28:15a

The brothers there had heard about us: The Greek words are literally “And from there the brothers having heard the things about us.” Paul earlier wrote to the believers in Rome (the New Testament book of Romans). So the phrase “the things about us” may refer to the news in the letter of Paul wanting to go to Rome, or they may have heard of his journey from Caesarea some way. So the Berean Standard Bible and some English versions translate the Greek phrase generally. For example:

When the brothers there heard about us (New Jerusalem Bible)

The brothers there: This refers to believers who lived in Rome.

had heard: Probably the believers in Puteoli sent word to the believers in Rome.

28:15b

Only some of the believers went to meet Paul and his companions. It is not known how many went. There would have been two groups: one group going to the town called “Forum of Appius” and another group going to the town called “Three Taverns.” Luke probably does not say “some of them” here to imply all the believers supported what Paul was doing.

traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns: The town called Forum of Appius was about 64 kilometers (40 miles) or about two days walk from Rome. The town called Three Taverns was about 49 kilometers (30 miles) or about one and a half days walk from Rome. Both places were south of Rome, between Puteoli and Rome.

the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns: Some English versions add the word the before both names for more natural English. Consider whether that is necessary or not in your language. For example:

the towns of Market of Appius and Three Inns (Good News Translation)

Forum of Appius: This name refers to a small town. The Latin word Forum refers to a marketplace. The town was named after the marketplace of a man named Appius. For example:

the town of/called “Market of Appius”

Three Taverns: This name refers to a small town. The Latin word “taberna” can refer to an inn, a store, or a shop. The town was named after the three inns, stores, or shops originally at this location. For example:

the town of/called “The Three Inns”

to meet us: The believers went to welcome Paul. They probably also accompanied Paul to Rome.

28:15c

When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God: The fact that these men came indicated that the believers were ready to welcome Paul. So he was encouraged and gave thanks to God. Paul may have known these believers from somewhere else and so recognized them, or they may have introduced themselves first if Paul did not know them.

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