Luke's travelogue of the journey from Malta to Rome emphasizes the fact that Paul is in the West now - an untraveled area for him about which he would have only heard and read. Apprehensive about the Roman Church's response to his earlier letter, he is encouraged by the dramatic show of affection and respect as two delegations come out to meet him before he reaches the epicenter of the Known World.

[Act 28:11-16 NASB] 11 At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found [some] brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15 And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.