{When they heard of us} (akousantes ta peri h(886d)(936e)). How
"they heard the things concerning us" we do not know. Good news
had its way of travel even before the days of telegraph,
telephone, daily papers. Possibly Julius had to send on special
couriers with news of his arrival after the shipwreck. Possibly
some of the brethren in Puteoli at once (beginning of the week)
sent on news to the brethren in Rome. The church in Rome had long
ago received Paul's letter from Corinth at the hands of Phoebe.
{To meet us} (eis apant(8873)in h(886d)in). Idiomatic phrase, "for
meeting with us" (associative instrumental case). _Koin(825f) word
apant(8873)is from verb apanta(935c), to meet, in N.T. only here;  Mt
25:6  1Ti 4:17 . Use after eis rather than infinitive like a
translation Hebraism (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 91). {As far as
the Market of Appius} (achri Appiou Phorou). The Forum of
Appius, 90 miles from Puteoli, 40 from Rome, on the great Appian
Way. The Censor Appius Claudius had constructed this part of the
road, B.C. 312. Paul probably struck the Appian Way at Capua.
Portions of this great stone highway are still in use. If one
wishes to tread where Paul trod, he can do it here. Appii Forum
had a bad reputation, the haunt of thieves, thugs, and swindlers.
What would this motley crowd think of Paul chained to a soldier?
{Three Taverns} (Tri(936e) Tabern(936e)). Genitive case after achri
like Appiou Phorou. About 30 miles from Rome. _Tres Tabernae_.
{Whom} (hous). Two groups of the disciples came (one Gentile,
one Jewish, Rackham thinks), one to Appii Forum, the other to
Three Taverns. It was a joyous time and Julius would not
interfere. {Took courage} (elabe tharsos). The old substantive
	harsos is here alone in the N.T. Jesus himself had exhorted
Paul to be of good courage (	harsei  Ac 23:11 ) as he had done
the disciples ( Joh 16:33 ). Paul had passed through enough to
cause depression, whether he was depressed or not, but he deeply
appreciated this kindly sympathy.