Acts 27:3

KJV

And the next [day] we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave [him] liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} the next {G2087} day we touched {G2609} at {G1519} Sidon {G4605}. And {G5037} Julius {G2457} courteously {G5364} entreated {G5530} Paul {G3972}, and gave him liberty {G2010} to go {G4198} unto {G4314} his friends {G5384} to refresh himself {G5177}{G1958}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next day, we landed at Tzidon; and Julius considerately allowed Sha’ul to go visit his friends and receive what he needed.

Berean Standard Bible

The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul with consideration, allowing him to visit his friends and receive their care.

American Standard Version

And the next day we touched at Sidon: and Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him leave to go unto his friends and refresh himself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:3 details the initial leg of Paul's arduous sea journey to Rome as a prisoner, highlighting the first stop at the ancient Phoenician port of Sidon. Remarkably, the Roman centurion, Julius, responsible for Paul, extended an unusual courtesy, granting him permission to visit his friends in the city for much-needed refreshment. This brief but significant interaction underscores God's providential care for Paul, even in captivity, and the vital role of Christian fellowship in sustaining believers through challenging circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the very beginning of Paul's final, climactic journey to Rome, as narrated in [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Voyage to Rome"). Following his extended imprisonment in Caesarea and a series of legal hearings before Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa (detailed in [Acts 24-26](/acts/24-26 "Paul's Defenses in Caesarea")), Paul, having appealed to Caesar, is now being transported to Rome. The narrative shifts from courtroom drama to an adventurous sea voyage, where Paul, though a prisoner, increasingly emerges as the true leader and spiritual authority. Acts 27:3 is the first recorded stop after setting sail from Adramyttium, immediately establishing Julius's character and the unexpected favor Paul would experience throughout this perilous trip.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey was undertaken within the Roman imperial system, where prisoners, especially those appealing to Caesar, were transported under military guard. Centurions like Julius held significant authority and were responsible for the safe delivery of their charges. Ancient sea travel was slow, often dangerous, and relied heavily on coastal navigation and frequent stops at port cities for supplies, shelter, and changes of ship. Sidon, an ancient Phoenician city on the coast of modern-day Lebanon, was a well-established and bustling maritime hub with a long history of trade and cultural exchange, making it a natural and necessary stop for ships traversing the Mediterranean. The presence of "friends" suggests an established Christian community or sympathetic individuals in Sidon, indicating the widespread reach of the early church.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that will resonate throughout Paul's journey and the broader book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's active and protective hand over Paul, even in the midst of his imprisonment and a dangerous voyage. The unexpected kindness from Julius is a clear example of God working through human agents to provide for His servant, echoing the Lord's assurance to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands by Paul"). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Human Kindness and Compassion**, showcasing Julius's humane treatment of Paul, which stands in stark contrast to the hostility Paul often faced from religious and political adversaries. This act of benevolence foreshadows Julius's continued favorable disposition towards Paul later in the chapter. Lastly, the verse underscores the **Importance of Christian Fellowship and Support**, as Paul's ability to visit friends for "refreshment" points to the vital role of community in providing spiritual, emotional, and practical sustenance for believers, a theme central to the early church's life as seen in [Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42-47 "Acts 2:42-47 - The Fellowship of the Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **courteously (Greek, _philanthrṓpōs'_):** Derived from _philos_ (loving) and _anthrōpos_ (man), this adverb literally means "fondly to man" or "humanely." It signifies an act of kindness, benevolence, and consideration that goes beyond mere duty. Julius's action was not just professional but imbued with a personal, humane touch, reflecting a compassionate disposition towards Paul.
* **liberty (Greek, _epitrépō'_):** This verb means "to turn over," "to allow," or "to permit." It implies a granting of authority or freedom to act. In this context, it highlights Julius's significant concession, as allowing a prisoner, especially one bound for imperial judgment, to leave the ship and interact freely was a substantial and unusual privilege, indicating a degree of trust or respect.
* **to refresh himself (Greek, _epiméleia'_):** While the KJV translates this phrase as "to refresh himself," the underlying Greek involves the noun _epiméleia_ (carefulness, kind attention, hospitality) used with the verb _tynchánō_ (to obtain, to enjoy). Thus, the literal sense is "to obtain/enjoy careful attention" or "to receive kind care." This suggests that the "refreshment" Paul sought was not merely physical rest but a holistic renewal—spiritual, emotional, and practical—derived from the loving care and fellowship of his friends.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the next [day] we touched at Sidon":** This clause establishes the immediate geographical context and the progression of the journey. "Touched at" (G2609, _katágō_) specifically means to bring a ship to land or to moor, indicating a deliberate stop. Sidon (G4605), an ancient and well-known port, serves as the initial point of contact with the wider world after leaving Caesarea, setting the stage for the interactions that follow.
* **"And Julius courteously entreated Paul":** This highlights the unexpected and significant action of Julius (G2457), the Roman centurion in charge of Paul (G3972). "Courteously entreated" (G5364, _philanthrṓpōs_ and G5530, _chráomai_) signifies that Julius treated Paul with exceptional kindness and humanity, going beyond the standard treatment of a prisoner. This benevolent disposition is crucial, as it sets a precedent for Julius's later actions and Paul's overall experience during the voyage.
* **"and gave [him] liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself":** This clause details the specific privilege granted to Paul. Julius "gave him liberty" (G2010, _epitrépō_), allowing Paul to disembark and visit his "friends" (G5384, _phílos_). The purpose was "to refresh himself" (G5177, _tynchánō_ and G1958, _epiméleia_), implying a need for physical, emotional, and spiritual sustenance that could be found in the company of sympathetic individuals, likely fellow believers, in Sidon. This act of grace provided Paul with a crucial moment of respite and encouragement.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 27:3 employs several literary devices to enrich the account. There is a clear **Contrast** between Paul's status as a prisoner in chains and the surprising freedom and kindness he receives from Julius. This highlights the unusual nature of the centurion's actions. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine favor and protection Paul will experience throughout the perilous voyage, often through the agency of Julius. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific geographical details ("Sidon") and the mention of "friends" adds **Realism** and **Verisimilitude** to the narrative, grounding the theological message in concrete historical events. The unexpected benevolence of a Roman official towards a Jewish prisoner also carries a subtle **Irony**, as Paul often faced more hostility from his own countrymen than from Roman authorities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:3 beautifully illustrates the intricate tapestry of God's providence, where divine purposes are often enacted through the most unexpected human channels. Julius, a pagan Roman centurion, becomes an instrument of God's care, extending kindness and liberty to Paul that was neither expected nor required. This act of "philanthropy" not only provided Paul with much-needed physical and spiritual refreshment but also served as a testament to the pervasive influence of God's grace, capable of softening hearts and opening doors even in the most restrictive circumstances. It underscores the truth that God's people are never truly abandoned, and His provision can manifest through individuals from any background, demonstrating His sovereignty over all human affairs. This verse also implicitly affirms the profound value of Christian fellowship as a source of strength and encouragement, a vital component of spiritual resilience.

* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God will supply all your needs")
* [Hebrews 13:3](/hebrews/13-3 "Hebrews 13:3 - Remember those in prison")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that even in circumstances beyond our control—like Paul's imprisonment—God remains sovereign and actively involved in our lives. The unexpected kindness shown by Julius challenges us to consider how we, too, can be instruments of God's grace, extending compassion and practical aid to those in need, regardless of their status or our preconceived notions. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of generosity and humanity, mirroring the "courteous entreaty" that brought refreshment to Paul. Furthermore, this passage highlights the indispensable value of Christian community. In a world that often isolates and depletes, the opportunity for "refreshment" among friends underscores the critical role of fellowship in providing spiritual, emotional, and even physical sustenance. We are called to both seek and offer this kind of life-giving support within the body of Christ, recognizing that our collective strength and encouragement are vital for perseverance in our own journeys of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, like Julius, extend unexpected kindness and "courteous entreaty" to those in difficult or vulnerable situations in our lives?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's unexpected provision or favor through others, even in challenging or restrictive circumstances?**
* **How can we more intentionally cultivate and participate in Christian fellowship to offer and receive the kind of "refreshment" Paul experienced in Sidon?**

### FAQ

**Who was Julius, and why was he so kind to Paul?**
Answer: Julius was a Roman centurion of the Augustan Cohort, tasked with transporting Paul and other prisoners to Rome. His kindness to Paul, demonstrated by granting him liberty to visit friends, was unusual for a prisoner's guard. While the text doesn't explicitly state his motivations, it's likely that Paul's character, his compelling defenses before Roman officials (as seen in [Acts 24-26](/acts/24-26 "Paul's Defenses Before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa")), and perhaps a divine influence on Julius's heart, contributed to this benevolent treatment. This initial act of courtesy sets a pattern for Julius's continued favorable disposition towards Paul throughout the perilous voyage, ultimately leading to Paul's survival (see [Acts 27:43](/acts/27-43 "Acts 27:43 - The Centurion's Kindness Saves Paul")).

**What was the significance of Sidon as a stop on the journey?**
Answer: Sidon was an ancient and prominent Phoenician port city on the Mediterranean coast, making it a natural and necessary stop for ships in antiquity. Its strategic location provided an opportunity for ships to resupply, seek shelter, or transfer cargo and passengers. For Paul, the significance lay not just in its logistical convenience but in the presence of "friends"—likely fellow believers—who could offer him spiritual and physical "refreshment." This highlights the widespread establishment of early Christian communities across the Roman Empire, even in major commercial centers like Sidon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 27:3 describes a specific historical event in Paul's life, it subtly points to deeper Christ-centered truths. Paul, though a prisoner, experienced unexpected "liberty" and "refreshment" through the kindness of a Roman centurion and the fellowship of friends. This earthly experience foreshadows the ultimate spiritual liberty and refreshment found in Christ. Humanity, imprisoned by sin and alienated from God, finds true freedom not through human effort or legal appeals, but through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, though innocent, became a prisoner for our sake, enduring the ultimate journey to the cross to secure our release. His finished work offers spiritual "refreshment" to all who are weary and heavy-laden, inviting them to find rest in Him, as promised in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden"). The "liberty" Paul received from Julius pales in comparison to the glorious freedom from sin and death that Christ grants to those who believe in Him, fulfilling the promise that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - If the Son sets you free")). The unexpected kindness shown to Paul by Julius also serves as a beautiful, albeit imperfect, human reflection of God's profound, undeserved kindness (grace) extended to us through Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 24:23

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let [him] have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

Acts 28:16

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

Acts 27:43

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from [their] purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast [themselves] first [into the sea], and get to land:

Isaiah 23:2

Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.

Isaiah 23:4

Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, [even] the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, [nor] bring up virgins.

Genesis 49:13

¶ Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he [shall be] for an haven of ships; and his border [shall be] unto Zidon.

Zechariah 9:2

And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.