TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 27:1–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
It does not appear how long it was after Paul's conference with Agrippa that he was sent away for Rome, pursuant to his appeal to Caesar; but it is likely they took the first convenience they could hear of to do it; in the mean time Paul is in the midst of his friends at Caesarea - they comforts to him, and he a blessing to them. But here we are told,
I.How Paul was shipped off for Italy:
a long voyage, but there is no remedy. He has appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar he must go: It was determined that we should sail into Italy, for to Rome they must go by sea; it would have been a vast way about to go by land. Hence, when the Roman conquest of the Jewish nation is foretold, it is said (Num 24:24), Ships shall come from Chittim, that is, Italy, and shall afflict Eber, that is, the Hebrews. It was determined by the counsel of God, before it was determined by the counsel of Festus, that Paul should go to Rome; for, whatever man intended, God had work for him to do there. Now here we are told,
1.Whose custody he was committed to - to one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus's band, as Cornelius was of the Italian band, or legion, Act 10:1. He had soldiers under him, who were a guard upon Paul, that he might not make his escape, and likewise to protect him, that he might have no mischief done him.
2.What bottom he embarked in: they went on board a ship of Adramyttium (Act 27:2), a sea-port of Africa, whence this ship brought African goods, and, as it should seem, made a coasting voyage for Syria, where those goods came to a good market.
3.What company he had in this voyage, there were some prisoners who were committed to the custody of the same centurion, and who probably had appealed to Caesar too, or were upon some other account removed to Rome, to be tried there, or to be examined as witnesses against some prisoners there; perhaps some notorious offenders, like Barabbas, who were therefore ordered to be brought before the emperor himself. Paul was linked with these, as Christ with the thieves that were crucified with him, and was obliged to take his lot with them in this voyage; and we find in this chapter (Act 27:42) that for their sakes he had like to have been killed, but for his sake they were preserved. Note, It is no new thing for the innocent to be numbered among the transgressors. But he had also some of his friends with him, Luke particularly, the penman of this book, for he puts himself in all along, We sailed into Italy, and, We launched, v. 2. Aristarchus a Thessalonian is particularly named, as being now in his company. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that Trophimus the Ephesian went off with him, but that he left him sick at Miletum (Ti2 4:20), when he passed by those coasts of Asia mentioned here (v. 2), and that there likewise he left Timothy. It was a comfort to Paul to have the society of some of his friends in this tedious voyage, with whom he might converse freely, though he had so much loose profane company about him. Those that go long voyages at sea are commonly necessitated to sojourn, as it were, in Mesech and Kedar, and have need of wisdom, that they may do good to the bad company they are in, may make them better, or at lest be made never the worse by them.
II.What course they steered, and what places they touched at, which are particularly recorded for the confirming of the truth of the history to those who lived at that time, and could by their own knowledge tell of their being at such and such a place.
1.They touched at Sidon, not far off from where they went on board; thither they came the next day. And that which is observable here is, that Julius the centurion was extraordinarily civil to Paul. It is probable that he knew his case, and was one of the chief captains, or principal men, that heard him plead his own cause before Agrippa (Act 25:23), and was convinced of his innocency, and the injury done him; and therefore, though Paul was committed to him as a prisoner, he treated him as a friend, as a scholar, as a gentleman, and as a man that had an interest in heaven: He gave him liberty, while the business of the ship detained it at Sidon, to go among his friends there, to refresh himself; and it would be a great refreshment to him. Julius herein gives an example to those in power to be respectful to those whom they find worthy of their respect, and in using their power to make a difference. A Joseph, a Paul, are not to be used as common prisoners. God herein encourages those that suffer for him to trust in him; for he can put it into the hearts of those to befriend them from whom they least expect it - can cause them to be pitied, nay, can cause them to be prized and valued, even in the eyes of those that carry them captive, Psa 106:46. And it is likewise an instance of Paul's fidelity. He did not go about to make his escape, which he might have easily done; but, being out upon his parole of honour, he faithfully returns to his imprisonment. If the centurion is so civil as to take his word, he is so just and honest as to keep his word.
2.They thence sailed under Cyprus, Act 27:4. If the wind had been fair, they had gone forward by direct sailing, and had left Cyprus on the right hand; but, the wind not favouring them, they were driven to oblique sailing with a side wind, and so compassed the island, in a manner, and left it on the left hand. Sailors must do as they can, when they cannot do as they would, and make the best of their wind, whatever point it is in; so must we all in our passage over the ocean of this world. When the winds are contrary yet we must be getting forward as well as we can.
3.At a port called Myra they changed their ship; that which they were in, it is probable, having business no further, they went on board a vessel of Alexandria bound for Italy, Act 27:5, Act 27:6. Alexandria was now the chief city of Egypt, and great trading there was between that city and Italy; from Alexandria they carried corn to Rome, and the East-India goods and Persian which they imported at the Red Sea they exported again to all parts of the Mediterranean, and especially to Italy. And it was a particular favour shown to the Alexandrian ships in the ports of Italy that they were not obliged to strike sail, as other ships were, when they came into port.
4.With much ado they made The Fair Havens, a port of the island of Crete, Act 27:7, Act 27:8. They sailed slowly many days, being becalmed, or having the wind against them. It was a great while before they made the point of Cnidus, a port of Caria, and were forced to sail under Crete, as before under Cyprus; much difficulty they met with in passing by Salmone, a promontory on the eastern shore of the island of Crete. Though the voyage hitherto was not tempestuous, yet it was very tedious. They many that are not driven backward in their affairs by cross providences, yet sail slowly, and do not get forward by favourable providences. And many good Christians make this complaint in the concerns of their souls, that they do not rid ground in their way of heaven, but have much ado to keep their ground; they move with many stops and pauses, and lie a great while wind-bound. Observe, The place they came to was called The Fair Havens. Travellers say that it is known to this day by the same name, and that it answers the name from the pleasantness of its situation and prospect. And yet,
(1.)It was not the harbour they were bound for; it was a fair haven, but it was not their haven. Whatever agreeable circumstances we may be in in this world, we must remember we are not at home, and therefore we must arise and depart; for, though it be a fair haven, it is not the desired haven, Psa 107:30.
(2.)It was not a commodious haven to winter in, so it is said, Act 27:12. It had a fine prospect, but it lay exposed to the weather. Note, Every fair haven is not a safe haven; nay, there may be most danger where there is most pleasure.
III.What advice Paul gave them with reference to that part of their voyage they had before them - it was to be content to winter where they were, and not to think of stirring till a better season of the year.
1.It was now a bad time for sailing; they had lost a deal of time while they were struggling with contrary winds. Sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was already past, that is, the famous yearly fast of the Jews, the day of atonement, which was on the tenth day of the seventh month, a day to afflict the soul with fasting; it was about the 20th of our September. That yearly fast was very religiously observed; but (which is strange) we never have any mention made in all the scripture history of the observance of it, unless it be meant here, where it serves only to describe the season of the year. Michaelmas is reckoned by mariners as a bad time of the year to be at sea as any other; they complain of their Michaelmas-blasts; it was that time now with these distressed voyagers. The harvest was past, the summer was ended; they had not only lost time, but lost the opportunity.
2.Paul put them in mind of it, and gave them notice of their danger (Act 27:10): "I perceive" (either by notice from God, or by observing their wilful resolution to prosecute the voyage notwithstanding the peril of the season) "that this voyage will be with hurt and damage; you that have effects on board are likely to lose them, and it will be a miracle of mercy if our lives be given us for a prey." There were some good men in the ship, and many more bad men: but in things of this nature all things come alike to all, and there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked. If both be in the same ship, they both are in the same danger.
3.They would not be advised by Paul in this matter, Act 27:11. They thought him impertinent in interposing in an affair of this nature, who did not understand navigation; and the centurion to whom it was referred to determine it, though himself a passenger, yet, being a man in authority, takes upon him to overrule, though he had not been oftener at sea perhaps than Paul, nor was better acquainted with these seas, for Paul had planted the gospel in Crete (Tit 1:5), and knew the several parts of the island well enough. But the centurion gave more regard to the opinion of the master and owner of the ship than to Paul's; for every man is to be credited in his own profession ordinarily: but such a man as Paul, who was so intimate with Heaven, was rather to be regarded in seafaring matters than the most celebrated sailors. Note, Those know not what dangers they run themselves into who will be governed more by human prudence than by divine revelation. The centurion was very civil to Paul (Act 27:3), and yet would not be governed by his advice. Note, Many will show respect to good ministers that will not take their advice, Eze 33:31.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
See how far Aristarchus also accompanies Paul. To good and useful purpose is Aristarchus present, as he would take back the report of all to Macedonia.
Continue studying Acts 27:2 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Acts 27:2 initiates the detailed account of Paul's arduous sea journey from Caesarea to Rome, undertaken under Roman custody following his appeal to Caesar. This verse specifically describes the initial embarkation onto a ship from Adramyttium, the intended coastal route along Asia Minor, and introduces Aristarchus, a faithful Macedonian companion who accompanied Paul on this significant, divinely orchestrated voyage.
Context
Literary Context
Acts 27:2 marks the precise beginning of the dramatic sea voyage that dominates the remainder of the book of Acts. It follows directly from Paul's appeal to Caesar and the decision by Festus to send him to Rome, as recounted in Acts 25:11-12. The preceding verses in Acts 27:1 establish that Paul and other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, setting the stage for this journey. The narrative that unfolds from this verse through Acts 28:16 is a masterclass in ancient travelogue, detailing the perils of sea travel, the resilience of Paul, and the sovereign hand of God guiding the apostle to Rome despite human plans and natural disasters. This verse, therefore, is the narrative launch point for one of the most vivid and suspenseful chapters in the New Testament.
Historical & Cultural Context
Adramyttium was a prominent port city in the Roman province of Asia, located on the coast of Mysia. It served as a vital hub for maritime trade and passenger transport across the Aegean Sea. In the Roman Empire, sea travel was the most efficient means of long-distance transportation, especially for official business like prisoner transfer. Ships typically sailed during the "navigable season" (roughly April to October), avoiding the dangerous winter months. Coastal sailing, as initially intended by this ship "meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia," was a common practice. It allowed vessels to stay within sight of land, providing safer navigation, easier access to fresh water and provisions, and quicker refuge in case of storms. This preference for coastal routes highlights the practical considerations of ancient mariners, even as divine providence would later redirect their course.
Key Themes
This verse introduces several key themes that will be developed throughout Paul's journey to Rome. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty over Human Plans. The phrase "meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia" (Acts 27:2) highlights the initial human intention, which would soon be dramatically overridden by severe weather and God's ultimate purpose for Paul to reach Rome, as promised in Acts 23:11. Secondly, the presence of Aristarchus emphasizes the theme of Faithful Companionship and Support in Ministry. Even as a prisoner, Paul was not abandoned, demonstrating the strong bonds of Christian fellowship and loyalty. Finally, the journey itself, though perilous, serves as a powerful metaphor for the Unstoppable Advance of the Gospel. Despite imprisonment and hardship, Paul is being divinely transported to the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling the Great Commission to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, a mission that echoes Christ's own commissioning in Acts 1:8.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, derived from "upon" and "to walk," signifies the act of stepping onto or embarking. In this context, it specifically means "to take ship." It conveys the decisive action of boarding the vessel, marking the physical commencement of the journey. The use of this word emphasizes the transition from land to sea, initiating the next phase of Paul's mission.
This verb denotes intention, being about to do something, or having a purpose. It indicates a planned or expected future action. Here, it highlights the human design for the voyage – the ship's crew and passengers intended to sail a particular route. This word sets up a contrast with the subsequent events, where divine intervention and natural forces would dramatically alter their intended course, underscoring the theme of God's ultimate control.
This primary preposition signifies union, association, or companionship, implying a closer bond than other prepositions like metá. Its use here emphasizes the intimate presence and solidarity of Aristarchus with Paul. It suggests that Aristarchus was not merely a fellow passenger but a dedicated companion sharing in Paul's circumstances, even those of imprisonment and danger.
Verse Breakdown
"And entering into a ship of Adramyttium"
This clause describes the specific vessel and the action of boarding it. The ship originated from Adramyttium, a port city in Asia Minor, indicating its likely trade route and destination. The act of "entering" signifies the official start of the sea leg of Paul's journey, moving him from the confines of Caesarean imprisonment onto a new, albeit still captive, mode of transport.
"we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia"
This segment details the departure and the initial navigational plan. "We launched" includes Luke, the author, indicating his presence on this voyage. The phrase "meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia" reveals the human intention: to follow a safer, more common route along the coastline of Asia Minor. This highlights the practical considerations of ancient seafaring, aiming for security and accessibility to land, before the unexpected storms and divine redirection.
"one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us"
This final clause introduces a specific individual accompanying Paul. Aristarchus, identified by his origin (Macedonian) and hometown (Thessalonica), is presented as a loyal companion. His presence "with us" (Paul and Luke) underscores the theme of faithful fellowship and support, even in challenging circumstances, emphasizing that Paul was not alone in his imprisonment and perilous journey.
Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 27:2 employs several literary devices. Precise Detail is evident in the naming of the ship's origin ("Adramyttium"), the intended route ("by the coasts of Asia"), and the specific companion ("Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica"). This meticulous reporting lends historical credibility and vividness to the account, characteristic of Luke's writing. The phrase "meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia" serves as a subtle use of Foreshadowing. It establishes a human plan that the reader, especially one familiar with the subsequent events of the chapter, knows will be dramatically thwarted, thereby highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty over human intentions. Finally, the inclusion of Aristarchus's presence is a form of Characterization, emphasizing his loyalty and dedication to Paul, setting him apart as a faithful companion who shares in the apostle's trials.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 27:2, though seemingly a simple logistical detail, subtly introduces profound theological themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. It speaks to the sovereignty of God over human plans and the unexpected ways He directs His servants, even through adversity. The initial human intention to sail a safe coastal route is a stark contrast to the tumultuous journey that follows, ultimately demonstrating that God's purposes prevail over all human designs and natural forces. Furthermore, the presence of Aristarchus highlights the divine provision of companionship and the importance of faithful solidarity within the body of Christ, even in trials. This journey, initiated under duress, is not merely a prisoner transfer but a divinely ordained mission to bring the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling God's promise to Paul.
Reflection and Application
Acts 27:2 offers a potent reminder that even when we embark on journeys or enter seasons of life under difficult or involuntary circumstances, God's sovereign hand is at work. Paul was a prisoner, yet his journey was not aimless; it was purposeful, leading him to Rome to bear witness to Christ. This verse encourages us to recognize that our "intended routes" – our plans, expectations, and preferred paths – may not always align with God's. Often, it is through the unexpected detours, the storms, and the seemingly adverse circumstances that God truly accomplishes His greatest work, redirecting us toward His perfect will. The presence of Aristarchus also challenges us to consider who our faithful companions are in our own journeys, and whether we are willing to be that steadfast support for others, even when it means sharing in their hardships. Our faithfulness, like Aristarchus's, can be a profound witness to the power of Christian fellowship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Aristarchus, and why was he with Paul on this journey?
Aristarchus was a faithful companion and fellow laborer with the Apostle Paul, identified in this verse as "a Macedonian of Thessalonica." He had previously accompanied Paul during the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and is also mentioned in Paul's epistles as a fellow prisoner (Colossians 4:10) and a fellow worker (Philemon 1:24). His presence on this journey to Rome, despite Paul being a prisoner, speaks volumes about his unwavering loyalty and dedication to Paul and the Gospel. It's likely he chose to accompany Paul out of personal devotion and a desire to continue ministering alongside him, even in chains, demonstrating the deep bonds of Christian fellowship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 27:2, while describing a seemingly mundane detail of travel, subtly points to the broader Christ-centered narrative of God's redemptive plan. Paul's journey to Rome, initiated here, is not just a prisoner's transport but a divinely orchestrated mission to carry the gospel to the heart of the Gentile world, echoing Christ's commission to His disciples to be His witnesses "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Just as Christ willingly submitted to the Father's plan, even to the point of crucifixion, Paul, though a prisoner, is willingly participating in God's sovereign will, demonstrating a life yielded to Christ's mission. The "meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia" highlights human plans, which are ultimately superseded by God's ultimate purpose, much like how human wisdom and plans are often confounded by the "foolishness" of God's salvation through the cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:25). The steadfast companionship of Aristarchus also mirrors the faithfulness of Christ, who promises never to leave or forsake His followers (Hebrews 13:5). Ultimately, this journey, fraught with peril but divinely protected, foreshadows the unstoppable advance of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom established and continually expanded through the victorious work of Christ, the true King and Lord of all creation (Philippians 2:9-11).