Italy

Italy, a region in southern Europe, home to the Roman Empire.

Italy is mentioned several times in the New Testament as a region in southern Europe, home to the Roman Empire. In Act.18.2, we learn that Aquila, a Jew from Pontus, had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla due to the emperor Claudius' decree expelling all Jews from Rome. In Act.27.1, 6, Paul embarks on his journey to Rome, sailing on ships from Alexandria and Adramyttium that were bound for Italy. The author of Hebrews also mentions Italy, sending greetings from those who had come from there (Hebrews 13:24). Additionally, Act.10.1 mentions the Italian Regiment, a Roman military unit stationed in Caesarea. These references highlight the significant role Italy played in the early spread of Christianity and its connection to the Roman Empire.

Acts 18:2; 27:1, 6; Heb. 13:24), like most geographical names, was differently used at different periods of history. As the power of Rome advanced, nations were successively conquered and added to it till it came to designate the whole country to the south of the Alps. There was constant intercourse between Palestine and Italy in the time of the Romans.