Italy
Italy is a region mentioned in the New Testament, located in the region of Italy in modern-day Italy. Known today as Rome. It appears across 4 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Italy appears in the New Testament as the heart of the Roman Empire and a significant destination in the spread of early Christianity. The region is first mentioned in Acts 18:2, where Aquila and Priscilla had recently come from Italy after Emperor Claudius ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul's dramatic sea voyage to stand trial before Caesar culminates in his arrival in Italy (Acts 27:1-6), where he is welcomed by believers at Puteoli and the Forum of Appius (Acts 28:13-15). The letter to the Hebrews closes with greetings from "those from Italy" (Hebrews 13:24), suggesting an Italian connection to either the author or recipients. Paul's Roman imprisonment, recorded in Acts 28:16-31, became a remarkably fruitful period of ministry; he wrote several epistles from Rome, including Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon. Italy thus served as both a center of imperial power that persecuted the church and, paradoxically, a major hub from which the gospel radiated throughout the Mediterranean world, fulfilling Christ's commission to witness "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Italy's biblical archaeology centers primarily on Rome, where extensive discoveries illuminate the New Testament world. The Claudius Inscription at Delphi helps date the expulsion of Jews from Rome mentioned in Acts 18:2 to approximately AD 49. Excavations beneath St. Peter's Basilica have uncovered a first-century necropolis and a venerated burial site traditionally associated with the apostle Peter. The Mamertine Prison (Carcer Tullianus) is traditionally identified as Paul's place of imprisonment. The Appian Way, along which Paul traveled (Acts 28:15), remains partially preserved. Catacombs throughout Rome contain early Christian inscriptions and artwork dating from the second century onward. The port city of Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli), where Paul landed, retains its ancient harbor structures and amphitheater.
Verse Appearances (4)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →