Where Paul Abode: Inns and Hosts in the Apostolic Missions

In the grand narrative of the New Testament, as the Gospel of Christ surged forth from Jerusalem to the farthest reaches of the known world, the indefatigable Apostle Paul stands as a monumental figure. His apostolic missions, spanning thousands of miles across land and sea, were not merely journeys of geographical expanse but also profound odysseys of human connection, deeply reliant on the twin pillars of inns and hosts. For "where Paul abode" often became a strategic outpost for the Kingdom, a testament to God's provision through the hospitality of His people and the practicalities of the ancient world.

Paul, an apostle "born out of due time" (1 Corinthians 15:8), was a tireless laborer, frequently enduring "journeys often, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers from false brothers" (2 Corinthians 11:26). Such extensive travel necessitated lodging, and the Scriptures reveal a fascinating interplay between commercial accommodations and the sacred embrace of believing homes.

While the biblical text often highlights specific instances of private hospitality, it is certain that Paul and his companions also utilized the common inns and taverns (like cauponae or mansiones) that dotted the Roman road network and proliferated in port cities. These public houses, though sometimes of questionable repute, were practical necessities for travelers of all kinds. When Paul was being transported under Roman guard, for instance, his lodging would have been dictated by military necessity, likely in these waystations. The very "Three Taverns" (Tres Tabernae) where brethren met him on his way to Rome (Acts 28:15) indicates a known cluster of such commercial establishments. These served as essential waypoints, providing basic shelter and sustenance when other options were unavailable.

However, the more profound and spiritually significant places where Paul abode were the homes of the faithful, those blessed hosts who opened their doors and hearts to the apostles, often at great personal risk or inconvenience. These homes became the true nerve centers of the early apostolic missions:

Lydia in Philippi: After her conversion, this prosperous businesswoman extended an insistent invitation: "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay." (Acts 16:15). Lydia’s home became the initial hub for the nascent church in Philippi, a place of safety, fellowship, and strategic planning.
Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth and Ephesus: This devout couple, fellow tentmakers with Paul, offered not only lodging but also a shared trade and deep partnership in ministry. Their house in both cities became a vibrant center for teaching and evangelism (Acts 18:1-3, 18-19, 26; Romans 16:3-5). Their willingness to host was foundational to Paul's work in these crucial urban centers.
Gaius in Corinth: Paul mentions Gaius as "my host and the host of the whole church" (Romans 16:23), indicating that his home was a regular meeting place for the Christian community and a welcoming haven for traveling ministers.
Jason in Thessalonica: When the unbelieving Jews stirred up trouble against Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason, their host, before the city authorities, accusing him of harboring those who had "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:5-6). Jason's willingness to host carried real danger, yet he did not shrink from it.
Philip the Evangelist in Caesarea: Paul and his companions stayed "many days" with Philip, who had four unmarried daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:8-10). This home provided a nurturing environment for the apostles amidst their travels, enriched by spiritual gifts.

These instances underscore a vital truth: where Paul abode was often not a grand temple or a public hall, but the humble, consecrated home of a believer. These inns and hosts were not incidental; they were foundational. They provided the necessary rest for weary travelers, the crucial base for ongoing ministry, and the intimate setting for the forging of deep Christian fellowship. The willingness of ordinary people to open their doors became a powerful, visible manifestation of the Gospel’s communal heart, demonstrating that the Good News was not just a message, but a life to be shared, house by house, city by city, to the glory of God.