THEY WILL PICK UP SERPENTS, AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT WILL NOT HURT THEM; THEY WILL LAY THEIR HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY WILL RECOVER [MK 16:17 18]. ANOINTING OF THE SICK: THE SACRAMENT IN WHICH A PERSON WHO IS SERIOUSLY ILL IS BLESSED WITH HOLY OIL WHICH HELPS TO STRENGHTEN AND HEAL THEM IN BODY AND SOUL. HOW DOES PAUL SERVE THE PEOPLE OF MALTA? Paul heals the father of Publius, one of the leading citizens of the island, and many others who came to him for healing. HOW DO THE TRAVELERS EVENTUALLY GET TO ROME? By way of Syracuse Rhegium Puteoli CATECHISTS PLEASE TRACE THE FINAL STAGES OF THE JOURNEY ON THE MAP

5 OUR CATHOLIC CHURCH--THE MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST Page 5 IT SOUNDS AS IF THERE ARE ALREADY CHRISTIANS IN ITALY, AND EVEN IN ROME. HOW DID THEY GET THERE? Possibly they travelled there; but more likely Paul is not the first Apostle to travel this way. Peter, the head of the Apostles and the First Bishop of Rome was probably already at work there [although Luke does not mention this in his Acts of the Apostles]. Another fact to support the theory that the Church was already established in Rome; when Paul met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth nearly 10 years earlier, Luke tells us that they were there because the Jews had been thrown out of Rome by the Emperor Claudius. The reason for this exile was that there were disturbances or riots caused by a certain Chrestus [as the edict read]. It is very likely that this is a mis-spelling of Christus...and also a good guess that the riots were clashes between the traditional Jews in Rome and those Jews who had converted to the New Way. HOW IS PAUL TREATED WHEN HE EVENTUALLY ARRIVES IN ROME? Perhaps this is a bit surprising. No scourgings or dark cells for Paul in the Capitol City on the Tiber. Paul was kept under house arrest under the watch of a single guard, apparently bound [at least at times] with a single chain. He probably gave his word he would not try to escape but certainly escape was not his plan. This was a perfect arrangement for him to participate in the evangelization of Rome. We know stories of great persecutions, and Christians in chains and being thrown to starving lions in the Coliseum these events have not yet taken place. They loom in the future for the fledgling Church in Rome. WHAT GUESTS DOES PAUL RECEIVE IN HIS LODGINGS AND WHAT DOES HE SAY TO THEM? The local leaders of the Jews visit. He explains to them what happened in Jerusalem and how he came to Rome. They for their part say they have heard no evil reports of Paul, but that they have heard that the New Way has been spoken against everywhere. This provides Paul with his time-tried opportunity to evangelize the Jews first, explaining to them how Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law and Prophets. For once there are no riots! Perhaps they are reluctant to risk the passing of yet another edict by the emperor expelling all Jews from Rome for disturbing the peace. Those who believed became a part of the early Christian Church in Rome. To those who rejected the Gospel, Paul quotes the same words quoted by Jesus Christ Himself when He was rejected during His years of ministry... from the prophecies of Isaiah: GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY; YOU SHALL INDEED HEAR BUT NEVER UNDERSTAND YOU SHALL INDEED SEE, BUT NEVER PERCEIVE FOR THIS PEOPLE S HEART HAS GROWN DULL AND THEIR EARS ARE HEAVY OF HEARING AND THEIR EYES HAVE CLOSED LEST THEY SHOULD PERCEIVE WITH THEIR EYES AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND TURN FOR ME TO HEAL THEM [SEE ISAIAH 6:9 10 and MT 13:10 15 and ACTS 28:26 27] HOW LONG DOES PAUL STAY IN ROME? By our best estimation, Paul was arrested in Jerusalem in 58 AD, and after two years of imprisonment, he arrives in Rome in 60 AD. Here he spends two years under house arrest, living at his own expense, and, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered [28:30]. During these 4 years of forced inactivity Paul has not only continued to evangelize all with whom he comes into contact; he also wrote his four great Captivity Epistles [Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon]. WHY DOES THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES END WITH PAUL IN JAIL? Probably because as Luke finishes writing the Acts of the Apostles, Paul is still waiting for his trial. It makes sense that Luke would have been researching and writing both his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles during the four years of Paul s detainment and before the terrible Persecution of Nero was initiated in Rome in 64 AD.

Page 6 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME JERUSALEM DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME MOMENTS FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST LUKE 7:1 10 JESUS HEALS THE ROMAN CENTURION S SLAVE CATECHISTS WE HAVE SPENT THE LAST TWO LESSONS

6 Page 6 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME JERUSALEM DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME MOMENTS FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST LUKE 7:1 10 JESUS HEALS THE ROMAN CENTURION S SLAVE CATECHISTS WE HAVE SPENT THE LAST TWO LESSONS VERY MUCH IN THE COMPANY OF ROMANS OF EVERY STRIPE. THIS BRINGS TO MIND JESUS VERY MEMORABLE ENCOUNTER WITH THE ROMAN CENTURION. MANY PEOPLE CONFUSE THIS STORY WITH JESUS HEALING OF THE ROYAL OFFICIAL S SON IN JOHN CHAPTER 4. THEY ARE TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT EVENTS. WHERE AND WHEN DOES THIS STORY FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS TAKE PLACE? Probably Summer of the year 28 AD, during the Middle Galilean period of Jesus Public Ministry. WHO ASKS JESUS FOR HELP? A Roman Centurion who is stationed in Capharnum. We do not know the man s name. WHAT IS A CENTURION? The Roman military machine was organized into many Legions. A Legion had 6,000 men and was under the command of a General. Each Legion was divided into 10 Cohorts of 600 men each that were commanded by a Tribune [like Julius Lysaias who arrested Paul in Jerusalem in last week s lesson]. A Cohort was further divided into 6 Companies of 100 men, each under the direction of a Centurion. The Roman Centurions, non-commissioned officers, were the backbone of the Legions of Rome. It is surprising and interesting to note that every time we see a Centurion in the Gospels or in the Acts of the Apostles they are always open and receptive to the Good News. WHAT HELP DOES THE CENTURION NEED FROM JESUS? His slave is very sick and at the point of death. He needs Jesus to cure him. HOW DOES THE CENTURION CONVEY HIS MESSAGE TO JESUS? He sends elders of the Jews to ask Jesus for this favor. HOW HAS THE CENTURION HELPED THE JEWISH PEOPLE? He built their synagogue for them. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN JESUS APPROACHES THE CENTURION S HOUSE? Friends of the Centurion meet Jesus before He reaches the Centurion s home. They convey to Him a message from the Centurion. Healing of the Centurion s Slave Alexandre Bida, 1874 Christ In Art

7 Page 7 PAUL S JOURNEY TO ROME JERUSALEM WHAT DOES THIS MESSAGE MEAN? Let s look at the Centurion s message more carefully Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof; therefore, I did not presume to come to You. This Centurion is humble and considerate. He does not think that he is worthy to stand before Jesus. [Remember Peter s words in Luke 5:8]? Also, as one knowledgeable about Jewish traditions, the Centurion is aware that Jesus would incur ritual impurity by entering the house of a Gentile so the Roman wishes to spare Jesus this inconvenience. But say the word and let my servant be healed. For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes and to another Come and he comes; and to my slave, Do this, and he does it. The Centurion is not the first or only one to have faith in Jesus Power to heal from a distance [but he is the first to suggest it on his own initiative]. WHAT DOES JESUS SAY ABOUT THE CENTURION? Jesus marvels I TELL YOU, NOT EVEN IN ISRAEL HAVE I FOUND SUCH FAITH [LK 7:9]. We have frequently seen in the Life of Christ [The Samaritan Woman, Pontius Pilate s Wife, the Centurion at the foot of the Cross], and in the Acts of the Apostles [Apollos, Lydia, Titus, the Ethiopian and many others] that some of the least likely people have a great Faith and many of them are not of the Chosen People [the Jews]. FAITH: THE VIRTUE WHICH GIVES US THE ABILITY TO BELIEVE IN GOD AND IN THE MYSTERIES WHICH HE HAS REVEALED. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS STORY FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST? Quite a bit. Often [and understandably] we associate the Romans with the Death of Jesus Christ after all, HE WAS CRUCIFIED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, by a squad of Roman Soldiers who carried out the sentence. They were often brutal and unjust, selfish and lacking in respect for Human Life. But there is also much to admire about the Romans: they could be noble and brave. In the age of the Old Roman Republic [before the Empire] many Romans recognized, respected, and cultivated the life of virtue. Under their rule the Western World attained a high degree of Civilization, with transportation, trade, and a certain degree of security and safety within the boundaries of the Empire. This Centurion is an extraordinary man! Though a Roman, he honors the Faith of the Jews and even builds a synagogue for them. He loves and cares for a slave [in an era when slaves usually were in the eyes of their masters nothing more than property]. He humbles himself to ask a mere Jew for a favor, and says sincerely that he is not worthy to stand himself in Christ s presence or to have Him enter under his roof. Also, as a man with power and authority, he recognizes the Power and Authority of Jesus; his Faith in the Christ is greater than the faith of those who Christ has encountered in Israel. Although we do not know his name, Catholics everywhere remember and honor the goodness and the Faith of the Roman Centurion at every Mass, just before we approach the Altar to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, by making his words our own.. LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY THAT YOU SHOULD ENTER UNDER MY ROOF, BUT ONLY SAY THE WORD AND MY SOUL SHALL BE HEALED! AMEN!

ACTS Living in the Promises of Jesus

ACTS Living in the Promises of Jesus Acts 28 Lesson 23 In Acts 28 we find Paul and 275 others surviving a tempestuous storm and swimming or floating their way to the island of Malta. They stayed there