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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.
Again trials, again contrary winds. See how the life of the saints is thus interwoven throughout: escaped from the court of justice, they fall in with shipwreck and storm.
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Summary
Acts 27:4 marks a crucial early stage in Paul's arduous sea voyage to Rome as a prisoner, detailing the immediate challenge encountered after departing Sidon. The ship, aiming for Italy, was forced to alter its course and sail under the lee of Cyprus due to strong, opposing headwinds. This verse not only highlights the practical realities and inherent difficulties of ancient maritime travel but also subtly introduces the theme of adversity that will characterize much of the perilous journey ahead for Paul and his companions.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is an integral part of Luke's meticulously detailed account of Paul's journey to Rome, which spans the entirety of Acts 27 and Acts 28. Having appealed to Caesar, Paul is being transported under Roman guard. The narrative begins in Caesarea, with an initial stop in Sidon where Paul was permitted to visit friends. Acts 27:4 describes the very next leg of the journey, immediately following their departure from Sidon. The "contrary winds" serve as the first in a series of escalating challenges—culminating in a catastrophic shipwreck—that underscore the providential nature of Paul's mission and eventual arrival in Rome. Luke, as an eyewitness and participant, provides a level of nautical and geographical detail that lends significant credibility to the narrative.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient seafaring was highly dependent on wind patterns, as ships were primarily sail-powered. Unlike modern vessels, they lacked engines to navigate directly against strong headwinds. Sailors would often "sail under the lee" of an island or coastline, meaning they would keep the landmass between the ship and the wind, using the land as a natural barrier to create calmer waters and more favorable conditions for sailing. Cyprus, a large island in the eastern Mediterranean, would have provided such shelter from westerly or northwesterly winds. The decision to sail under Cyprus rather than attempting to fight the winds directly demonstrates the practical wisdom and necessity of adapting to the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions of the open sea in the Roman era. This journey was not a pleasure cruise but a perilous undertaking, especially for a prisoner transport.
Key Themes
The encounter with "contrary winds" in Acts 27:4 introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout the broader narrative of Paul's journey and beyond. Firstly, it highlights Adversity and Obstacles, portraying the reality that even divinely appointed missions encounter significant, sometimes unexpected, setbacks. The winds are a tangible representation of the opposition that often arises when pursuing God's will. Secondly, it showcases Adaptability and Prudence, as the crew's decision to seek shelter under Cyprus demonstrates practical wisdom and the necessity of adjusting plans in the face of insurmountable challenges. This echoes a broader biblical principle of using wisdom and discernment in difficult circumstances. Lastly, while not explicitly stated in this single verse, the entire chapter implicitly points to Divine Providence. The "contrary winds" are not random but become part of a larger divine plan that ultimately ensures Paul's arrival in Rome, fulfilling God's purpose for his ministry, much like the promise in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "opposite" or, figuratively, "antagonistic." In this context, it vividly describes the wind blowing directly against their intended course, making forward progress impossible without a change in strategy. It conveys a sense of direct opposition and resistance.
Referring to "wind." The plural form emphasizes the strength and pervasive nature of the opposing atmospheric conditions. In biblical literature, winds often symbolize divine power, change, or, as here, external forces that impede or direct human endeavors.
Meaning "to sail under the lee of." This technical nautical term describes the action of navigating on the sheltered side of an island or landmass to avoid the full force of the wind. It signifies a strategic maneuver to find protection and make progress, albeit by a longer, circuitous route.
Verse Breakdown
"And when we had launched from thence"
This phrase marks the departure from Sidon, the previous port of call mentioned in Acts 27:3. It signifies the continuation of the journey towards Rome, initiating the next phase of their sea travel.
"we sailed under Cyprus"
This describes the specific navigational decision made by the ship's crew. Instead of attempting to sail directly westward across the open sea towards Italy, they chose to hug the coastline of Cyprus, utilizing the island's landmass to shield them from the prevailing winds. This was a common and prudent tactic in ancient sailing.
"because the winds were contrary"
This clause provides the crucial reason for their altered course. The "contrary winds" were strong and blowing against their desired direction, rendering a direct route impractical or impossible. This highlights the immediate and significant obstacle they faced, forcing a deviation from their original plan.
Literary Devices
Luke's account in Acts 27:4 employs several effective literary devices. Narrative Detail is prominent, as Luke, an apparent eyewitness, provides precise geographical and nautical information ("sailed under Cyprus," "winds were contrary"). This attention to detail lends authenticity and verisimilitude to the account, grounding the spiritual narrative in historical reality. The "contrary winds" also function as Symbolism, representing the various forms of opposition and adversity that Paul—and indeed, any believer—might encounter while pursuing God's will. They are not merely meteorological phenomena but also a metaphor for life's unexpected challenges. Furthermore, the verse contains an element of Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the greater trials and dangers that await Paul and his companions later in the voyage, particularly the impending shipwreck. This initial obstacle sets a tone of struggle and reliance on divine guidance for the journey ahead.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 27:4, with its depiction of "contrary winds" forcing a detour, speaks to the profound theological truth that God's purposes often unfold not in a straight line, but through unexpected detours and difficulties. While human plans may be thwarted by external circumstances, God's sovereign hand remains at work, guiding events even through adversity. The practical decision to sail under Cyprus illustrates human prudence and adaptability, yet it is ultimately within the framework of God's overarching plan to bring Paul to Rome for the spread of the Gospel. This incident reminds believers that obstacles are not necessarily indicators of being off-track, but can be part of the divine itinerary, shaping character and revealing new paths for ministry. God's wisdom often transcends our immediate understanding of efficient routes, using challenges to refine faith and demonstrate His power.
Reflection and Application
Acts 27:4 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers navigating the complexities of their own lives. Just as Paul's journey encountered literal "contrary winds," we too will inevitably face unforeseen obstacles, setbacks, and detours that impede our plans or challenge our sense of direction. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of both realistic expectation and resilient faith. We must acknowledge that life's journey is rarely a smooth, straight path, and that challenges are an inherent part of growth and purpose. When direct routes are blocked, wisdom dictates that we, like the ancient mariners, seek alternative, safer, or more effective ways forward, demonstrating adaptability and flexibility. This might involve adjusting our strategies, seeking counsel, or simply waiting patiently for God's timing. Crucially, even when circumstances force us into unexpected detours, we are called to trust in God's sovereign guidance. These "contrary winds" may not be random but part of His larger design to lead us to our ultimate destination, perhaps even strengthening our faith, deepening our reliance on Him, or opening doors to new opportunities we could not have envisioned on our original course. Our response to adversity reveals the depth of our trust in the One who holds all things in His hands.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Paul's ship sail "under Cyprus" instead of directly towards Rome?
The ship sailed "under Cyprus" because the winds were "contrary," meaning they were blowing directly against their intended westward course towards Italy. In ancient seafaring, ships were primarily sail-powered and could not effectively sail directly into strong headwinds. By sailing "under" or "to the lee" of Cyprus, the large island provided a natural shield from the powerful winds, creating calmer waters on its sheltered side. This allowed the ship to make progress, albeit by a longer, more circuitous route, rather than being stalled or driven off course in the open sea. It was a practical and necessary navigational maneuver to continue their journey safely, as detailed in Acts 27:4.
What is the spiritual significance of "contrary winds" in this narrative?
While literally referring to adverse weather conditions, the "contrary winds" in Acts 27:4 carry significant spiritual symbolism. They represent the unexpected obstacles, challenges, and adversities that believers often encounter while pursuing God's will or fulfilling their divine calling. Just as the winds forced a change in Paul's journey, life's difficulties can force us to adapt, seek alternative paths, or rely more deeply on God's guidance. These "winds" are not always a sign of being off track; rather, they can be part of God's sovereign plan to test faith, develop character, or even redirect us to a more purposeful destination, as seen in the broader narrative of Paul's journey to Rome.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 27:4, with its depiction of "contrary winds" forcing a detour, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and mission of Jesus Himself, and subsequently in the journey of every believer united with Him. Just as Paul faced literal opposition on his journey to fulfill God's purpose in Rome, Jesus' entire earthly ministry was characterized by "contrary winds" of opposition from religious authorities, the temptations of Satan, and ultimately, the path to the cross. His journey was not a straight, easy ascent to glory, but one marked by suffering, rejection, and a seemingly circuitous route through Gethsemane and Golgotha. Yet, it was precisely through this path of adversity that God's ultimate purpose of redemption was achieved, culminating in His resurrection and ascension. For believers, our journey with Christ is similarly marked by the promise of tribulation in this world, as Jesus Himself warned in John 16:33, but also the assurance of His peace and ultimate victory. We are called to follow the One who endured the ultimate "contrary winds" of sin and death, knowing that through Him, our own detours and difficulties are not meaningless but are integrated into God's sovereign plan, working to conform us to His image and advance His kingdom, ultimately leading us to our eternal destination in Him, as Philippians 3:10 speaks of sharing in His sufferings and becoming like Him in His death.