Acts 27:1-12

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+27:1-12

Paul Sails for Rome

1 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 3 The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. 9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

27:1, 2 Use of the pronoun we indicates that Luke accompanied Paul on this journey. Aristarchus is the man who was dragged into the theater at the beginning of the riot in Ephesus (19:29; 20:4; Philemon 24).

27:1-3 Julius, a hardened Roman centurion, was assigned to guard Paul. Obviously he had to remain close to Paul at all times. Through this contact, Julius developed a respect for Paul. He gave Paul a certain amount of freedom (27:3) and later spared his life (27:43). How would your character look up close and personal?

27:9 The "Fast" was the Day of Atonement. Ships in ancient times had no compasses and navigated by the stars. Overcast weather made sailing almost impossible and very dangerous. Sailing was doubtful in September and impossible by November. The event occurred in October (A.D. 59).

27:12 Although this was not the best time to sail, the pilot and the owner of the ship didn't want to spend the winter in Lasea, and so the pilot took a chance. At first the winds and weather were favorable, but then the deadly storm arose.

Isn't it interesting that God develops patience in His own throughout history? Paul knew that even while traveling (especially while traveling) God must still be honored. Remember that God told him he would also testify in Rome, so Paul knew that he would eventually get there. But the journey was not a straight line. Kind of reminds of our journey in the Great Awakening, no? So, how do we honor God? By walking humbly daily, with God guiding and stabilizing us, and thanking Him for His gifts of patience and perseverance. With God as our anchor, we can find safe harbor from the headwinds and storms.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant presence. We find comfort in Your stabilizing guidance. When we stray, we feel your tug to keep us connected to You. So in that instance we whisper a prayer and thankfully turn to You and Your protection and promises. Thank You for the peace You give. Let us share that peace with others. We know with You we are safe. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/JCwFQsKs16c

Have a blessed day.