Location
Overview
Puteoli, on the Bay of Naples, was the great commercial harbour of Italy, the chief port of entry for the Alexandrian grain fleet. It was where Paul finally reached Italian soil on his voyage to Rome.
Landfall in Italy
After the shipwreck and the stay on Malta, Paul's ship sailed by Syracuse and Rhegium, "and the next day we came to Puteoli: where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome" (Acts 28:13–14).
Brethren already there
Strikingly, there was already a Christian community at Puteoli — evidence of how far and fast the gospel had spread along the trade routes of the empire, even before Paul's arrival.
The road to Rome
From Puteoli Paul travelled overland toward Rome, met along the Appian Way by believers who came out as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns; "whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage" (Acts 28:15).
Events Here
Paul lands at Puteoli and finds brethren on the way to Rome
Scripture References
1 verseActs1 verse
Acts 28:13
And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
Archaeology & History
Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli, near Naples) was one of the busiest ports of the Roman world, where the Egyptian grain ships unloaded for Rome. Remains of its harbour moles, market, and amphitheatre survive. A church there already in AD 60 testifies to Christianity's early reach into Italy.
Frequently asked about Puteoli
Where is Puteoli today?
Today, Puteoli corresponds to Pozzuoli, Italy.
What does the name Puteoli mean?
The name Puteoli means “Little wells / springs”.
What happened at Puteoli in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Puteoli include paul lands at puteoli and finds brethren on the way to rome.
Where is Puteoli first mentioned in the Bible?
Puteoli is first mentioned in Acts 28:13.
How often is Puteoli mentioned in the Bible?
Puteoli is mentioned in 1 verse across 1 book: Acts.
What happened at Puteoli?
Paul landed there on the final leg of his voyage to Rome and, finding fellow believers already in the city, stayed with them seven days before travelling on overland to Rome.
Where is Puteoli?
On the Bay of Naples in Italy, at modern Pozzuoli — in Paul’s day the main harbour for ships bringing grain and travellers to Rome.