Alexandria

 

   Alexandria was a city named after Alexander.  In Hebrew the name is Shelamziyyon.  It means "peace of Zion" or  "wholeness of Zion".  In Greek Alexandria is Alexándreia ( Αλεξάνδρεια).  It was a prominent city that played a role in the development of Christianity.  It was the hot spot to get the word out throughout the Roman Empire.  Many translations of God's Word were produced there.

    The story of Alexandria begins in the Bible with Stephen.  He was a man full of God's grace and power.  He followed in Jesus' footsteps like a good disciple.  That meant that the religious leaders hated him like they hated Jesus.  One day a man from the synagogue stood to debate with Stephen.  There were men from Alexandria there that became witnesses.  It was decided that no one should stand against wisdom or the Holy Spirit because no one could win a debate against Stephen.

    Some time later a Jew named Apollos arrived in Ephesus.  He was well spoken and educated in scripture.  He had come from Alexandrian in Egypt.  He had been taught the way of Jesus and was enthusiastic to tell others about him.  The only problem was he only knew about the baptism.  He was not aware of Jesus sacrifice or resurrection.  Priscilla and Aquila boldly went to him to explain the full story, so that he could speak the full truth.  He became a good helper of the Way.  

    Paul was sailing to Rome.  He had a guard that was kind named Julius.  When they docked at Sidon, Julius let Paul come ashore to allow his friends to see him and take care of his needs.  They they headed back out to sea and a strong storm hit them.  They stayed away from shore to avoid beaching.  They came across a ship from Alexandria headed to Italy.  Since their boat had taken such a beating, Paul was put on that ship to get him to Rome.

    Paul still found himself shipwrecked.  Three month later, he found himself on another Alexandrian ship.  They stopped in Syracuse for three days, then moved on to Rhegium, then Puteoli.  There Paul met some believers who invited Paul's group to spend a week with them, so they did.  From there Paul finally made it to Rome.

    Following God is never predictable.  You never know where it will take you or who you will meet.  You never know what will come from the encounters and how it will impact people's lives.  The point is to hold onto your faith, walk with Jesus, and thank Him for every moment that you have.

Acts 6:8-10, 18:24-26, 27:3-6, & 28:11-14